Chapter 328

That feeling—he'd had it once, years ago, when he found a skinny little stray, a white puppy all smudged and helpless, shivering under a streetlamp. Back then, he felt like he was just like that dog—lost and unseen. His mom only worried about his missing sister, his dad had eyes only for his sick wife. The only one who paid him any attention was Oliver, his older brother, who'd show up now and then, toss him a few words, just like someone tossing food to a wandering dog. So he took the little puppy home. But Grace was badly allergic to dog fur, and the very next day, the dog was thrown out. He'd just finished setting up a little bed, food, and water for it. Just gave it a proper bath. And then his dad dumped it outside the old house, right into the snow, no hesitation. He still remembered how he begged through tears—not to toss the puppy out. Promised he'd keep it near his room, away from their mom. Said the house was huge—how much space could one little dog take? But David didn't even