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animals as much as Maggie does, but I can’t help thinking that she’s being unfair to Mrs. Van Hoven. “She said how she ended up with Sylvester. It’s not really her fault,” I suggest.
    â€œOf course it’s her fault. She should have said no to that kid who tried to give Sylvester to her. It’s irresponsible. We need to do something about this.”
    Dr. Gabe snaps off the radio. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Maggie. Let’s not make this a bigger deal than it needs to be. It’s a shame. But I think it’s more of a kindhearted mistake.”
    â€œThat’s exactly what she said to me,” I say. “She said I’d found her mistake. I think she really does feel bad about it. I know I would.”
    But Maggie is not backing down. “Don’t you think it’s cruel to keep a lamb alone in a stall?”
    â€œCruel is a strong word, Maggie,” Dr. Gabe says.
    â€œI guess,” Maggie agrees.
    Dr. Gabe continues, “I think it’s not ideal. I think it’s a shame. But I know Mrs. Van Hoven, and I know that this lamb—like all of the animals at her farm—has been well cared for. We’ll see what we can do to help. See if we can help her find another.”
    Dr. Gabe continues drumming on the steering wheel, Maggie continues to fume, and I think about the entire stable call. I missed my opportunity to work with Tinker because I didn’t speak up, and it might be a long time until I get another chance. Poor Sylvester, it seems like things have just happened to him. He’s kind of like me. Instead of making things happen, maybe I’ve been just letting things happen to me.

Chapter Three

    M aggie and I decide to cut through the clinic on our way to the house. Dr. Mac steps out of the recovery area, smiles, and nods to us. Then she calls over to Dr. Gabe at the reception desk, “Got a minute?”
    â€œSure thing,” he says, stepping into the room with her. Dr. Mac closes the recovery room door behind them.
    â€œThat’s odd,” Maggie says. She starts for the door.
    â€œI think your grandmother wants to have a private conversation with Dr. Gabe,” I suggest.
    Maggie stops, frowning. “Do you think he’s telling her what I said about Mrs. Van Hoven? Do you think he’s telling her I got upset?”
    â€œShe asked to talk to him, not the other way around. I think they’re probably talking about a case. Besides, Dr. Gabe has seen you angry before—we all have. I don’t think this is a very big deal.”
    Maggie shrugs. “Yeah, I bet you’re right. And I wasn’t angry. I’m just keenly interested in Sylvester.”
    â€œRight, keeeeenly interested,” I say, stressing the double e’s like Maggie did.
    Maggie laughs at my imitation. “Come on, want to get a snack?”
    â€œYes!” I say. I follow Maggie into the house, thinking that this would be a great time to tell her my news. But before we close the connecting door, we hear, “Hey, guys!”
    We turn and see Brenna coming in through the clinic door. Maggie waves her over. Brenna clutches her ever-present camera in one hand and a big envelope in the other.
    â€œWhat’s up, Brenna? Can you stay?” Maggie is instantly brighter.
    â€œHey, Maggie. Hey, Sunita, I brought my cross-country packet. Wanna check it out with me?” Brenna moves ahead of us to Dr. Mac’s kitchen. She settles herself at the table as Maggie pokes through the refrigerator.
    â€œZoe made some snacks and meals for us to eat while she’s gone,” Maggie says, pulling aplastic-wrapped container from the door and sniffing it. “Most of it looks okay. Though I’m sure it’s all pretty healthy, knowing her.”
    Brenna hops up and goes to the refrigerator, too. “Zoe is a great cook. You just don’t appreciate her enough.”
    Brenna is right. Since Zoe moved back, Maggie and Dr.