Chapter 7 — Sammy Walks Innocently Into the Living Room — Then The Dog Nuzzles Chloe’s Hand
Sammy trots into the center of the room.
He pays no attention to the shattered blue and white porcelain resting around Margaret’s sensible shoes.
A small piece of white stuffing hangs from the corner of his mouth.
It is a remnant from a chewed-up squeaky toy in the hallway.
He drops the scrap onto the rug without a care in the world.
Sammy looks up with bright, innocent eyes.
He gives a soft, happy huff.
His tail sweeps a slow arc against the edge of the sofa.
Chloe stops crying.
She wipes her wet cheeks with the sleeve of her pink sweater.
She looks down at the golden retriever.
Her expression shifts from utter devastation to mild surprise.
The lingering hurt in her young eyes begins to soften.
Chloe kneels down on the carpet.
She reaches out a small hand.
Sammy steps forward and gently rests his wet nose against her palm.
Chloe lets out a breath that sounds half like a giggle.
She offers the dog a gentle pat on the head.
Sammy leans into the touch, closing his eyes in sheer contentment.
Margaret watches the interaction unfold in silence.
The harsh lines around her mouth begin to tremble.
She looks down at Sammy’s innocent face.
Then she looks back at the broken heirloom at her feet.
Margaret slowly turns her gaze toward Chloe.
A heavy realization settles across her features.