Matt stared at Nivea, who was standing of her own free will on Kaylee’s hand, and then to the human who arguably helped save his life. The comment about size not mattering to them seemed to be true and, after a moment’s hesitation, Matt nodded.

“Yes please,” he said stiffly. Nivea looked pleased with herself, but said nothing and, instead, stepped off to the side so Matt could join her. It took all his will power, but Matt hobbled over, now feeling his body aching as the adrenaline allowed the pain to creep into his senses, and stepped on. Nivea held onto Matt’s arm and smiled reassuringly.

“Don’t worry. She’ll go slow for you,” stated Nivea. Kaylee lifted her hand after Nivea signaled it was okay to move and practically glided over to the sink, which was running fresh, warm water. She laid her hand down in the sink, letting Matt step off while Nivea pointed out the things Kaylee laid out. The bowls were indeed different soaps. There were several small washcloths and two larger ones, one for him to use as a towel to dry and the other to sit on while bandaging himself. There was an easy-to-use ladder nearby and Nivea explained their flashlight system if he needed to get their attention.

“Oh, and don’t worry about clothes right now. I’ll help pick out something that’ll probably fit from what I have and then we’ll go get you something better tomorrow. Use the flashlight when you’re done and we’ll bring you some clothes. Got it?” asked Nivea. Matt nodded and looked back at the slightly steaming water, ready for the steam to sooth his muscles.

“Thank you,” he said. Nivea shrugged and turned, signaling for Kaylee to lift her away.

Matt watched the both of them leave and set to work pealing off his clothes when he was sure he was alone. The water burned and stung his opened wounds but soothed the aching tension from his muscles. He decided to take his time in the sink and clean everything thoroughly. If he decided to leave, this might be the last time he would get a shot at a good shower on his own.

In the meantime, Kaylee and Nivea retreated to the living room, which was still in eyesight of the kitchen and the lights. The moment they sat down, Nivea knew exactly what Kaylee was feeling. It was plastered all over her face.

Even though she wouldn’t take it personally later, Matt’s reaction felt personal now.

Nivea sat on Kaylee’s palm and watched her expressions for a few minutes before shoving Kaylee’s thumb to get her attention. Kaylee, like clockwork, nodded and looked to her small friend.

“Hey, I see what you’re thinking,” signed Nivea. Kaylee looked away, which prompted Nivea shoving Kaylee’s thumb again. “Hey! Don’t look away from me like that.”

Kaylee looked back and nodded.

“Sorry,” she signed, turning her hand so Nivea could sit on Kaylee’s knee and so she could use both hands to sign. “I know he is probably scared and everything. It still hurts.”

“He’s been through a lot. You know what I was like when we met, right?” signed Nivea back. Kaylee managed a small smile and nodded. Both of them, at the same time, made the sign for “moron,” which let them share a smile.

“I know. I just hope he’s okay. I saw him drowning and… well… I just wanted to help,” Kaylee signed.

“And you did,” said Nivea, forcefully signing so Kaylee knew she was emphasizing her words. “Trust takes time. Let’s give him that.”

“Yeah,” Kaylee sighed and bit her lower lip, averting her eyes slightly from Nivea’s gaze.

“Hey,” Nivea signed after a minute. Kaylee’s big blue eyes captured the movement and looked back to her friend. “You know I trust you, right?” Kaylee smiled and nodded, reaching up and opening her left hand to splay her fingers. Nivea pushed herself up and laid against her friend’s palm, wrapping her arms around her fingers, and squeezing in a makeshift hug.

They waited in silence until the light in the kitchen flashed on and off, a signal for them to return. The pair retrieved a few shirts and pants that could possibly fit their guest and went into the kitchen.

Matt, in the meantime, finished cleaning his wounds and thought long and hard about the interaction he had just watched. While he was still uneasy, it was hard to deny that there was an obvious friendship between pet and human that was filled with mutual respect and open communication.

When they returned, Matt slipped into the clothes while Nivea and Kaylee prepped some medical supplies to bandage his wounds. Nivea helped secure the bandages and, after some silence between them, Matt decided to extend the only olive branch he could willingly offer.

“Nivea,” he said quietly.

“What?”

“How do you sign ‘thank you’?”

Nivea’s hazel-brown eyes snapped up and latched onto Matt’s eyes before a smile crept onto her face. She showed him, which was like blowing a kiss, and tried to stifle a grin as Matt finally worked up the courage. He waited for Kaylee to glance at him timidly before waving her down. Instantly, her big blue eyes were entirely focused on him. It was almost unnerving, but Matt was committed.

“Kaylee,” he said before signing. “Thank you.”

It was a big step in the right direction, and it was all that was needed.

A little gesture that would domino into a lasting friendship between the mismatch trio.