Chapter 9 - Emotional Support Rabbits
Enzo and Merlot were snuggled up against one another on the living room floor by the window. Dad was on the couch, staring at his phone, tears welling up in his eyes as he scrolled through photos. Enzo had been watching Dad for awhile. He was a sensitive bun with a big heart. He could tell when Dad was upset.
“Merlot, Dad upset. We go be his ‘emotional support rabbits,’” he said. Merlot asked, “OK. How do we do that?” Enzo explained, “It easy. Just let him hug and pet you. Come on!” Enzo ran over to the couch. Merlot followed closely behind him.
It had been an awful week at the House of Buns. It began when Dad picked up Abigail’s ashes and brought her home. All the memories of her flooded back and made him sad. Then, a couple of days later, a two month-old orphan rabbit Dad had been caring for since it was only 2 weeks old, died suddenly. The baby had been growing and seemed fine. Then, one morning, he had trouble walking. He stopped eating. After giving him fluids, he perked up and began eating again. Dad thought he might be OK. But a few hours later, he was gone. Dad was shocked.
Two days after that, a ten day-old orphan rabbit Dad had been caring for also died unexpectedly. Her eyes had opened and she was becoming a feisty little baby. It looked like she had made it through the critical phase, but then, she died in her sleep. Dad was devastated. He had so much hope that these rabbits would survive. It seemed so unfair. His heart was aching from so much loss in such a short amount of time. He found himself in the same slump after Abigail passed away. Searching for answers where none could be found, to questions that bothered him so.
Dad felt Enzo tugging on his pant leg. He looked down and asked, “What is it, sweetie? Do you want a treat?” Enzo thought, “No, Dad. We here for hugs.”
Dad scooped up Enzo into his arms and began stroking his ears. It soothed Enzo. It soothed Dad. Dad whispered, “Enzo, I just don’t know. I can’t think of anything I did wrong. There’s no reason they should have died.” Enzo thought, “Maybe it not you. Baby rabbits are delicate. It probably something else.”
Dad said, “I know. But their lives are in my hands. I feel responsible when I can’t save them.” Enzo thought, “Just remember all the bunnies you have saved. Bentley, Merlot, Turbo, me, and lots of others. We all still here because of you.” Dad smiled and replied, “Thanks for the reminder, Enzo.” He continued petting Enzo for awhile before setting him down.
Enzo turned to Merlot and said, “Dat how it done. OK, your turn!” Merlot said, “I can do that!” She ran over to Dad. Dad scooped her up into his arms. He gave her a hug and a kiss and petted her.
Together, Enzo and Merlot helped Dad get through this sad time. They were truly his emotional support rabbits.
Would you like to read more of Abigail's blogs? See them all HERE.
