Sarah felt a little nervous: she had decided to invite her new acquaintance over for tea today. John had come into her life just a few months ago; they met at a dance class, and he had walked her home. Their meetings were becoming more frequent.
Sarah had finished college and started working at a youth center, while John was employed at a design office after university. He was charming, well-read, calm, and immediately appealed to Sarah.
Sarah was also a serious young woman and wanted to find someone with whom she could start a family forever. Her mother, who had raised her alone after being widowed early, taught her that. Her mother worked as a train conductor and Sarah had become accustomed to independence. She baked homemade cookies, cleaned the apartment, and walked her beloved pet, Bella—a small dog she utterly adored.
Sarah and her neighbor, Billy, a boy who lived a floor below, had found Bella. They were returning from a skiing trip in the nearby forest when they saw the abandoned puppy outside a shop.
It turned out to be a female puppy, shivering and cold. Billy picked her up and carried her home. Since his family already had a cat and a dog, he offered the puppy to Sarah. She didn’t hesitate for a moment.
“I’ll help walk her when you’re at school,” Billy promised, “I know your mum’s kind and wouldn’t throw such a lovely creature out onto the streets,” he said.
Sarah had been friends with him for a long time; they grew up in the same neighborhood. But Billy was a year and a half younger and was due for army service; he was expecting the call any day.
Sarah always felt Billy’s affection, but he remained just a friend and a great guy to her. All the neighbors were amazed at how much Billy helped Sarah. Whether it was meeting her after school as he stood by the entrance, bringing groceries when Sarah was ill and her mum was at work, or simply picking up her mail and joining her on walks.
“Oh, how Billy worries now that you’ve got a suitor,” her mother told Sarah. “He’s been in love with you since childhood. Don’t you feel sorry for him?”
“Why should I feel sorry? He’s a good lad, and he’ll find a girl. He’s younger than me, Mum. By nearly two years. I need someone older. Isn’t that right?”
“It’s right when people get along, have shared interests, and there’s love, of course,” her mother replied.
Sarah petted Bella, placed her on a small cushion on the sofa, and said, “Today, I’m going to introduce you to my friend. You’ll like him, I’m sure. Just wait and see… He’s great. And handsome!”
She left for her date and soon returned home with a young man, dapper, tall, and handsome.
Sarah first invited John into the kitchen and served him tea along with her cookies. He liked the recipe and happily drank two cups of tea.
“My mother bakes excellent pies and cookies as well. I know a thing or two about baking and believe that every girl should not only cook well but also bake. It’s her duty as a homemaker, and you’re on the right track,” he praised Sarah, “just don’t go overboard with the sugar; it’s bad for you at any age.”
They then moved to the living room, where John began to peruse the books on her shelf. He couldn’t help but remark.
“Fantasy is definitely an acquired taste. I don’t spend my time on such books. But classics—they’re always pleasant, useful, and realistic. They’re studied everywhere: in schools, colleges, and universities. By the way, are you planning on furthering your education? When?”
“Yes, I’ve enrolled in distance learning. Didn’t I tell you?” Sarah answered, “I know a degree is important.”
“Distance learning isn’t as good as attending in person, but it’s better than nothing if there are no alternatives…” John concluded, while browsing through photos of Sarah and her mother.
Then, he noticed the small dog on the sofa. Bella was asleep and didn’t react to the guest. She was a very peaceful dog, especially having heard her owner’s voice.
“What’s this?” John asked in surprise, “You have a dog in the house?”
“And why are you so shocked? Yes. Meet my beloved Bella,” Sarah’s eyes warmed with affection.
“I see, but I’ve always thought it’s best to keep animals outside, not where you sleep… They’re quite unhygienic. My mum works in a pharmacy and has studied about these things, and she knows firsthand how dangerous keeping animals indoors can be. Allergies, fur everywhere, smells, disturbances, and worst of all—a multitude of infectious bacteria harmful to human health…” John’s face showed disdain and clear dissatisfaction.
“Nearly everyone has pets, whether dogs or cats, and often both, like our neighbors. Nothing happens.”
“Well, they shouldn’t,” John interrupted disapprovingly. “If people were more educated, studied medicine, or at least hygiene basics, they’d understand the absurdity of such senseless affection for animals. They’re not human. Just animals. Imagine the parasites they carry, and if you looked under a microscope at this cushion she’s sleeping on, you’d be appalled…”
“I wash the cushion cover often, and we’ve never been sick, nor have we noticed anything,” Sarah tried to explain defensively.
“Of course, you haven’t noticed. These things aren’t immediately visible. Over time, your health will decline, and you’ll be left guessing why. Animals shouldn’t be kept indoors. It’s different in villages where they live outside, but not where people and children live!” John lectured, persistent in his viewpoint.
Sarah felt disheartened. She noticed Bella lift her head, look at her intently, then shift her gaze to John before nestling back into her cushion.
“You’ve never had a puppy or a kitten?” Sarah suddenly asked.
“No, I haven’t. But I don’t feel deprived. It’s not that I dislike them. I just value being healthy and living properly,” John responded smugly, “You don’t want your children to be sick, right?”
“Of course not, but my children will be well. I’ll ensure their health and happiness…” Sarah whispered. “Let’s go out; the weather is nice. Why stay indoors?”
They went outside and strolled to the park. Billy watched Sarah from his window, almost on the verge of tears. He couldn’t bring himself to confess his feelings to Sarah. Their friendship was warm, tender, but so familiar and comfortable for them both that he couldn’t suddenly speak of love.
After walking through the park with John, Sarah mentioned urgent errands and parted coldly.
“Can I call you?” John asked.
She nodded and hurried home. Outside the entrance, sat a melancholic Billy. Seeing her return soon, he perked up and gestured for her to sit beside him.
They sat in silence for a while before Sarah sighed and said, “Wow… That John is quite the character… At first, you wouldn’t think he’s such a pharmacy-loving bore. Who knew there are people like that? Germs, germs… And what’s he then?”
Billy looked at her, puzzled but nodding with joy and agreement.
“Can you believe it? He’s against dogs and cats! Doesn’t like them and doesn’t understand how one can love them? I didn’t even argue or try to explain. It was like an icy chill ran through me. What a character. A sterile soul… Without germs, odors, dust, color, or feelings…” Sarah couldn’t hold it in.
“So, is it over with him?” Billy dared to ask.
“With him, nothing even began. Thank goodness it ended. If not for Bella… How else would I have found out he’s like that? What if I fell in love and married him? And he can’t stand dogs or cats? I couldn’t live without my Bella. I wouldn’t let anyone harm my little girl!” Sarah nearly shouted.
“Calm down,” Billy soothed her. He gently touched her shoulder and then, unable to hold back, burst out, “Sarah, you’re the best, the kindest, the prettiest… Don’t worry. You know how fond I am of you. I’m off to the army—here’s the notice. Wait for me, and I’ll do everything to make you the happiest… We’d be the happiest together…” He handed her the paper. It was a military call-up letter.
Without raising her eyes, Sarah took the paper and sighed, “So, you’re leaving too… I’ll be all alone…”
“You’re not alone! You have your mum and Bella! They love you so much. And I love you… I’ll write to you. And call when I can. I’ll be back soon. It may seem long, but time flies. Sarah…” He squatted in front of her, holding her hands.
“Billy, the neighbors will see. Stand up…” Sarah blushed.
“Let them. I’m not ashamed to tell everyone I love you!” he stood, still holding her hands, already happy she didn’t pull away. “Promise you’ll wait for me.”
“Let’s take Bella for a walk. Today’s been full of surprises; I won’t forget it,” Sarah smiled. “Just be kind, and don’t ask for anything now…”
They went for a walk. Bella ran around the park, often looking back at her owner and Victor, who had his arm around Sarah, as if enchanted, enjoying her presence, her breath, and the scent of her perfume…
As she saw Victor off at the recruitment office early in the morning, she froze in his embrace. They had been walking late into the evenings these past days, as if suddenly thrust into an enchanting adult world of love, tenderness, and an impending long separation.
“I’ll wait for you, Billy…” she whispered, “Write to me…”
At her feet sat Bella, the small creature that had, in many ways, brought them together. The bus with the recruits drove away. Sarah walked home, leading Bella on the leash and whispering to her, “We’ll wait for our soldier, sweetheart. How could it be otherwise? He loves us both!”
