***
Something had awakened me. I'd heard a sound other than the pitter-patter of rain. Wide-eyed, I listened for it. Moments passed and it never came. Perhaps I'd been dreaming.
The book I'd been reading fell off my chest as I rolled to my side. I slipped my phone from underneath my pillow. I still couldn't believe I had a phone. If this was a dream, I didn't want to wake up. Amarachi and Flora would be so thrilled to have my number.
The time read 2:48. Sliding my phone underneath the pillow, I lay back in bed, hoping to get some more sleep. And then I heard it. The sound that had awakened me. Amidst the heavy rainfall, something whimpered. I bolted to my feet and raced to the windows.
Our animal guest crept beside the wall opposite my room. It shivered in the cold rain, whimpering with each step it took. My stepmother couldn't stand animals. But I couldn't leave the dog to die in the cold. I would never forgive myself.
How had it gotten in anyway? If Cynthia had brought it in, then wouldn't it be in her room? If neither of us had brought it in, then it must have dashed in when Cynthia opened the gate for her mother.
Without a second thought, I sprinted to the backyard. Ice-cold rain whipped hard, drenching me in a split second. My teeth clattered, forming a beat I could almost dance to, and despite all efforts, I could not make it stop. I wrapped my arms around myself and advanced toward my new friend, but it scooted away from me.
"I'm a friend," I said.
The dog stared at me as though trying to decipher if I could be trusted. I held out one hand. And the other. I placed one foot forward. And then the other. The dog stiffened. It let me scoop it into my arms.
I clutched the adorable puffball to my chest. It nestled in my arms as though we were old friends.
"There now," I said. "You're safe."
With my new friend in my arms, I made for my room. But I'd only arrived at the dining when the door leading to my stepmother's side of the house flew open. I crossed to the other side of the dining, eyes roaming in search of the perfect hiding place for Bruno.
Bruno. That would be his name during his stay here. He stared back at me, his wide eyes telling me he perceived a threat.
"Who's there?" my stepmother asked from the passageway. Her footsteps approached, forcing me to hide Bruno behind thick curtains.
"Don't move." Whirling around, I stepped away from the curtains. My stepmother walked into view, her face darkening at the sight of me.
Glaring at my soaking-wet nightgown and the water dripping on the floor, she scrunched up her nose. "What nonsense is this?"
"I will mop the floor," I said.
She rolled her eyes and turned to leave, but then she pinched her nose and looked back at me. "What smells like wet dog in here?"
I shrugged.
"Go back to bed, mum," Cynthia said. She'd walked in a moment ago. "I'm sure it's nothing but her filth."
My stepmother sniffed. "Goodness. How can a human being smell like wet dog? There's nothing I won't see in this-" A sneeze pushed through. Without another word, she stormed off, slamming the passage door.
"Where is it?" Cynthia asked.
"What?" I asked.
"The dog, you idiot."
I feigned innocence. "Dog?"
Her gaze fell to the floor. I froze as she traced the pattern I'd made with drops of water. It led her right to Bruno. Scooping him into her arms, she cradled him.
"Nice doggy doggy," she petted, her voice like a child's. "Look how wet you are. Poor thingy. Will take care of you, love."
All smiles, I watched her leave. I knew without a doubt she'd take good care of Bruno. He would be fine.