Mella stood in the dimly lit bathroom, clutching a crumpled tissue as she blew her nose softly, the sound echoing slightly in the silence. Tears welled up in her eyes, reflective pools that mirrored her turmoil. She swiped at her cheeks with her sleeve, attempting to wipe away the evidence of her sorrow as she gazed into the mirror. The weight of reality pressed down on her—she had to leave Rufian behind with this new family that adored him so much. It seemed clear that Rufian was thriving in their warmth and affection. Just thinking about leaving him shattered her heart; he had been her companion since he was a tiny, playful pup, and the thought of saying goodbye was nearly unbearable.
It's for the best! I am a big girl now.
In the next room, laughter bubbled up like a joyful melody as Mella and a young boy darted after Rufian, who was joyfully splashing water everywhere during bath time. The mischievous pup was drenched, shaking his fur as if to mock their attempts to corral him. Puddles formed across the floor, shimmering under the light, as the cheerful chaos unfolded. The room resonated with their innocent laughter, a sound that radiated joy and carefree happiness. When Rufian shook himself vigorously, spraying water in all directions, Mella and the boy locked eyes and erupted into laughter, their mirth ringing out amidst the splashes, momentarily pushing aside Mella's heavier feelings.
My last day here, I must make it good.
Mella delivered her most remarkable performance yet, her spirit shining amidst a sea of cheerful faces, each adorned with radiant smiles and the warm echoes of laughter. Yet, whenever solitude enveloped her, her tears flowed like an unending river. Leaving Rufian with this new family had shattered her heart into countless fragments. Deep down, however, she held onto the fragile belief that this was the best life she could offer him. The uncertainty of what awaited them after they departed from this haven filled her with a gnawing fear.
I want Rufian to see my smiling face
"Mother, Father, I am truly grateful for your kindness in allowing me to stay here. I promise to be a good girl from now on and to safeguard my little brother," Mella declared, each word laced with a thread of falsehood. Although they welcomed her with open arms and warm hearts, she found it impossible to regard them as her family. Driven by an insatiable curiosity about her village, she resolved that tonight would be the night she would slip away under the cover of darkness.
With quiet determination, she reached for the little boy's backpack, which harbored dry snacks like crisp crackers and fresh fruit. She intended to stow away any leftovers, unsure of how long it might be before she encountered another soul willing to extend their kindness, allowing her to tap into their goodwill once more.
Yosh! This should be enough for me. If I had Rufian he would just eat everything! It's better this way.
As night fell, the adults enveloped her in cozy embraces, their laughter filling the room as they shared stories with the children and the dog, tucking them in before bed.
IT'S TIME!
When Mella's eyes fluttered open, she hastily stuffed books and gray papers into the backpack, their pages whispering her secrets. Carefully, she eased the window open and climbed out, believing that the little boy had stirred awake, but he simply turned onto his side, feigning sleep. With a trembling whisper, she confided in the stillness, "I'm so sorry, but my family means more to me than staying here and playing house. Please take care of Rufian for me." As she leaped from the window and landed on the soft earth below, tears began to pool in her eyes, her heart aching.
I am a big girl! I am fine all alone! I can do it.
Suddenly, a sharp bark sliced through the nighttime stillness, causing her to whip around, tears streaming down her cheeks as she dashed back to Rufian. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, his warmth comforting her aching heart. Gently stroking his soft fur, she spoke softly, "I want you to go back there with that nice family; that little boy loves you so much." Turning away, she rubbed her eyes and whispered, "I am a big girl; I don't always need you around." The words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the truth that pulsed within her—that she longed for him to remain at her side, forever.
Rufian barked, as if to say he only had one family and he wanted to find them too, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side, his loyalty unwavering amidst the tide of uncertainty.
" I don't want to be alone Rufian not ever!"
The little boy stood by the window, his wide eyes fixed on the world outside as he exclaimed, "Sis, I'll never forgive you if Bone gets hurt!" Mella, standing at a distance, lifted her hand and waved with a reassuring smile, then he countinue, "Be careful of the thrust hole!" He shouted one last time, his voice filled with urgency, unsure if they could hear him.
As he watched Rufian, the playful dog, wagging his tail with excitement, tears began to trickle down his cheeks, shimmering like tiny stars against the backdrop of his flushed face. The sound of his parents in a frenzy echoed in the background, their frantic search for the key to the stainless steel door only amplifying his distress. Yet, a soft smile crept across his face, illuminated by the warm glow of hope; he knew deep down that she wouldn't be alone anymore.
Gazing up at the vast expanse of stars glittering overhead, he made a heartfelt promise to himself: one day, he would find them. In that moment, he felt no regrets about waking Rufian to join the adventure. Mella walked alongside Rufian, her backpack secured tightly against her back, the crucial key nestled safely within, each step filled with determination as they ventured forward into the unknown.