Juniper's Choice

Chapter 2: Initial Conditions

Monday had finally arrived. The morning light filtered through the blinds of June's bedroom, casting slanted golden bars across the hardwood floor.

Her alarm hadn't yet rung, but she was already awake, staring at ceiling. Today marked her first day at Meridian Laboratories, and despite her impressive credentials, the flutter of nerves in her stomach reminded her that new beginnings always carried their share of uncertainty.

Ross padded into the bedroom, his nails clicking softly against the floor. He rested his golden head on the edge of the mattress, deep brown eyes studying her with that peculiar intelligence that sometimes made June wonder if he understood far more than dog cognition studies suggested possible.

"Today's the big day," she told him, reaching out to scratch behind his ears. "New job, new colleagues, new life. What do you think, buddy? Ready for Sanford to be home?"

Ross's tail swept a gentle arc through the air, his expression seeming to say that home was wherever they were together.

An hour later, dressed in charcoal slacks and a deep blue blouse that brought out the flecks of sapphire in her hazel eyes behind her glasses, June stood before her bathroom mirror, scrutinizing her reflection. Her chestnut hair was swept into a neat French twist, her makeup minimal but precise. Professional. Composed.

"Perfect," she murmured, though the woman in the mirror looked unconvinced.

Over the weekend, she had made friends with Vivian, in apartment 302 and found out she had a pet dog too and decided to leave Ross in her care when she was free and vice versa.

When June knocked, balancing Ross's bed and toy bag against her hip, the door swung open.

"There he is! The famous Ross!" Mia exclaimed, immediately dropping to her knees to greet the golden retriever. "Aren't you just the most handsome boy? Yes, you are!"

Ross, ever the gentleman, offered his paw without prompting.

"He has better manners than most men I've seen so far," Vivian laughed, accepting the paw and giving it a formal shake. "We're going to get along famously."

"Thank you again for doing this," June said, handing over Ross's leash.

"I'm happy to help. Besides, Einstein has been moping around since we moved here. He needs a friend just as much as I do." She gestured inside where a long-bodied dachshund watched them curiously from the safety of the sofa. "Don't let his standoffish act fool you—he'll be following your boy around like a shadow by lunchtime."

June knelt to give Ross a final scratch. "Be good today," she told him, pressing a kiss to his velvety head. "I'll be back before you know it."

As she straightened, she handed Vivian a small notebook. "His schedule, favorite games, emergency contact info—everything's in there."

Vivian accepted the notebook with an amused smile. Don't worry, he's in good hands. Have fun at your job!"

With a final wave to Ross, who was already investigating Einstein with diplomatic caution, June headed toward the elevator. As the doors closed, she caught a glimpse of Ross sitting politely while Vivian appeared to be making introductions between the two dogs. Something about his dignified posture reminded her of a gentleman at a formal dinner, impeccably behaved and attentive.

The Meridian Laboratories occupied a sleek glass and steel structure nestled against the backdrop of pine-covered hills on the outskirts of town.

The security guard at the entrance inspected her temporary ID card before directing her to the visitor parking area.