**Diary Entry**
When I spotted the dog lying by the bench, I rushed over. My gaze fell on the leash as wellleft carelessly behind by Natalie. Seeing the poor thing there, I hurried to it. Max whimpered, his swollen eyes pleading up at me.
It had been nearly two years since Id spoken properly to my brother. Even now, I couldnt fathom how a petty disagreement had spiralled into such bitterness.
William and I, Eloise Rutherford, were born just a year apart. Inseparable since childhood, we always had each others backs. No matter what mischief we got into, we shared the blame equallynever hiding behind one another.
Our village, Willowbrook, thrived under steady leadership. We were fortunate to have Edward Hartley as our parish councillora local man with a sharp mind for managing resources. After finishing agricultural studies, he returned and poured himself into improving the community. Within a decade, hed earned enough respect to lead.
His personal life flourished too. Once Id completed my nursing training, I started working at the village clinic. Edward couldnt ignore me for long. I returned his affection, and soon we married, with the whole village celebrating. William was genuinely happy for me, though his own marriage to Natalie was far less harmonious.
When I was still single, Natalie had muttered about me behind my backcalling me stuck-up or useless. But after my wedding, her bitterness turned to envy. She demanded more from Williama bigger house, a nicer car, finer clothes.
Others have everything while we scrape by! shed snap. He did his best, but neither money nor effort could satisfy her.
Part of her misery stemmed from infertility. Meanwhile, Id married well, had a son and a daughter, built a spacious home, and Edward had risen in standing.
Family gatherings often ended in rows. Every time William visited us, Natalie would berate him afterward.
The final blow came on his birthday. Id brought him a Labrador pup from the citysomething hed always wanted. Edward gifted him a new motorbike.
All was well until Natalie, drunk, unleashed her pent-up rage:
Whats this then, Ellie? A dog? Since we cant have kids, well settle for a mutt, is that it?
I tried calming her: Natalie, youll regret this later.
But my words only fueled her. A huge row erupted, splitting the guests. Edward whispered we should leave, and we slipped away.
Two years passed. After that night, William avoided me, our contact reduced to brief, rare meetings. Tensions between him and Natalie grew.
Evenings, he often walked Max by the river. They seemed contentWilliam throwing sticks, Max chasing happily before flopping at his feet, listening to quiet stories.
I heard about this from neighbours but didnt interfere. William stayed stubborn.
After the argument, Natalies hatred for meand Maxdeepened. When William was out, shed shove the dog outside, shout at him, even strike him.
Nosy neighbours only stoked the fire:
Nat, your husbands down by the river with that dog again.
Yesterday, he ran into Ellie and her lot. Laughing like old times!
Jealousy consumed her. Once, William asked, Nat, you havent hurt Max, have you?
As if Id waste time on your stupid dog! she spat before storming off.
Max began hiding from her, trembling at her approach.
Everything ended the morning William snapped: Ive had enough of this envy!
Alone, seething, Natalie dragged Max outside, tied him to the bench, and whipped him with a belt. The poor thing yelped in pain. After venting her rage, she dropped the belt, packed her things, and left for good.
That evening, William came home to find no Max at the gate. The house was a mess. By the bench, he found him, fists clenching. He quickly untied him and rushed to the clinic.
I was about to leave when I saw my brother cradling the bleeding dog.
Ellie, help, he croaked.
We carried Max to the treatment room. After examining him, I asked quietly, Who did this?
Natalie, William muttered, eyes downcast.
I nodded, stitched his wounds, flushed his eyes, and gave him water.
Later, in the hallway, William whispered, Im sorry, Ellie.
Dont be, I said tiredly. And Natalie?
No, Ellie. Not after this.
I called Edward: Eddie, come fetch me, please.
Hearing the exhaustion in my voice, he came straight away.
Half an hour later, he stood in the hallway. Seeing usWilliam and Ihuddled together, Max whining softly beside us, he just smiled.
Come on then, you two.
They took William home, advising him on Maxs care.
When I told our mother what happened, she sighed. They shouldve split years ago. Then she went to help William tidy the house.
On the porch, William sat stroking Max. Mum reached them, ruffling both their heads.
Still alive?
Still alive, William replied.
The smell of roast and fresh vegetables drifted from the house. Max sniffed, tail wagging. William smiled and stood.
Life went on.
