You know, by the time the dog was almost ready to give up, she was set on leaving this harsh world behind
Olivia Thompson had been living in a little stone cottage on the very edge of Willowbrook for as long as she could remember. Whenever anyone said she was lonely, shed grin and say, Me? Alone? Not a chance Ive got a big family! The village women would nod kindly, but the moment she turned away theyd exchange glances and roll their eyes. Family? theyd think, no husband, no kids, just animals And to Olivia, those fourlegged and feathered friends were the real kin.
She didnt care about people who kept a cow for milk, a hen for eggs, a dog for guard duty, or a cat for mice. In her cottage she had five cats and four dogs, all living inside where it was warm, not out in the yard, which left the neighbours scratching their heads. Theyd mumble about her amongst themselves, realising arguing with the oddball lady was pointless. Olivia just laughed at their complaints: Oh, you lot the streets are fine for you, but our home is cosy enough for us.
Five years ago her life snapped in an instant. She lost both her husband and her son when their car was hit by a lorry on the M1 near the village. After the crash, Olivia realised she couldnt stay in a house that held too many reminders of them. Walking the same lanes, entering the familiar shop, meeting sympathetic neighbours it was just too much.
Six months later she sold the house, packed up her cat Daisy, and moved to a small cottage on the outskirts of the hamlet. In summer she toiled in the garden; in winter she took a job in the canteen at the community centre. Slowly, new critters turned up a stray begging for scraps at the station, another wandering around the canteen looking for leftovers. Thats how her family grew, a collection of oncelonely souls whod been hardhearted by life. Olivias warm heart healed their old wounds, and they repaid her with loyalty and love.
She fed them all, even when it was a stretch. She kept telling herself shed stop adding to the menagerie, but then March turned into a brutal February: icy snow covered the footpaths, and the wind howled through the night.
One evening she was hurrying for the last coach back to Willowbrook. It was the weekend, and after her shift she stopped in the shop, bought groceries for herself and the animals, and even grabbed some leftovers from the canteen. The heavy sacks pulled at her arms, but she kept moving, thinking only of the warmth waiting at home. Then, just a few steps from the bus stop, she froze.
Under a bench lay a dog, its eyes dull and glassy, its fur dusted with snow. She could tell itd been there for hours. Passersby wrapped in scarves walked on, none stopping. Did nobody see? she thought, a knot tightening in her chest.
In an instant she forgot the coach, the promises shed made to herself, and sprinted forward, dropping the bags and reaching out. The dog blinked slowly. Thank heavens youre alive, Olivia breathed, relief flooding her. Come on, love, get up
The animal didnt move much, but it didnt fight when she carefully lifted it from under the bench. It seemed to have already given up on this world
Olivia could never quite recall how she managed to lug two heavy bags onto the coach while cradling the shivering pup. Inside the waiting room she tucked into a far corner, shaking the skinny creature, warming its frostbitten paws in her hands.
Alright, sweetheart, well get you sorted. We still have a way home, she whispered. Youll be the fifth dog thatll even the numbers out.
She pulled a meatball from her bag and offered it to the trembling guest. At first the dog turned away, but after a moment of warming, its eyes brightened, its nose twitched, and it took the bite.
An hour later Olivia was standing on the road with the dog, now named Molly, raising her hand to flag down a car since the coach had long since gone. She fashioned a makeshift leash from a belt, though it wasnt really needed Molly stuck close to her heels. Ten minutes later a car pulled over.
Thank you so much! Olivia shouted. Dont worry, Ill hold her on my lap, she wont make a mess. The driver chuckled, No problem, she can sit up front, shes not a little pup.
Molly, trembling, clung to Olivia, and they both settled on his lap. Much cozier, Olivia smiled.
The driver turned up the heater as they drove in silence, his headlights casting a soft glow on the falling snow. Olivia stared at the flakes, gently cradling her new companion, while the driver stole glances at the calm, tired face of his passenger, guessing shed just rescued the dog and was taking it home.
When they got to her cottage, the driver helped unload the bags. The snowdrift against the gate was so high the man had to push it with his shoulder. The rusty hinges gave way and the gate tipped over.
Never mind, Olivia sighed, its about time I fixed it.
A burst of happy barking and meowing came from the house, and Olivia hurried to the door. She let her whole mixedbreed gang out into the yard. Hey, you waiting for me? Meet the newest member, she announced, introducing Molly as she peeked from behind her legs.
The dogs wagged their tails, nosing the bags the man held. What are we doing out here in this cold? Olivia laughed. Come inside if youre not scared of a big family. Tea, perhaps? The driver shook his head. Thanks, but its getting late. Feed yours theyve missed you.
The next day, around midday, Olivia heard a knock on the gate. She slipped on her jacket and opened it to find the same driver, Victor, tightening new hinges on the gate, tools spread out beside him.
Good afternoon! he smiled. Im Victor, Im here to fix the gate I broke. And you are? Olivia replied, Olivia.
Her tailwagging brood swarmed around the newcomer, sniffing and wagging. Victor sat down to give them a pat. Olivia, pop inside, dont freeze. Ill be done soon and would love a cuppa. Ive even got a slice of cake in the boot and a few treats for your big family
