Page 35 of My Ruthless Neighbor

Opening my lids, I smile at the rectangle window last time and nod. “Yes.”

I feel so tired. My legs feel boneless. The last bit of strength has left me. I just want to sleep for a long, long time.

We walk back to her car. Rubbing my cold palms, I turn my head to stare at the building one last time. End of a chapter. Time to start a new one.

I open the passenger’s door open and freeze.

“What is it?”

“I think I heard something.” I frown.

“You’re just tired. Come on, let’s go.”

I shrug and bend to get in but I hear it again. My eyes widen. I straighten, spin on my heels and take off, running in the direction of the sound.

I hear the car door opening and slamming shut. Then footsteps follow.

“Summer!”

I sprint until I am at the end of the darkened alley connected to the building’s entrance. I skid to a stop, River joining me a second later.

“I don’t usually curse… but what the fuck?” She pants and sags against the brick wall.

“Oh, my god! Look!” I point a trembling finger to the ground. When I sink to my knees, River steps closer to look at it.

Golden furry face peeks in between old newspapers and other rubbish. A set of brown eyes locks on mine. As soon as he recognizes me, he lets out a small whine.

“Goldie,” My lower lip trembles. Hearing my voice, he recognizes me and comes out of the newspaper castle he was hiding under.

I reach a hand for him. He pokes my palm with his nose for a second before launching himself into my waiting arms.

I gather the furry bundle and hug him to my chest. “I found you,” I whisper. Then I say it again. And one more time. I rock him as tears leak from my eyes. He burrows his head in my coat, his tail wagging.

“Where did you go? I looked for you everywhere.”

He whines, wiggling and sniffing.

“I was so scared. So scared.”

He barks as if to say he was scared too.

“You are not allowed to leave my side. Ever.” Lifting the tiny cuteness up, I stare at him. “You are bound to me, you hear me? Don’t scare mommy like that again.” My chin trembles. He soothes me by licking my jaw.

I hug him again. Closing my eyes when his paws cling to my coat.

Upon feeling a hand on my shoulder, I look to the side and find River kneeling beside me. Her eyes are brimming and a soft smile is playing on her lips. She pets his head and he turns to lick her hand.

“Let’s get you both home.” She says and we share a smile.

Chapter Nine

Three weeks later…

Ilean against the wall of the elevator. With mounting impatience, I watch the digits on the digital display screen. My grip tightens on the strap of my black briefcase.

I inhale a deep breath and let it out slowly. I check my watch. It’s half past midnight. My phone hasn’t stopped vibrating for the last thirty minutes. Sighing, I take it out.

Fifteen missed calls from mother. Seven from my father.

---