Orpington Obsession
"Veterinarian Dr. Nneka saves animals at her Orpington practice. When new neighbor Marcus brings in an injured stray, she shows him that healing takes many forms."
Marcus found the cat in his garden—limping, skinny, scared. The Orpington vet clinic was his nearest option, and Dr. Nneka was on duty.
She was Nigerian-British, thick curves in her scrubs, and she handled the stray with such gentleness that Marcus fell a little in love before she'd even spoken to him.
"You didn't have to bring her in. Most people wouldn't."
"She needed help."
"That says something about you." Her eyes assessed him like she assessed the cat. "Come back tomorrow. Check on her. On both of us."
He came back every day. The cat improved; so did his excuses to stay longer. Nneka noticed.
"You're here for her or for me?"
"Both. Is that allowed?"
"It's honest." She finished her examination. "Close the clinic with me tonight. I want to show you something."
The clinic after hours was quiet—just animals sleeping and the two of them. She led him to the recovery ward, where the stray cat now purred contentedly.
"She trusts now," Nneka said. "Because someone showed her kindness. Consistent kindness." She turned to face him. "I haven't had that. Not for a long time."
"Let me show you."
She kissed him softly, then with growing hunger. Her thick body pressed against his in the dim clinic.
"Not here. Not with the animals watching." She laughed. "My flat is upstairs."
Her flat was cozy, decorated with photos of saved animals. She undressed with veterinary efficiency, revealing curves that her scrubs had only suggested.
"I spend all day caring for others. Let someone care for me."
He worshipped her with gentle hands—the same gentleness she brought to her work. Her thick body responded to every touch.
"Yes... there... so careful..."
They made love slowly, thoroughly, her needs coming first and second and third before he allowed himself release. She came crying his name, her thick thighs trembling.
"That's what kindness feels like," she breathed.
"The cat," she said afterward. "She's ready for adoption. I was going to keep her, but..."
"But?"
"But maybe she should go to someone who saved her. Someone kind."
"Are you adopting me along with her?"
"If you'll be adopted." She curled against him. "I need regular visits. Check-ups. Ongoing care."
His Orpington obsession had started with a stray cat. It ended with finding home for both of them.