Paulo could feel his butt aching from the long drive, but he was almost arriving in Chasses now. He glanced to the side and smiled when he saw the stray dog still asleep. Its light brown fur looked dirty and stiff. He’d need to stop at a supermarket or pet shop later to buy some products to bathe it.
“I still need to think of a name for you, buddy,” Paulo whispered.
The sun was nearly setting, casting a faint golden hue through the clouds, though the sky remained overcast. Paulo cracked the window slightly to let in the cool breeze. The car’s GPS indicated only eleven minutes left—for him, or for them now—until they reached their new city.
He pulled over to search for a nearby supermarket on his phone. There was one closing in just under half an hour. He smiled at the thought. In his previous city, he had plenty of supermarket options. This would be a new habit to adapt to: stores and services closing earlier, and many not even opening on holidays or weekends. If he needed groceries, books, pet supplies—anything—he’d have to plan ahead now.
New life. New habits.
Changes.
He set the GPS to the supermarket’s address and started driving again. Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted” came on the radio, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to slow down. The dog, still curled up on the passenger seat, probably dreamt of chasing a ball or stick.
A strange sense of peace settled in Paulo’s chest as he thought about how the dog’s life was about to change—for good. No more hunger. No more cold. No more cruel or heartless people. Paulo would do everything in his power to make this dog the happiest animal on Earth.
The universe had put the dog in his path, and now they would both begin a new, different, and better life.
When he arrived at the supermarket, it was 6:47 PM. He had less than fifteen minutes to get something for himself and the dog. He didn’t have a leash yet, so he left the dog in the car with the window cracked open. The dog barely stirred.
He rushed inside and quickly grabbed bread, cheese, ham, and some coffee—just enough to quiet the hunger gnawing at his stomach. He tossed a bag of chips and a bottle of Coke Zero into the basket, thinking they’d be good company while reading before bed.
At 6:55 PM, he finally found the pet section. He grabbed shampoo, a bag of dog food, and two bowls, then made a dash for the cashier.
When he got back to the car, the dog was sitting on the passenger seat, licking its fur. The moment it saw Paulo, it perked up and wagged its tail.
Paulo put the bags in the trunk and slid into the driver’s seat.
“We’re almost there, buddy. Hang on. We’ll get you some food and wash that dirt off you.”
The dog barked, as if it understood.
“That’s right, buddy. A new and happy life.”
The road to his new house was pitch-dark. The first thing Paulo noticed was the lack of outdoor lighting—something he’d definitely have to invest in. He imagined what the space could become: a roofed open area, cozy cushions and blankets scattered around, soft yellow string lights hanging above, so people could stay outside even when it rained.
He finally parked in front of the wooden cabin. He had seen the photos before renting it, but nothing compared to the feeling of seeing it in person—even in the dark. This was real. He was doing it. He had quit his job, broken up with his husband, and moved to the middle of nowhere to live a quieter, slower life.
He turned off the engine, grabbed the bags from the trunk, and opened the passenger door.
“Let’s go, buddy. Let’s check out our new home.”
The dog jumped out and immediately wandered off to find a spot to pee and poo.
Paulo let him roam and walked inside with the bags. The interior of the cabin was rustic but charming. It had wooden floors, exposed beams on the ceiling, and a stone fireplace at the far end. The open-concept kitchen blended with the small living area, where a simple couch and a wooden coffee table stood. The bedroom had a modest bed, a nightstand, and a small wardrobe. Everything had a faint smell of cedar and old books.
He went back outside to grab his suitcases—just a few, filled with clothes, some hygiene items, and his favorite books. He hadn’t brought much; he wanted this new life to be simple. He was dreaming of a hot, soothing bath for himself too.
The cabin came partially furnished, as promised. He’d have to buy a proper bed, kitchenware, and some comforts—a good reading sofa, for instance. But the current bed would do for now. The refrigerator and washing machine were old but functional. He didn’t care about the age—at least not until they stopped working.
The landlord had promised the hot water would be working, and thankfully, it was. That would come in handy for the dog’s much-needed bath.
He left the front door ajar so the dog could come and go while he unpacked. He was starving, so he made himself two ham and cheese sandwiches, poured a glass of Coke Zero, and opened the chips he’d grabbed. For the dog, he filled one bowl with water and the other with food.
He gave a whistle, and the dog came running.
“There you go, buddy. No more worrying about food or a warm place to sleep.”
Paulo sat on the floor with his sandwich and chips, a book in one hand, watching the dog eat and wag its tail. He felt peace. Real peace. His chest swelled. Tears rolled down his cheeks—tears of happiness.
“Everything is going to be okay, buddy. Life is just starting,” he said—this time, not just for the dog.
Later, he bathed the dog. It was filthy, but Paulo found no signs of ticks or injuries. He’d still take it to the vet the next day. He had the whole day off before starting at his new job the day after tomorrow—plenty of time to care for the dog and buy whatever else the house needed.
That night, Paulo curled up in bed with a book, Billie Eilish still playing softly in the background. The dog slept beside him, wrapped in a blanket, gently snoring.
Beyond the cabin’s back window, a still lake shimmered in the moonlight, framed by dark, whispering forest on all sides. There was no one else around for miles—just trees, water, silence, and this little new beginning.
Paulo didn’t even realize when he fell asleep, the book resting on his chest.
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