3
451words
I parked my car,searching every storefront for the cheating couple like a headless chicken.
I asked a dozen shopkeepers,where are they,only find they’d moved on.My hope flared up again and again, only to be snuffed out each time.
Just as I was overcome by despair,I heard someone yell,“My Buddy!”
Their son’s name.
Sorrow surged as I sprinted toward the voice.
From afar,I saw Sophie cradling a white Bichon Frise,nestled in Ethan’s arms,kissing him,“Honey,we found our son!Look how adorable Buddy is!”
Their“son” was a dog.
A perfect family—cheaters and their pet.
Ten years of time with Ethan.
Lost to a dog.
I stood,coldly watching.
Ethan turned,spotting me.
He opened his mouth to scold,but seeing my tear-streaked face,he softened,either out of guilt or to cover his affair.
“Claire,it’s not what you think.There’s nothing between us.I was just helping Sophie find her dog.You’d also feel bad if this little guy got lost,right?”
Rage exploded.“No,I wouldn’t.A dog's life doesn't compare to your father's!”
Sophie’s eyes flashed with malice,then tugging Ethan’s sleeve.“Ethan,Claire hates me,that’s why she’s talking about Buddy like that.She’s so cruel.You must’ve been miserable with her!”
Ethan paused,then tapped her nose.“Sophie’s the kindest,my little sunshine.”
I should’ve hurt,but I was clear-headed,disgusted.
I stepped forward.“Ethan,you found your dog.Come to the hospital now.Dad’s dying!”
Sophie gasped,eyes teary,clinging to Ethan.“Ethan,it’s my fault for asking your help.I know that Claire was always George’s favorite,but how could she curse him?I saw George yesterday—He’s the picture of health.She’s using a lies to manipulate you!”
She smirked,taunting me.
I shoved her,slapping her face.“Sophie,I’m telling the truth.I’d never joke about Dad’s life!”
Before I could finish,Ethan grabbed my hair,kicking my chest.
“You’re insane! If you want to kill yourself, go ahead. Get out of Sophie and my son!”
I clutched my chest,wiping blood from my mouth,smoothing my tangled hair,trying to look less pathetic.
I couldn’t convince Ethan.
Then I saw the dog’s clear eyes,and an idea popped into my head.
Fine,this might work.
I rushed at Sophie,taking away Buddy from her arms,shouting,“Want your dog son back?Come to the hospital!”
I sprinted toward the hospital,Ethan’s curses and Sophie’s screams echoing behind me.
I hugged the dog,pleading in my heart,George,sometimes you have to be desperate to save a life.
George, I’m coming! You promisedto hike the Rockies mountains with me and Emily.Don’t break your promise!
I had overestimated myself.
Barely a hundred meters out,Ethan kicked me from behind,sending me flying forward.
My face hit hard on a car.
The driver rushed over to check on me.
Meanwhile,Ethan and Sophie sobbed over their dog,ignoring me.
Rediculous—Ten years as husband and wife,and I was wortless than a dog.
