Spotting the dog lying by the bench, she rushed toward it. Her gaze fell on the leash, carelessly discarded by Natalie. The moment she saw the dog curled up near the bench, she sprinted over, heart pounding. The sight of the leashleft behind so carelesslyonly sharpened her dread. Max looked up at her with swollen eyes, whimpering softly.
It had been nearly two years since shed spoken properly to her brother. Eloise still couldnt understand how a petty disagreement had spiraled into such bitterness.
Eloise and William Hartley were born just a year apart. Since childhood, theyd been inseparable, always standing up for each other. No matter what mischief they got into, they faced the consequences togethernever hiding behind the other.
Their hometown, Willowbrook, had flourished over the years. They were lucky with their local leaderPaul Mitchell, born and raised there, proved to be an astute businessman. After graduating with a degree in agriculture, he returned home and threw himself into improving the village. His efforts were quickly recognized, and within a decade, Paul became Willowbrooks council chairman.
His personal life thrived too. Eloise, after finishing nursing school, began working at the village clinic. Paul couldnt ignore a beauty like her. Eloise returned his affection. They married, and the whole village celebrated the wedding. William was genuinely happy for his sister, though his own marriage to Natalie was far from smooth.
When Eloise was single, Natalie had grumbled about hercalling her useless or stuck-up. But after the wedding, jealousy took over. Natalie demanded more from her husbanda bigger house, a nicer car, a better coat.
Other people have everything, and we have nothing! shed snap. William tried his best, but no amount of money or effort could satisfy her.
Natalies unhappiness ran deepershed never been blessed with children. Meanwhile, Eloise had married well, given birth to a son, then a daughter, built a spacious home, and her husband had risen in status.
Family gatherings often ended in arguments. Every time William visited Eloise, Natalie would berate him afterward.
The final blow came on Williams birthday. Eloise gifted him a Labrador puppyhed always wanted one. Paul gave him a new motorbike.
Everything was fine until Natalie, drunk, exploded in a fit of rage.
Whats this, Ellie? A dogis that some kind of joke? Since we cant have kids, well just get a mutt instead, is that it?
Eloise tried to calm her.
Nat, just breathe. Youll regret this later
But her words fell on deaf ears. A huge row erupted, splitting the guests into factions. Paul quietly told Eloise they should leave, and they slipped away.
Two years passed. That evening, William began avoiding his sister, their contact reduced to brief, rare meetings. Tension between him and Natalie grew.
At night, William often walked Max by the river. They seemed happy togetherWilliam tossing sticks, Max chasing after them, then flopping at his feet, listening to his quiet stories.
Eloise heard about this from neighbors but did nothingWilliam remained stubborn.
After the fight, Natalies hatred for Eloiseand Maxintensified. When William wasnt home, shed kick the dog out, shout at him, sometimes even hit him.
Nosy neighbors only stoked the flames.
Did you hear, Nat? Your husbands down by the river with that dog again.
Yesterday he ran into Ellie and her lotlaughing like they hadnt a care!
Jealousy consumed Natalie. One day, William snapped:
Im sick of this endless bitterness!
Alone, seething, Natalie dragged Max outside, tied him to the bench, and lashed him with the leash. The poor dog howled in pain. When her rage finally burned out, she dropped the leash, packed her things, and left for good.
That evening, William came home to find Max missing from the gate. The house was a mess. He found the dog by the bench, fists clenched. He untied him quickly, cradled him, and ran to the clinic.
Eloise was about to leave when she saw her brother clutching the bleeding dog.
Ellie, please he rasped.
They carried Max into the treatment room. Eloise examined him carefully.
Who did this?
Natalie. William couldnt meet her eyes.
Eloise nodded silently. She stitched the wounds, cleaned his eyes, gave him water.
Later, in the hallway, William murmured guiltily:
Im sorry, Ellie.
Dont be. She smiled tiredly. And Natalie?
No, Ellie. Not after this.
Eloise called Paul:
Paul, come get me, please.
Hearing the exhaustion in his wifes voice, he left straight away.
Half an hour later, he stood in the hallway. Seeing the siblings leaning into each other, Max whining softly beside them, he didnt ask questionsjust smiled.
Come on then, you lot.
They took William home, giving him instructions for Maxs care.
When Eloise told their mother what had happened, she just sighed.
They shouldve split long ago.
With that, she headed to her sons house to help tidy up.
William sat on the porch, stroking Max. His mother approached, touching both gently.
You alive?
Alive, William replied.
The smell of roast meat and fresh vegetables drifted from the house. Max sniffed, tail wagging. William smiled and stood.
Life went on.
