The dog was almost indifferent now; she was ready to leave this harsh world behind
Olivia has lived for years in a tiny cottage on the very edge of a small village in the Yorkshire Dales. When people say shes lonely, she chuckles. Alone? Not a chance, she replies with a grin. Ive got a big family! The village women nod kindly, but the moment she turns away they exchange glances and rub their temples. They think, What family? No husband, no children, just animals Yet its those four-legged and feathered friends that Olivia counts as kin. She pays no heed to anyone who insists animals exist only for utilitycows for milk, chickens for eggs, a dog for security, a cat for mice. In Olivias home there are five cats and four dogs, all kept indoors where its warm, a fact that leaves the neighbours baffled.
They mutter their surprise among themselves, knowing its pointless to argue with the eccentric woman. To every criticism she simply laughs, Forget you lot, the streets are fine for them, the house is cosy for us.
Five years ago her life shattered in a single day. While returning from a fishing trip, a laden lorry barreled onto the road and collided with her husband and son. After the tragedy, Olivia realized she could not stay in a house that held every reminder of them. Walking the same lanes, entering familiar shops, and meeting sympathetic glances from neighbours became unbearable.
Six months later she sold the flat and, with her cat Daisy, moved to the countryside, buying a modest cottage on the outskirts. In summer she tended the garden; in winter she took a job in the community centre café. New animals gradually appearedsome begged for scraps at the railway station, others lingered by the café looking for leftovers. Thus her family grew from oncelonely, mistreated creatures. Olivias warm heart healed their old wounds, and they answered with unwavering devotion.
She fed them all, even when it was hard. Knowing she could never keep taking in more, she often promised herself shed stop. But one bleak February turned into a severe March; icy snow glazed the footpaths, and a biting wind howled through the night.
That evening Olivia rushed to catch the last coach back to her village. With a weekend ahead, shed stopped after work at a few shops, bought groceries for herself and her pets, and collected leftover meals from the café. The heavy bags pulled at her arms as she walked, focusing only on the warmth awaiting her at home. Yet, just steps before the coach stop, she froze and turned.
Under a bench lay a dog, its stare blank, eyes glassy. Snow dusted its coat; it must have been there for hours. Passersby wrapped in scarves hurried past, none stopping. Did no one notice? a thought flashed through her mind.
Olivia felt her chest tighten. Forgetting the coach and her selfimposed pledge, she lunged, dropped the bags, and reached out. The dogs ears flicked. Thank heavens youre alive! she breathed, relief spilling over. Come on, love, get up
The animal didnt move, but it didnt fight as she gently lifted it from under the bench. It seemed resignedready to leave this cruel world.
She cant recall how she managed to lug the two heavy bags and the shivering dog to the coach station. Inside the waiting room she settled in a corner, cradling the thin creature, rubbing its chilled paws between her hands.
Come on, love, well pull through. We still have a way home, she whispered. Youll be our fifth dog, that way the numbers add up nicely.
From her bag Olivia pulled a meat patty and offered it to the frozen guest. At first the dog turned away, but after a moment of warming, its eyes brightened, nostrils quivered, and it accepted the food.
Within the hour Olivia stood on the roadside with the dog shed named Molly, waving her arm to try and flag down a car, since the coach had long since departed. She fashioned a makeshift collar and leash from her belt, though it wasnt strictly necessarythe dog stayed close, pressing against her legs. Ten minutes later a car pulled over.
Thank you so much! Olivia said. Dont worry, Ill hold the dog on my lap; she wont make a mess.
No problem, the driver replied. She can sit on the seat; shes not a tiny pup.
Molly, trembling, clung to Olivia, and together they settled on the passenger seat. Much cozier, Olivia smiled.
The driver nodded and turned up the heater. They drove in silence: Olivia, lost in the snowfall reflected in the headlights, hugging her new companion, while the driver stole glances at the calm, weary expression of his passenger, guessing she was taking the dog home.
Outside the cottage the driver helped unload the bags. A drift of snow piled high against the gate, forcing the man to push it with his shoulder. The rusted hinges gave way and the gate tipped sideways.
Never mind, Olivia sighed. Its about time I fixed it.
A chorus of happy barks and meows erupted from the house as Olivia hurried to the door. She let her assorted furry family out into the yard. Did you all wait for me? Meet the newest member! she announced, introducing Molly who peered shyly from behind her boots.
The dogs wagged their tails, sniffing the bags the man still held. What are we doing out here in the cold? Olivia laughed. Come inside if youre not scared of a big family. Want some tea?
Thanks, but its getting late, the driver said. Feed yours; theyre probably missing you.
The next day, around midday, Olivia heard a knock on the gate. She slipped on her coat and opened it to find the driver, now repairing the gate with fresh hinges and tools spread on the lawn.
Good afternoon! he grinned. Im Vladimir, the bloke who broke the gate last time. Thought Id come and fix it.
Olivia smiled.
Her tailwagging brood crowded around the newcomer, nosing and circling. The man sat down to give them pets. Olivia, get inside, dont freeze. Ill be done soon and would love a cup of tea. Theres a cake in the car and a few treats for your big family
