Olivia has been living alone for several years in a modest cottage on the edge of a small English village. When anyone tells her shes solitary, she laughs and replies, What? Im not alone at all I have a big family! The local women smile and nod, while behind Olivias back they exchange glances, rolling a finger to their temples as if to say shes a bit eccentric, with no husband or children, only a menagerie
Olivia calls that menagerie her family, and she pays no mind to the villagers who think that if you keep animals, they should be practical a cow or a chicken, perhaps a dog for protection, a cat to catch mice. Olivia has five cats and four dogs, and, believe it or not, they all live inside the house rather than in the garden, as the neighbours whisper. They say its pointless to argue with her; she merely chuckles and says, Enough of the streets, were all fine together at home.
Five years ago, Olivia loses her husband and son in a single tragic accident. They were returning from a fishing trip when a lorry on the motorway veered into the oncoming lane. Shaken but alive, Olivia realizes she cant stay in the flat that keeps reminding her of the loved ones shes lost, nor walk the same high streets and shops she once shared with them, especially with the sympathetic looks of neighbours weighing on her.
Six months later she sells the flat, packs up with her cat Misty, and moves to a tiny village, buying a cottage on the outskirts. In summer she tends the garden; when winter arrives she takes a job in the canteen of the local community centre. Over time she brings each of her animals home some begging for scraps at the railway station, others wandering into the canteen looking for leftovers. Thus a large, ragtag family of kindred souls assembles, each once lonely and weathered, now healed by Olivias generous heart. Love and warmth are enough for everyone, and food, though sometimes scarce, stretches.
Olivia knows she cant keep rescuing animals forever, so she repeatedly promises herself, No more. In March, after a few sunny days, Februarys bitter cold returns, laying a sharp snow over the fields, forcing late walkers home and roaring with icy wind at night.
She hurries to catch the last evening coach a sevenhour ride to her hamlet. Two days off lie ahead, so after work she darts into the shops, buying provisions for herself and the tailwagging clan, and tucking a few bits from the canteen into two heavy bags that pull at her arms. Remembering her promise, she tries not to look around, focusing on the pets waiting at home to keep her warm with thoughts of them. Yet, as the old saying goes, the heart sees all, and it stops her just before the bus stop.
A dog lies under a bench. Its eyes stare vacantly, almost glassy, covered in compacted snow, as passersby in scarves and hoodies rush past, oblivious. Olivias heart clenches painfully; she forgets the bus and her vows, rushes to the bench, drops the bags, and reaches for the animal. The dog blinks slowly.
Thank heavens youre alive! Olivia exhales. Come on, sweetheart, get up, come with me The dog doesnt move, but it doesnt resist as she lifts it from beneath the bench. It seems almost ready to surrender to the cold world.
Later, Olivia cant recall how she drags herself to the coach station with two heavy bags and the dog cradled in her arms. Inside the waiting hall she settles in the far corner, repeatedly stroking the thin, shivering creature, warming its frostbitten paws in her hands.
Come on, darling, pull yourself together, we still have a way home. Youll be the fifth dog, just to keep the count even, she coos. She pulls a meatball from her bag and offers it. At first the dog refuses, but after a moment of warming, its nose twitches, its eyes brighten, and it accepts the treat.
An hour later, they stand on the road as the coach has long since departed. Olivia fashions a makeshift collar and leash from her belt, though the dog now named Molly already pads close to her, pressing against her legs. Ten minutes later, against all odds, they climb into the warm cabin of a stopped minibus.
Oh, thank you! Dont worry, Ill put the dog on my lap, she wont make a mess, Olivia babbles.
Dont worry about it, the driver replies. Let her sit on the seat; shes not that small. But Molly snuggles against Olivia, still shaking, and somehow fits on her lap.
Just its warmer like this, Olivia smiles.
The driver nods, eyes the improvised collar, and turns the heater up a notch. They drive in silence, Olivia holding the nowcozy Molly, watching the snowflakes flash past the headlights.
The driver steals glances at the womans profile a calm, slightly tired but happy face clutching a rescued dog. He realizes shes taking the animal home. He drops them off at Olivias cottage and steps out to help with the bags. Snow has piled so high that he must shove the sagging gate hard; the rusted hinges break, and the gate collapses sideways.
Never mind, Olivia sighs. Its about time I repaired it.
From inside, a chorus of barking and meowing erupts. Olivia rushes to the door, opens it, and her enlarged family pours into the yard.
Well, did you miss me? Im here, where else would I be! Meet the newest addition Molly peeks out shyly from behind her caretakers legs. Olivias other dogs wag their tails, nosing the bags the driver still holds.
Come on in, if youre not scared of our big clan. Fancy some tea? the woman calls.
The driver carries the bags inside, then says, Its late, I must be off. You all feed the family; theyve been waiting for you
The next day, around lunchtime, a thump sounds in the yard. Throwing on her jacket, Olivia steps out and sees the driver from yesterday, hammering new hinges onto the gate, his toolbox spread around.
Good afternoon! I broke the gate yesterday, so I came to fix it, he says, smiling. Im Vladimir, and you are?
Olivia, she replies.
The tailwagging family sniffs the newcomer, and he crouches to pet them.
Olivia, dont stay out in the cold, come inside. Ill be done soon, and I could use some tea. Theres a cake in the car and a few treats for your big family. Olivia smiles, a real one that reaches her eyes, and calls over her shoulder, Come on then, everyonelets get warm. Inside, the kettle sings, the animals settle in their familiar spots, and two mugs steam on the table. Vladimir wipes his boots and steps across the threshold, and for the first time in years, the cottage holds not just a family of survivors, but the quiet promise of something new.
