The Leash of Fate
Gentle but persistent morning sunlight pushed through the thin curtains, casting golden specks across the sleeping womans face, as if whispering, “Wake upthe worlds already beautiful and waiting for you.” Alice stretched in bed, relishing the pleasant lightness in her limbs after a deep, restful sleep. That lightness was a hard-earned reward for years of self-discipline.
It had been exactly eight years, two months, and seventeen days since shed shown her ex-husband the door. Not that she was countingthe date had simply etched itself into her memory as the beginning of her real life. Their son, James, had grown into a capable young man, studying his final year at a prestigious university in London and rarely coming home. Just phone calls, his voicestill dear, yet growing more distant each day.
“Mum, Ive got exams, then a part-time job, and Lara and I” shed hear, masking her faint sadness with a bright reply: “Of course, love, I understand. Im doing just fine!” And she wasnt lying. Her life had purpose and order.
Alice was forty-three but felt thirty at heart. Slender, poised, with clear grey-blue eyes, she looked younger than her age. The secret was simple: four years of strict routine. Up at six, a morning jog, a cold shower, a healthy breakfast, then off to the office. She worked as a manager at a reputable firm and valued her position. Her boss, meticulous with an uncanny sense for tardiness, despised any lack of discipline.
Shed often seen him appear from nowhere in the corridor at precisely 9:01, looming over some breathless colleague.
“Late again? Shouldve set the alarm earlier! Explanation on my desk by lunch!” His low, commanding voice sent shivers even through the innocent.
Alice was respected at workclever, driven, always ready to help without a hint of arrogance. Yet her personal life had been quiet since the divorce. Free time was filled with work, self-care, and her loyal Labrador, Barney, whom she affectionately called Bear.
It was Bear whod started those invigorating morning runs four years ago. He was her alarm clock, personal trainer, and most devoted frienda stunning chocolate-coloured dog with wise eyes and endless kindness. He never caused trouble; his easygoing nature was her best antidepressant. When shed first considered getting a dog, a friends husband had advised her: “Get a Lab. You wont regret it. Theyre a friend, an antidote to loneliness, and a therapist all in one.” He wasnt wrong.
Shed always had dogs as a child, but during her marriage to Richard, that dream had faded. Hed loathed pets.
“If you bring some mangy mutt into this flat, Ill toss it off the balcony myself. Promise.” The venom in his eyes had convinced her.
In the end, it was *she* who nearly threw *him* out when, drunk and raging, he raised a hand to her. She hadnt the strengthonly the will. Shed sobbed in the bedroom as he stormed about the living room before slamming the door, taking the bags shed packed for him. Fifteen years together, the last three a living hell. Richard had failed as a husband and fatherselfish, bitter, never satisfied. That slap had been the final straw. Thank God James wasnt home.
“How good it was to kick him out. Well manage. My salarys decent. Better alone than endure that and show our son a warped idea of family,” shed thought then. She hadnt been wrong. Eight years of happiness, harmony. Shed kept men at arms lengthRichard had soured her for life.
On a warm August morning, Alice rose and peeked into the hallway. Bear sat waiting by the door, leash clamped in his jaws, tail drumming the floor.
“Bear, lets go! Who needs an alarm with you around?” She smiled, pulling on her trainers.
She loved their local parkjust a quick walk across the pedestrian crossing, and there it was: a green oasis with neat paths, bustling with joggers, cyclists, and fellow dog owners. Unclipping the leash, she watched Bear bolt ahead, glancing back to ensure she followed.
She jogged leisurely, nodding at familiar strangersfellow morning enthusiasts. Then, from behind the lilac bushes, a sharp yelp. Alice froze. Bear stood rigid, hackles raised, while a tiny black kitten cowered, ears flat. Her heart lurched. She knew Bear wouldnt hurt it, but instinct made her rush forward
And in that moment, the world tilted. Her foot twisted horribly against a hidden rock. White-hot pain shot through her leg. With a gasp, she crumpled. Darkness swam in her vision.
“Oh no not this,” she whispered, forcing herself to look. Her leg lay at an unnatural angle. “Bear, what have you done?” The kitten was gone. Bear licked her cheekthen dashed away.
Despair clawed at her throat. Pain, fear, thoughts of work, of being aloneall blurred into one. She tried to push up, failed. Tears fell freely.
Meanwhile, Bear raced down the path, skidding to a halt before a tall, athletic man he saw most mornings. The dog barked urgently.
“Hey, handsome! Wheres your owner? Trouble?” The manEdwardfollowed as Bear led him back to the bushes.
Alice sat pale-faced, tears streaking her cheeks.
“Good morning though its not looking too good, is it?” Edward knelt beside her. “Your clever lad raised the alarm. What happened?”
“My leg I think its broken. I cant move it.”
“Ambulance first,” he said calmly, his steadiness soothing her.
The paramedics arrived swiftly.
“Fracture, likely displaced. Hospital for X-rays and setting,” one confirmed.
“The hospital? ButBear? Ive no one to leave him with”
“Absolutely no pets allowed,” the nurse said.
Edward reached for the leash. “Ill take him.”
“Butweve only just met. Im Alice.”
“Edward. Its fine. Hereswap numbers.” His ease made it feel like offering to carry her shopping.
As the ambulance left, Edward stood with Bear. “Right, mate. Youre with me now.”
Edward ran a garage and lived alone since his wife left him for a younger man a year prior. His father had insisted the business stay in his namewise advice he now thanked daily.
That evening, the hospital called. “Your friends fracture was complex. Shell need time.”
“Are there simple ones?” Edward chuckled.
“Plenty!” the doctor laughed. “Visit soon. Shell need follow-ups.”
Alice lay with her leg in plaster, fretting over Bear and imposing on a stranger. When Edward walked in with fruit and juice, tears welled again.
“Hey! Why the long face?” he teased, unpacking the gifts.
“Im so sorry for the trouble”
“Dont be. Bear sends his love. Misses you terribly.”
He joked, told stories, and slowly, Alice smileda warm, bright smile Edward noted quietly.
After ten days, Alice called him. “Edward, could you? Ive got crutches, I can manage a taxi”
“Already on my way!”
In his car, Bear nearly bowled her over with slobbery kisses. “Bear! My good boy!” She hugged him, crying openly as Edward carried her upstairs, then brought groceries. “Ill be back to walk Bear. Call if you need anything.”
Their peculiar trios life began. Edward came dailywalked Bear at dawn so she could rest, returned evenings with food, cooked, helped around the house. He drove her to check-ups, steadied her on crutches, made her laugh. They talked books, old films, the quiet joys of routine.
Behind Edwards confident exterior, Alice saw a wounded heart like hersone afraid to trust again.
Months passed. The cast came off. On a chilly autumn day, Edward arrived with roses, groceries, and champagne.
“Know what? Its my birthday,” he said, winking at Bear.
“You never said! Ive no gift!”
“I see youre barely limping now. Thats gift enough.” He took her hands. “Ive been thinking Weve got plans. Like visiting the registry office.”
“Thewhat?”
“To marry you. I *have* to now. Will you?” His eyes held such tenderness it stole her breath.
Bear barked as if urging, *Say yes!*
Alice looked at this manbrought into her life by a Labradors leashand felt her locked heart swing open.
“Yes,” she whispered.
They married quietly, surrounded by family. Edwards father hugged him. “Thats your true match, son. Shell never betray you.”
Now, the three live happilyAlice, Edward, and Bear. Their home brims with laughter, warmth, and wagging tails. James visits often with his wife Lara and their little girl, who
