John held his breath as he racked his knuckles against the door of his neighbour's home. Heart hammering in his chest, he stood on their porch, alone and waiting, immediately missing the comforting presence of his dear Schoep. But it needed its afternoon nap, and John couldn't bring himself to wake it up.
A beat later, the door opened, enough to reveal a short woman, seemingly older than John by a few years. Her eyes were big and curious, like a child's.
"Oh, John! Hey!" Hannah Hudson greeted. She stretched out a hand for him to shake, which he did. Her grip was surprisingly firm for a small lady. "It's been some time. C'mere, let's sit." She stepped out, gesturing to the wooden seats on the left side of their porch.
He took a chair, where he could easily view the street, his home a few houses away. He settled into it easily, arms resting on its sides and back against a soft pillow, while she sat across him, legs crossed and hands wrung together.
"Mrs. Hudson-"
"Hannah," she said. "I told you before to call me Hannah."
"Right. Uh, Hannah ... I need your help."
"Help?" she said, staring at John with eyes twinkling in interest. "Why would you need a photographer's help?"
"It ..." he paused, pursing his lips. "It involves my dog."
She frowned. "Your dog?"
"His name is Schoep, and he has arthritis. It's a chronic illness limiting their mobility-"
"I know what arthritis is, John. My husband has a bit of it."
John pursed his lips. "I'm sorry that he does."
She waved a hand, dismissing it. "I didn't think dogs could get it as well, though."
"Yeah. Me too."
"Well, what about it?"
"H-he doesn't have much time, you know. The treatment is too expensive for me to afford. But, I just need one picture with him. I've never had one with the two of us," he said. "Even after so many years together." A humourless laugh tickled his throat, and he coughed it out, like a scoff. "Plus-" he paused, and softened. "It's something to hold on to when he's ..."
Hannah pressed her lips together. She took his hand into hers, wrinkled but healthy, and squeezed. It sent reassuring warmth into his heart, calming its stutters and flutters.
"I'll do it," she said, letting his hand go.
John blinked. "Wait - you will?"
She nodded.
"Oh - wow, well, uh, thank you!" he said, the corners of his lips tugging up. "How much will it cost?"
She waved a dismissive hand. "No need for that. Where do we meet?"
His eyes widened. "What? But-"
Hannah arched a brow.
He pursed his lips and nodded. He rose from his seat, knowing the meeting was close to an end. "Okay, um. Meet us by the lake at dusk."
She stood up as well, frowning. "Why?"
He grinned. "You'll see," he said, edging towards the tiny flight of stairs of the porch reaching ground level. "We'll be in the water!"