Page 24 of Buttons

I stand perfectly still, fascinated.

Beatrix sighs deeply. “If you’d let me speak, I’d tell you that Ms. Fallinger here has volunteered to help with administrative work.”

Sarah turns to face me fully, her expression transforming from righteous indignation to surprised delight so quickly it’s almost comical.

“Administrative work?Voluntarily?” She looks me up and down, her grin widening. “Either you’re a saint or you have no idea what you’re really getting into.”

“Probably the latter,” I admit, finding myself smiling back. “But I have experience with organizing chaos.”

Then, she spots the kids in the corner. “Is the little boy and girl going to be in charge of the feces?”

Leo mouths“Feces?” while Meredith asks, “What’s that?”

“Poop,” Sarah says.

“Eww,” they say in unison.

“No, no,” I promise. “I’ll find proper childcare for them moving forward. They’re only seeing the place with me today.”

“Well, you’ve found the right place then. I’m Sarah O’Malley.” She extends a hand covered in freckles and what looks like blue paint. “Volunteer dog walker, occasional foster parent, and Beatrix’s unofficial translator to normal humans.”

I shake her hand, noticing the strength in her grip. “Elowen Fallinger. And these are my children, Leo and Meredith.”

Sarah’s gaze shifts to where my children sit on the carpet, watching this unexpected exchange. Her entire demeanor softens as she crouches down to their level.

“Well, hello there,” she says, her voice gentler but no less enthusiastic. “I was kidding about the feces. Are you guys helping your mom today?”

“We saw kitties,” Meredith announces. “I like the orange one with only one eye. He’s perfect.”

Sarah’s laugh is full and uninhibited. “Cyclops? He’s one of my favorites, too. Grumpy old guy, but once he trusts you, he’s loyal forever.” She glances back at me. “Your daughter has excellent taste in cats.”

“I’m seven,” Meredith informs her solemnly, holding up the correct number of fingers. “And I’m not scared of anything.”

“I can tell,” Sarah says, equally serious. “That’s a very important quality around here.” She turns her attention to Leo. “What about you, buddy? Did you meet any cats you liked?”

Leo shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “The gray one was sleeping,” he offers quietly. “He didn’t hiss or anything.”

“That’s Milo. He’s super chill,” Sarah confirms. “Would you guys like to meet some more of the friendly cats while your mom and Beatrix talk boring grown-up stuff? I know all the best ones.”

Meredith bounces on her toes. “Yes! Can we, Mommy?”

I look at Leo, who gives a small nod, despite his obvious hesitation. “That would be nice, thank you,” I say to Sarah. They’ve already seen most of the cats, but it would be nice to focus for a few minutes. Plus, I’m sure the kids would agree that ten minutes was not enough cat time.

“Awesome!” Sarah stands and offers a hand to each child. Meredith grabs hers immediately, and Leo takes it after a moment’s consideration. “We’ve got some new kittens that came in last week. Still too young for adoption, but old enough for gentle love.”

As she leads them from the office, her voice carries back to us: “You’ve got spunk, kid. I like that.” And I heard Meredith’s delighted giggle in response.

I watch them go, a small smile playing on my lips.

“O’Malley’s good with the kids,” Beatrix concedes, drawing my attention back. “Adults too, usually. She’s been volunteering here for five years, and she never misses a shift.”

“She seems passionate,” I say.

“That’s one word for it.” Beatrix moves to the desk, shoving aside a stack of papers to reveal a dusty keyboard. “Don’t expect miracles. I’ve been running this place by myself since my husband died eight years ago.”

I roll up my sleeves. “I don’t believe that. Every system can be improved with the right approach.” I pick up the nearest folder, labeled “Donations 2022-?” in hurried handwriting. “Show me where to start.”

Beatrix studies me for a long moment, then she nods. “Alright, Fallinger. Let’s see what you’ve got.”