Ty's Sunday
She woke as always with anticipation of a new day, a new adventure, this time in southwest Africa. More specifically, in the Namib-Naukluft Park, a national park nestled on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the western edge of Africa. This Vets Without Borders trip was yet another on her long bucket list of places to go to care for endangered animals around the world. The majestic feral horses that roamed the Namibia Desert were dwindling in numbers. The latest count at best was 150, at worst was just 74. Between the droughts and the spotted hyena, the horses were barely surviving. As a seasoned veterinarian, she was there to work with park staff to assess the ten or so bands of wild horses for health, administer vaccinations and other treatments. She was there for only ten days.
Dr. Mirna Hickerson had a lifelong passion for animals, specifically for animals that were near extinction, starting with the Giant Panda. As a child, she was enamored with Giant Pandas, their soulful eyes, their cubby cuteness, their black ears. When she heard a news report on the diminishing number of these bears, she became obsessed with saving them. For her tenth birthday party, she asked for donations for Giant Panda preservation instead of presents. Her 123 dollar donation made the local news, which was then picked up by the national press. Donations came pouring in, to the tune of 22k. Soon after, President Nixon invited her to the Washington DC Zoo to visit with Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, the two Giant Pandas donated by China to commemorate Nixon's historic visit to their country. She was forever changed.
Brushing her teeth, Mirna took a hard look herself in the small bathroom mirror. Her hair was liberally streaked with gray, tiny wrinkles emphasized the corners of her eyes, and laugh lines etched around her mouth. Despite her 58 years, she was a still handsome woman with sparkling blue eyes, straight white teeth, ever present smile, tanned but beautiful skin. Her body was fit, her mind sharp, her personality mostly engaging. No matter, she was self-effacing always, especially when it came to her looks.
Truth be known, she was alone in her personal life. No significant other, no children, no pets, no parents, no siblings or otherwise. She belonged to no one and no one belonged to her.
Her life was dedicated to traipsing all over the world to care for vanishing species, innocent victims, that could no longer care for themselves, pitted against nature and man, with horrible odds of survival. A charter member of Vets without Borders since its inception in 2001, she was named the executive director of VWB in Canada in 2005. Mirna was the founder and director of the Vancouver Animal Rescue, a not for profit clinic established in 1987 following her graduation from the University of California, Davis where she finished first in her class. She still held a tenured position UC Davis and one at the University of Calgary in veterinarian medicine. Those endeavors were her life, her purpose, her reason for being.
As she looked in the mirror, she reaffirmed to herself that she didn't regret her choices. Then she proceeded to douse herself with insect repellent and sunscreen, then dress in her work uniform, heavy duty khakis with lots of pockets, a tank, a UV protectant long sleeve shirt, hiking boots and a sable fedora, identical to one Harrison Ford wore in the Indiana Jones movies. Head to toe she was dressed in varying shades of desert brown.
Outside her partially tented temporary residence, she heard the people gathering, talking in various tongues, some she recognized, some she didn't. She picked up her vet bag on her way out.
Its was barely 7am, the sun was already a warm 72 degrees and air was extremely arid. April in Africa marked the end of summer, in Vancouver the end of winter. With three others, she loaded into safari Toyota FJ40, an early 1970's model with a bench seat upfront and two facing jump seats in the back. Somehow she scored a seat up front, their gear stowed on the racks on top.
As they traveled in a three-vehicle caravan to the first of three spotted bands, the dust from dirt swept roads made visibility ahead low. And the view from side window wasn't much better, the wide open Garub plains were bleak, dusty, brown with very little vegetation. The Naukluft mountain range wavered under the sun's heat in the far distance. It was hard to fathom any animal living in this environment.
More than an hour into their travels, they spotted the first breeding herd of 6 beautiful horses grazing on the sparse turfs of grass near a manmade watering hole shared by other species. Athletic, muscular, truly majestic, the horses had a glossy coat, dark brown or chestnut in color. Most of the horses were female, older, maybe 10 to 12 years of age. Reportedly, only one foal in the last seven years survived beyond its first year of life. The situation was dismal.
There were many theories concerning the origin of the horses, how they came to the area, how they became feral. But, the latest study indicated that genetically the horses were mainly of Arabian descent mixed with numerous other breeds including thoroughbreds, drafts, and ponies. Though from the naked eye, they bore greatest resemblance to European thoroughbreds with their sleek, elegant body structure.
The team of ten volunteer and park vets spent the ten days tracking, trapping, monitoring and vetting 69 feral horses, a park record for such a short period. Mirna was exhausted by the long days and physical work, but was thrilled with their collective work, adventure, and accomplishment. She did not relish leaving the horses behind but she knew meaningful work awaited her in Vancouver.
In the Hosea Kutako International Airport awaiting her almost two day flight back to Vancouver, Mirna reviewed the multitude of photos that she had taken, some took her breath away, and contemplated her next speaking engagements.
Her phone played a few bars from the song Wild Thing by the Troggs signaling an incoming call from the animal rescue's office manager, Celina Gomez.
"Hey Momma C!"
"Hey Mirna. Are you at the airport?" Celina asked, but already knew the answer.
Celina, like Mirna, was 58 but that's where their similarities ended. Celina was Mirna's first employee at the rescue. She was a magician with balancing books, securing funding, and pinching pennies. She seldom traveled, preferring to stay in her routine, sleep in her own bed. She was married for 37 years to her high school sweetheart, James, had six grown children, an extended family and three cats. She was the lifeblood of the rescue, caretaker of Mirna, and the mother figure to staff, volunteers and clients alike. She was lovingly nicknamed Momma C.
"I am indeed. What's up? Everything okay?" Mirna knew something was up.
"Yep. Just wanted to double check on your arrival time and such. See if there any changes."
"No changes... yet. But there's still two days to go."
"Roger that...so, was it amazing? Everything you hoped?"
"So incredible. Beyond my wildest dreams. The horses were absolutely beautiful."
"Healthy?"
"Surprisingly so. Maybe a bit on the thin side. We vetted 69, a park record."
"Wow. No big issues then?"
"Not really. One had a nasty infection on its back right leg, probably a hyena. Antibiotics should help. Two were blind in one eye. Several had misshaped hooves but not life threatening. We didn't find any foals which was a disappointment."
"Hmm."
"Celine. Now. I am certain you called about something more important than to chat about my trip."
"Right. There been a rash of eagle poisonings on the pacific coast. We have 7 at our clinic now. Plus, the two eagles we lost this morning. We need reinforcements. Thought you could ring Dr. Francis. Only you could get him out of retirement."
"Of course. I'll reach out and have him call you." Then she asked. "How's Ty holding up?"
"Fine. He's up to his eyeballs in talons and beaks. But. He's the only reason why we still have seven."
"No doubt. He's an excellent vet. Smart on his feet."
"Yeah. He got a serious gash on his hand from a frightened eagle's talon an hour ago. He sutured it up himself."
"Oh my. Who in the world stitches themselves up?"
"Ty."
"Naturally."
"Don't worry. I will get him to doctor."
"Tell him I will check."
"Okay. Have a safe flight."
"Will do. See you in a few."
As soon as Celina hung up the phone, Ty pestering her.
"Momma C. Why did you tell her?" He sounded like a kid, afraid he'd get in trouble. "It was nothing. Really."
"Ty. It is not nothing. Look at your bandage, it's seeping blood." Celina shook her head. "You don't always have to be a tough guy. You know."
"But. The chicks at Roscoe's dig that stuff." He said sarcastically, or at least partially.
"Sure. I bet. Until your hand falls off from some flesh eating bacteria. You need to go to that after hours clinic. Get that checked out. Now. I'm gonna check. And you know Mirna will too."
"It's no more than a scratch. I'll be fine."
She just stared at him.
"Fine. Fine. I will go. You are such a helicopter mom." He knew he lost the battle.
"Someone's got to watch out after you. You don't.."
He acknowledged her supposition with a shy smile. "Thanks. Momma C..." he said quietly.
"My pleasure. Now go!"
"Wait. First tell me what Mirna said about her trip."
Celina nodded. "Well. She said it was incredible. Beyond her wildest dreams. And that the horses were absolutely beautiful. They vetted 69 horses. Can you imagine?"
"Well good. I am glad for her." Then he added wistfully. "I can't wait until I accumulate enough hours so I can go on one of those trips. Maybe Mongolia."
"It won't be long before it's your turn. Until then, you know she'll have crazy stories and incredible pictures to share."
"Yeah."
"Now get going mister. And I want proof when you get back tomorrow."
"Okay. Okay. Have a nice night Celina." Ty got his leather jacket, and left the building.
Celina's phone rang. "Hello Vancouver Animal Rescue...Well, hello Dr. Francis..."
Several hours later, Ty grabbed a stool at the bar in Roscoe's Pub.
"Well, hey Ty." The bartender smiled at the regular patron.
"Well hey Rick. How you doing?"
"Can't complain. What can I get you?"
"Um. I guess a cheese burger, medium, and fries. What do you have on draft?"
"Red Truck lager, Parallel 49 lager and Off the Rail Pale Ale. "
"Give me a Red Truck, please."
"Sure thing. I'll get your order in."
"Thanks."
As Rick drew the beer from the tap into a iced mug, he asked. "So what's with the bandage? Dog bite or bar fight?"
"Neither. An eagle's talons at the rescue."
"No kidding. That must be some story."
"9 sick eagles were brought today. Turns out they were poisoned. We still got to find the source. Anyhow. One got scared, defensive and took a chunk out of my hand."
"Ouch. Stitches?"
"Not too bad. Three stitches. Did them myself."
"You are one crazy dude."
"Yeah well."
Ty nursed his beer while he watched the activity in the bar and kitchen.
"Order up." The cook yelled and rang the bell.
Rick put the plate of food in front of Ty. "Here you go. Let me know if you need anything."
"Looks great. Thanks Rick."
"In coming." Rick smiled at Ty, raising one eyebrow. Ty rolled his eyes.
"Is this seat taken?"
Ty turned to see a pretty young woman, no more than 18 or so years old, standing behind the bar stool on his left.
"Um. No. It's all yours." Ty said in response, then returned to his food, putting three fries covered in ketchup into his mouth.
"Good. Thanks." The woman slid into the bar stool as Rick brought her a menu.
"What can I get you tonight?" Rick asked.
"I'll have what he's having." Pointing to Ty's food, then added. "Not beer though, um. A water and a glass of red wine. A dry cab if you got it."
"Yep. You got it." The bartender put her order in then poured a wine glass with a deep red cabernet and a beer glass of ice water, and placed both in front of her. "Enjoy."
"Thanks." She took a sip of wine, then another. "Mmm." She purred, then turned to Ty, smiled, then introduced herself. "Hi there. I'm Kerry."
"Oh hi. I'm Ty. Nice to meet you." He said in response, surveyed the woman a bit more closely. Brown hair long hair, big brown eyes, full pink lips. Pretty. But young, probably too young.
Time ticked by without any conversation.
Rick delivered her burger and fries. "Let me know if you need anything else."
"Thanks!" She responded. Then she looked at her food, then glanced at Ty.
"Burgers look good." She broke the silence.
"They always are. Um. First time to Roscoe's?"
"Yes. I'm kinda new to town. I started at the community college, um, VCC, this semester." She took a dainty bite of her burger.
"Oh. Well welcome then."
She nodded, swallowed, "Thanks. You're right. The burger is good." Taking a bite of a single fry. "Fries are good too. Hot and crispy."
"Yeah. They are even better with ketchup."
With that she took another fry from her plate, ceremoniously drug it through the ketchup on his plate. She looked into his eyes as she slowly put it in her mouth. "Mmmm. You are right. Very tasty."
He laughed, as he moved a bottle of ketchup closer to her. "Here. You can have your own bottle."
"I don't mind sharing." She said, smiled, blush then looked up at him through her long eyelashes.
"Oh you don't?" He said, but immediately regretted it. "What if I do?"
She just smiled sweetly then drug another fry across his plate.
"Hey! Stop that." Ty said, but not very convincingly.
She gently touched his hand. "Hey. What did you do to your hand?"
"Work hazard."
"Oh. Dangerous work, huh? What do you do?"
"I'm a vet at the Vancouver Animal Rescue."
"Oh. Impressive. Dog bite then?"
"Eagle's talons actually."
"Wow. That must have hurt something awful."
"Nah. It's fine. Just needs to heal."
"Cute and brave. I like that."
Just then his phone vibrated. He sincerely hoped it was work, he didn't need another uncomfortable situation with yet another woman. "Excuse me. I need to get this." He stood from his stool, headed for the door, to take the call outside.
"Well hey Michael. How the heck are you buddy?"
"Good. Good. Ty. Thanks. You?"
"Can't complain. Just having dinner at Roscoe's."
"Ah. I won't keep you then."
"No worries. What's up?"
"Just real quick. I'm planning on signing up for that VCE in Vancouver in May. Are you attending that?"
"Yep. Already signed up. The exotic track seems really interesting. Hey. Did I tell you that Mirna is in Namibia?"
"No kidding? The desert horses?"
"Yeah. She been there for 10 days. Heard she vetted 69 horses. She'll be back in a few days."
"Wow. Just wow. Some day Ty. That will be us."
"Yeah. Some day."
"Well. I'll let you go."
"Good talking to you Michael."
"You too...oh hey Ty? I almost forgot."
"What's that?"
"You'll never guess who I ran into today."
"Professor Griffey?"
Michael laughed. "Nope. Interesting guess though. I haven't thought about her in years. What a hoot!"
"Yes. She was something else..." Ty chuckled.
"Remember that day she held those pig's eyeballs in her hand?"
"God. Who could forget that? Oh man...well if it's not Griffey, who then?"
"Amy Fleming."
Ty was silent.
"Ty. You still there?"
"Um yeah." He was distracted.
"Small world."
"Yeah. Small world."
"She was driving old blue. Well, except old blue wasn't moving. She was dead on the side of Highway 22. Just like old times, huh?"
"Um yeah."
"Ty? You okay?"
"Yeah. Yeah. I just hadn't heard her name in a long time. Um. How is she?"
"Good. She wanted me to tell you hello."
"Oh. Okay. Thanks. Hey. I better go."
"Yeah. Sorry for disturbing your dinner."
"No problem."
"Bye Ty."
"Bye Michael. See you in May."
Ty slipped his phone into his pocket, took a deep breath, then sat down on the bench outside.
"Fuck." He swore under his breath as he dragged both hands through his hair. He tried to calm himself by taking slow, deep measured breaths. In, out. Inhale, exhale.
After several minutes, he shook his head, scratched his chin, then headed back into to pay his tab.
"Sorry about the interruption." Ty said as he settled back on his stool.
"Everything okay?" She asked, touching his thigh.
He nodded, drained his beer then signaled to Rick for the check.
"Oh please don't leave. I hate to dine alone. Pretty Please?" She begged.
"I really got to go." He said as he stood up.
She grabbed his arm. "Pretty please with sugar on top?" She really poured it on. "Please be chivalrous. I really don't like being in a bar by myself."
"Okay." He relented, not registering that she walked into the bar alone. He signaled Rick for another draft instead. When it arrived, he took a large swig.
"Is it windy out there?" She asked looking at his hair.
"No, why?" He was confused.
"Well. Your hair looks...um..is all...messy. Like a wind blew through it."
He chuckled uncomfortably, tried to smooth it but then gave up.
Then she smiled. "I think it's very sexy."
He changed the subject. "So. Are you a freshman?"
"Heavens no. A junior transfer."
Hi Everyone. Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it.
Please know that I do plan on finishing this story as well as Learning to Fly as time and inspiration move me.
SBR