The dog had almost given up, it seemed ready to leave this harsh world behind
Olivia had lived for many years in a modest cottage at the far edge of the village of Littleford. When people said she was lonely, she would laugh. Alone? Not a chance, she would reply, smiling. Ive got a big family! The local women would nod kindly, but the moment Olivia turned away they exchanged glances and tapped their fingers at their temples, as if to say what family she really hadno husband, no children, only animals. To Olivia those fourlegged and feathered friends were her kin. She cared little for the village notion that animals existed solely for a purpose: a cow for milk, a chicken for eggs, a dog for guarding, a cat for catching mice. In Olivias home there were five cats and four dogs, all kept indoors where they were warm, a fact that puzzled the neighbours.
They whispered their surprise amongst themselves, knowing that arguing with a quirky woman was pointless. Olivia simply chuckled at every reproach. Oh, you worry too much. The streets have enough space for them; our house is cozy enough for us.
Five years earlier her world had shattered in a single day. Her husband and son were killed in a traffic accident when a laden lorry burst onto the road as they returned from a fishing trip. After the shock subsided, Olivia realised she could not stay in a house that reminded her of loss. Walking the same streets, entering familiar shops, and meeting sympathetic looks became unbearable.
Six months later she sold the cottage and, with her cat Daisy, moved to a small house on the outskirts of Littleford. In summer she tended a garden; in winter she took a job in the dining hall of the local care centre. Gradually, more companions arrived: a stray that begged for biscuits at the railway station, another that roamed the centre searching for scraps. Thus her family grew from oncelonely, mistreated creatures. Olivias warm heart healed their old wounds, and they repaid her with unwavering devotion.
She fed them all, even when it was hard. Knowing she could not keep rescuing animals forever, she often promised herself she would stop. Yet one March turned into a biting February; icy snow slicked the pathways and a fierce wind howled through the night.
That evening Olivia hurried for the last bus back to the village. With two days off ahead, she had stopped after work at a shop, bought groceries for herself and her animals, and carried a tray of meals from the centre. The heavy bags tugged at her arms; she walked briskly, trying not to think of anything but the warmth of home. Suddenly, just a few steps before the bus stop, she froze and turned around.
Under a bench lay a dog, its eyes glassy and lifeless. Snow dusted its coat, showing it had been there for hours. Passersby bundled in scarves brushed past without pausing. Did no one see? flashed through Olivias mind.
Her chest tightened. Forgetting the bus and her own vows, she dropped the bags, sprinted forward, and reached out. The dog whined faintly. Thank heavens youre still breathing, Olivia sighed in relief. Come on, sweetheart, get up.
The animal didnt move, yet it didnt resist as she gently lifted it from under the bench. It seemed ready to surrender to the cruel world.
Olivia could not later recall how she managed to carry the two heavy sacks and the shivering dog onto the bus. In the corner of the waiting room she cradled the thin creature, rubbing its frozen paws and coaxing it with soft words. There you are, dear, well get you home. Youll be the fifth dog, just to keep the numbers even, she murmured.
From her bag she pulled a meatball and offered it to the frozen guest. At first the dog turned away, but after a moment of warming, its eyes brightened, its nose twitched, and it gobbled the treat.
An hour later Olivia stood on the roadside with the dog shed named Molly, waving her arm to flag down a passing car since the bus had long departed. She fashioned a makeshift lead from her belt, though Molly simply trotted beside her, leaning into her legs. Soon a car slowed.
Thank you so much, Olivia said. Dont worry, Ill keep her on my lap; she wont make a mess.
The driver smiled. She can sit in the seat. Shes not a tiny pup.
Molly shivered, nestling against Olivia, and together they managed to perch on the drivers lap. Much cozier, Olivia chuckled, patting the dogs head.
The driver turned up the heater as they drove in silence, Olivia watching the snowflakes tumble in the headlights, cradling her new companion, while the driver stole glances at the serene passenger beside him, guessing she was taking the dog home.
When they reached Olivias cottage, the driver helped with the bags. A drift of snow had piled up against the gate, so high the driver had to push it aside with his shoulder. The rusty hinges gave way and the gate fell sideways. No trouble, Olivia sighed. Its about time I fixed it.
From inside came a chorus of happy barks and meows. Olivia rushed to the door, letting the whole mixedbreed gang pour into the yard. Did you all miss me? she laughed, introducing the newcomer. Everyone, meet Molly!
The dogs wagged their tails, nosing the bags the man still held. What are we doing out here in the cold? Olivia wondered aloud. Come inside if youre not scared of a big family. Tea?
The driver shook his head. Its late, thanks. Feed yourstheyll be glad to see youre back.
The next afternoon, just after noon, Olivia heard a knock at the gate. She slipped on her jacket and opened it to find the driver, tools in hand, tightening new hinges. Good afternoon, he said, smiling. Im Victor; I heard I broke the gate, so I came to fix it.
Olivia laughed. Olivia, she replied.
Her tailwagging family surrounded the visitor, sniffing and circling him. Victor knelt to pet them. Olivia, go inside and warm up. Ill be done soon, and then Ill join you for a cuppa. Ive even got a slice of cake in the boot, plus a few treats for your big brood.
Olivia watched the sunrise glitter over the snowcovered field and felt the weight of loss lift a little. She realized that by opening her home and heart to those who needed care, she had built a family stronger than blood. In the end, love is not measured by how many people stand beside you, but by how many souls you welcome into your life.
