Spotting the Dog Lying by the Bench, She Rushed Over—Then Noticed the Leash Natalia Had Carelessly Left Behind.

Spotting the dog lying by the bench, she rushed over. Her gaze fell on the leash, carelessly left behind by Natalie. The moment she saw the dog resting near the bench, she hurried to it without hesitation. The leash caught her eyediscarded thoughtlessly by Natalie. Max looked up at his owner with swollen eyes, whining softly.

It had been nearly two years since shed spoken properly to her brother. Emily still couldnt understand how a tiny disagreement had blown up into such a bitter feud.

Emily and William Robinson were born a year apart. Since childhood, theyd been inseparable, always standing up for each other. No matter what mischief they got into, they shared the blame equallynever hiding behind the other.

Their hometown, Willowbrook, had flourished over the years, growing steadily. They were lucky with their village leaderPeter Mitchell, a local whod studied agricultural business and returned to put his skills to work. His efforts paid off, and within a decade, Peter became Willowbrooks council leader.

Life treated him well outside work too. After finishing her nursing course, Emily started as an assistant at the village clinic. Peter couldnt ignore such beauty, and Emily returned his interest. They married, and the whole village celebrated. William was genuinely happy for his sister, though his own marriage to Natalie was far less smooth.

Before Emily married, Natalie often muttered about hercalling her spoiled or stuck-up. But after the wedding, jealousy took over. Natalie demanded morea bigger house, a nicer car, better clothes.

Everyone else has everything, and weve got nothing! shed snap. William worked hard, but nothing satisfied her.

Natalie had her own sorrowsshed never been blessed with children. Meanwhile, Emily had two, built a spacious home, and her husband climbed the ranks.

Family gatherings often ended in arguments. Every time William visited Emily, Natalie would berate him afterward.

The final blow-up happened on Williams birthday. Emily gifted him a Labrador puppyhed always wanted one. Peter gave him a new motorbike.

Everything was fine until Natalie, drunk, exploded at Emily.

Oh, really, Em? A dog? Since we cant have kids, might as well get a mutt, eh?

Emily tried calming her.

Nat, come on. Youll regret this later.

But it didnt help. A huge row erupted, dividing the guests. Peter quietly suggested they leave, and they slipped away.

Two years passed. That night marked the start of William avoiding his sistertheir contact reduced to brief, rare meetings. Tension between him and Natalie grew too.

Evenings, William often walked Max by the river. They looked contentWilliam tossing sticks, Max chasing eagerly before flopping at his feet, listening to quiet stories.

Emily heard about it from neighbors but didnt interveneWilliam stayed stubborn.

After the fight, Natalies hatred for Emilyand Maxdeepened. When William was out, shed shove the dog outside, shout at him, sometimes even hit him.

Nosy neighbors only stoked the fire.

Nat, your husbands down by the river with that dog again

Yesterday, he bumped into Em and her lotlaughing like old times!

Jealousy consumed Natalie. Once, William asked:

Nat, youre not hurting Max, are you?

As if Id bother with your stupid dog! she snapped, storming off.

Max hid from her more often, trembling when she appeared.

Everything ended one morning when William finally snapped.

Ive had enough of this jealousy!

Left alone, Natalie dragged Max outside, tied him to the bench, and lashed out with the leash. The poor dog yelped in pain. Once her rage faded, she dropped the leash, packed her things, and left for good.

That evening, William came home to no Max waiting at the gate. The house was a mess. He found Max by the bench, fists clenching. Quickly untying him, he rushed to the vet clinic.

Emily was about to leave when she saw her brother cradling the bleeding dog.

Em, help he choked out.

They carried Max inside. Emily examined him carefully.

Who did this?

Natalie William looked down.

Emily nodded silently. Stitching his wounds, washing his eyes, she gave him water.

Later, in the hallway, William whispered guiltily:

Sorry, Em

Dont be silly, she smiled tiredly. And Natalie?

No, Em. Its over.

Emily called Peter.

Pete, come get me, love.

Hearing her exhaustion, Peter came straightaway.

Half an hour later, he stood in the hallway. Seeing his wife and brother clinging to each other, Max whimpering softly beside them, he just grinned.

Right then, heroes. Lets get you home.

They took William back, advising him on Maxs care.

When Emily told their mum what happened, she sighed.

Shouldve left her ages ago.

She headed straight to her sons to help tidy up.

On the porch, William sat stroking Max. His mother patted them both.

You alive?

Yeah, William said.

From inside, the smell of roast and fresh veg drifted out. Max sniffed, wagging his tail. William smiled and stood up.

Life went on.