Spotting the dog curled beside the bench, she rushed toward it. Her gaze fell on the leash Natasha had carelessly tossed aside.
The moment she saw the dog lying there, she sprinted forward. Then she noticed itthe leather strap Natasha had flung down in anger. Max gazed up with swollen eyes, whimpering softly.
Nearly two years had passed since shed last spoken properly to her brother. Eleanor still couldnt fathom how a petty argument had spiraled into something so bitter.
Eleanor and William Hartley were born a year apart. Inseparable since childhood, theyd always defended each other. No matter what mischief they got into, they bore the blame equallynever shifting responsibility onto the other.
Their hometown, Ashford, had thrived under steady progress. They were fortunate with their local council leaderPhilip Mitchell, born and raised in Ashford, had proven himself an exceptional economist.
After graduating from agricultural college, he returned home and threw himself into improving the village. His efforts were soon recognized, and within a decade, Philip became Ashfords council chairman.
His personal life flourished too. Eleanor, after finishing nursing school, began working at the village clinic. Philip couldnt ignore such beautyand she returned his affection. They married, and the whole village celebrated. William was genuinely happy for his sister, though his own marriage to Natasha was far less harmonious.
While Eleanor was single, Natasha had muttered about hercalling her spoiled or useless. But after the wedding, jealousy replaced those complaints. Natasha demanded morea bigger house, a nicer car, finer coats.
Everyone else has everything, and we have nothing! shed snap. William tried his best, but neither money nor effort could satisfy her.
Natasha had her own griefshed never been blessed with children. Meanwhile, Eleanor thrivedmarried well, gave birth to a son and then a daughter, built a spacious home, while her husband climbed the ranks.
Family gatherings often ended in fights. Every time William visited Eleanor, Natasha would berate him afterward.
The final blow came on Williams birthday. Eleanor gifted him a Labrador puppyhed always wanted one. Philip gave him a new motorbike.
Everything was fineuntil Natasha, drunk, exploded at Eleanor.
Whats this, Ellie? A dog? Is this some kind of joke? Since we cant have kids, might as well get a mutt, eh?
Eleanor tried to calm her.
Natasha, please. Youll regret this later.
But words meant nothing. A vicious argument erupted, guests splitting into sides. Philip quietly urged Eleanor to leave, and they slipped away.
Two years passed. William avoided his sister, their meetings reduced to brief, awkward exchanges. Tension between him and Natasha festered.
Evenings, he often walked Max by the river. They seemed contentWilliam tossing sticks, Max bounding after them before flopping at his feet, listening to his quiet stories.
Eleanor heard of this from neighbors but said nothingWilliam remained stubborn.
After the fight, Natashas hatred for Eleanorand for Maxgrew. When William was out, shed shove the dog outside, shouting, sometimes striking him.
Nosy neighbors only fueled the fire.
Natasha, your husbands down by the river again with that dog.
Yesterday, he ran into Ellie and her familylaughing like nothing happened!
Jealousy consumed her. One day, William snapped.
Im sick of this bitterness!
Left alone, seething, Natasha dragged Max outside, tied him to the bench, and lashed him with the belt. The poor dog howled in pain. Once her rage was spent, she threw the belt down, packed her things, and left for good.
That evening, William returned to find no Max at the gate. The house was in disarray. Then he spotted the dog by the bench. His fists clenched. Quickly untying him, he cradled the trembling animal and rushed to the vet clinic.
Eleanor was about to leave when she saw her brother, clutching the bleeding dog.
Ellie, help me, he rasped.
They carried Max to the exam room. Eleanor carefully assessed his wounds.
Who did this?
Natasha. William couldnt meet her eyes.
Eleanor nodded silently. Stitching the gashes, washing his eyes, she gave him water.
Later, in the hallway, William whispered,
Im sorry, Ellie.
Dont be, she murmured wearily. And Natasha?
No, Ellie. Its over.
Eleanor called Philip.
Phil, come get me, please.
Hearing the exhaustion in her voice, he was already on his way.
Half an hour later, he stood in the corridor. Seeing the siblings leaning together, Max whimpering softly beside them, he simply smiled.
Come on, then. Lets get you home.
They took William back, guiding him on how to care for Max.
When Eleanor told their mother what had happened, she sighed.
Shouldve left her years ago.
With that, she headed to her sons house to help him tidy up.
William sat on the porch, stroking Max. His mother approached, touching both their heads.
You alive?
Alive, William answered.
The scent of roast and fresh vegetables drifted from inside. Max sniffed the air, tail wagging. William smiled faintly and stood.
Life went on.
