Olivia had been living on her own in a tiny cottage on the outskirts of a little village for years. Whenever someone told her she was all alone, shed chuckle and fire back, What? No way Ive got a big family! The locals would smile and nod, but behind her theyd exchange glances, fingers tapping their temples as if to say, Shes a bit daft, she calls her pets a family. And thats exactly what Olivia meant. She didnt care what the villagers thought about proper animal keeping a cow or a chicken, maybe a single watchdog and a cat for catching mice. She had five cats and four dogs, all of them living inside the house rather than out in the yard, just as the neighbours liked to mutter. Theyd learned not to argue with her, because shed just laugh and say, Oh, quit it, the street is fine, were happy at home together.
Five years earlier, Olivias husband and son had both died on the same day in a tragic road accident a lorry had smashed into the car they were coming home in after a fishing trip. After that, the walls of her flat seemed to whisper their names, the streets and shops felt like ghosts, and the pitying looks from neighbours were too much to bear. Six months later she sold the flat, packed up with her cat Misty, and moved to a small village, buying a cottage on the edge of the lane. In the summer she tended a garden; when winter set in she got a job in the village community centres kitchen. She brought all her animals over, one by one some begging for scraps at the station, others wandering into the kitchen looking for a bite.
So the big family grew, a band of kindred souls whod each known loneliness and hardship. Olivias warm heart healed their bruises, and they repaid her with love and warmth enough for everyone. Money was tight, but there was always enough to put food on the table. She knew she couldnt keep rescuing stray animals forever and kept promising herself, No more, please
Then March turned cold, the lingering spring sun gave way to Februarys bite, snow draped the lanes and icy wind howled at night. Olivia was hurrying for the last sevenhour bus the final evening service back to her village. Shed just finished work, swung into the shops, bought groceries for herself and the furry bunch, and even tucked a few leftovers from the canteen into her bags, the two heavy sacks pulling at her arms. She tried to keep her promise in mind, not looking around, thinking of the pets waiting at home, letting that thought keep her warm. But, as the old saying goes, the heart has eyes of its own, and it made her stop short of the bus stop, turning her head just before shed reached ten metres.
There, under a bench, lay a dog. Its stare was empty, almost glassy, its body halfburied in fresh snow. Passersby hurried past, wrapped in scarves and hoodies. Anyone see a dog? she thought, feeling a pang in her chest. She dropped her bags, rushed over, and reached out. The animal blinked slowly.
Thank heavens youre alive! Olivia breathed. Come on, love, get up, follow me
The dog didnt move, but it didnt fight either as Olivia tried to lift it. It seemed to have given up on life. Later she could barely recall how she dragged herself to the bus station with the heavy sacks and the shivering dog in her arms. Inside, she plunked down in the far corner of the waiting room and began tenderly rubbing the thin creatures frostbitten paws.
Come on, dear, youll make it home with us. Youll be the fifth dog, just to keep the numbers even, she cooed. She peeled a meatball from her bag and held it out. At first the dog turned away, but after a little warmth, its nose twitched, the eyes brightened, and it ate.
An hour later they were still on the roadside, the bus long gone. Olivia fashioned a makeshift leash from her belt, though the dog she named her Molly was already trotting beside her, pressing close to her legs. Ten minutes after that, a car pulled over and the driver opened the door.
Oh, thank you! Ill put her on my lap, she wont make a mess, Olivia babbled.
No worries, the driver replied. She can sit on the seat; shes not a lap dog anyway.
Molly, still shaking, curled up on Olivias knees and somehow fit.
Just its warmer this way, Olivia smiled. The driver gave a nod, glanced at the improvised collar around Mollys neck, turned up the heater, and they drove in silence. Olivia held the warming dog, watching the snowflurried world flash past the headlights. The driver stole a glance at her profile, the way she cradled the rescued pup, and guessed she was taking her new family home. She looked a little tired but peaceful and happy.
When they reached the cottage, the driver stepped out, helped with the bags, and gave the stuck gate a hard push. The rusted hinges gave way with a creak and the gate fell to one side.
Dont mind that, Olivia sighed, its about time I fixed it.
From inside came a chorus of barks and meows. Olivia hurried to the door, flung it open, and her whole animal clan spilled out into the yard.
Well, you finally found me! Im here, Im not running off anywhere. Meet the newest member
Molly peered shyly from behind her rescuers feet. The other dogs wagged their tails, nosing at the stillladen bags the driver held.
Oh, come on in, if youre not scared of a big family. Fancy a cuppa? Olivia called.
The driver set the bags down but didnt go inside.
Its getting late, Ill be on my way. Youve got a full house to feed, theyve been waiting for you
The next afternoon, a knock sounded on the gate. Olivia slipped on her coat and opened it to find the same driver, tools in hand, fixing the new hinges.
Good afternoon! I broke the gate yesterday, came back to sort it out. Im Vladimir, and you are?
Olivia, she replied.
The tailwaggers sniffed him curiously as he crouched to pet them.
Olly, dont dawdle, head inside. Ill be done soon, and I wont say no to a cup of tea. Theres even a slice of cake in the car, plus a few treats for your big family.
