Page 55 of The Summer We Mended
“She’s being modest,” Anna said lightly.“Mom has been running classes for tourists and locals for decades.She’s the best person to teach you.She’s nothing short of a legend.”
“I promise to be an obedient student,” he said.“And I’ll bring bribes like coffee and croissants.”
That made her laugh, a small, genuine sound that slipped out before she could stop it.“All right.But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Deal.”
They watched in comfortable silence as the children ran loops across the yard with Max.The dog wagged and leaped and barked with joy.He was in his element, surrounded by energy, affection, and the freedom of an open space.
“Max usually doesn’t get this much excitement,” Tom said.“I’m definitely not that active with him.”
Nora threw the stick high into the air, and Max caught it in one fluid motion, prompting a cheer from Blaze.“He’s like a superhero dog!”the boy yelled.
“Max!”Nora called out, “Sit!”
To everyone’s surprise, Max did exactly that, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he waited for further instruction.
Blaze immediately launched into a routine, calling out commands and laughing every time Max obeyed.Sit, lie down, shake—Max did it all, tail thumping the ground like a drumbeat of pure joy.
Lily watched the unfold, arms loosely crossed, but her posture relaxed as she soaked in the sun, the smell of cut grass, and the sound of children laughing.
She didn’t even realize how long she had been standing there, rooted and still, until Anna brushed her shoulder lightly.
“Tom, you’re not helping my case for not getting them a dog,” Anna teased.
“I would be the wrong person to ask to advocate against getting a dog.I’ve had one all my life.Max is such a good dog.I rescued him from the shelter if you can believe it.”
“He’s beautiful.You’ve trained him well, too, it seems.”
“I didn’t even know he could do those things, really,” Tom laughed.“The kids are teaching me things today.”
“They’ll love to hear that,” Anna said with a smile.
Lily smiled, too, glad that things were finally feeling easy again.
But right now, with Max rolling in the grass and Blaze shouting about how he wanted to become a “dog whisperer,” and Nora tying blades of grass into tiny bracelets for his paw, it all just felt… good.
Not perfect.Not permanent.But good.
And she wasn’t drowning in guilt for feeling that way.
She stepped off the porch and walked toward the children, who barely noticed her arrival as they were too busy trying to teach Max a synchronized dance routine.
“You’re going to make him dizzy,” she said, laughing as Max spun in circles on command.
“Helovesit,” Nora insisted.
“He does,” Blaze confirmed.“He’s like a golden tornado.”
“Golden Tornado!”Nora echoed, giggling wildly.
“New superhero name?”Tom asked as he came up beside Lily with a stick for Max in his hand.
Blaze nodded solemnly.“Max the Golden Tornado.Defender of squeaky toys and peanut butter.”
Tom made a big show of saluting.“We are honored to be in your presence, sir.”
Max barked once, wagging his tail furiously, clearly enjoying the attention as much as the exercise.
