Chapter 21

In her past, she had faced many problems, listened to many absurd things about her, and was even humiliated by her own family. But none of them hurt her. None of them broke her heart. But the death of her pet dog, was heavy on her.

She remembered how many tears she shed that day.

"Do you want to take it as your pet?" Alice asked as she saw her younger brother and sister looking at the little puppy affectionately.

They nodded to her response.

"It's so cute. How can we leave it behind?" Stella asked, petting its head.

"It is so soft and light. I fear how much it eats. The world is so cruel, I fear this little speechless cannot even survive" Daniel said, trying to give a reason like an adult, which makes him look even more childish.

"You… how can you decide on your without even consenting us?" the Duchess asked sharply.

"Because it was saved by sister. Isn't this reason enough?" Stella said cutely.

"What if I say no" her mother threatened.

"Then we will rebel" Stella said, sounding in an obvious way.

"Do you think we will listen to you if you rebel?" her mother asked as if she is really annoyed.

"Yes. Because you love us. Right brother?" Stella said and turned towards Daniel, who was standing next to her.

He nodded in her response.

"I guess we have really spoiled" their mother looked at them, angrily.

"Leave it. Let them adopt it, if they like it" their father interrupted.

"Fine" she said, "you can take that puppy as your pet if you want. But you have to take its responsibility. Understand?"

"Yes." Stella and Daniel said in union.

"Thank you for helping us father" Daniel thanked honestly.

"I did not do for your sake. We are already behind our schedule. If you both start rebelling, I wonder how long it will take to reach the fief" the Duke reasoned.

"I understand" Daniel said with a smile.

"Let us go and play there" Stella said pointing a tree nearby, "it is not good to disturb their tea time."

"Fine" Daniel said and walked away holding the little animal in his hands, while Stella followed them.

"Mother" Alice called after they left, "how can you let them just randomly adopt a pet."

"What is wrong with it? Didn't you save it?" her mother replied, "you know, Stella and Daniel really wanted a pet before. But I did not allow because of your fear for animals."

"But its painful when they die. They have shorter lifespan than us" Alice said, with serious and sad tone.

"It isn't important how many years they live, or how painful it will be when they leave, but how many memories we create with them" the Duchess said.

"Your mother is right Alice" her father supported, "if you give up to create new bonds because of you fear for unnecessary things, then you are the biggest fool."

Alice looked at her parents, smiling at her. They wore expensive clothes, decorated themselves in shinning jewels, sat and sipped their tea in a perfect way. They don't even look like humans, but rather angels fallen from the sky. Their smile is the most beautiful and warmest thing in this world that can touch anyone's heart.

Alice felt that.

She looked at her step-siblings playing with their new pet, enjoying in their own world. She looked at the small animal she saved. Its eyes were shinning and one can tell, it is enjoying their company.

They did not get to take in a pet because Alicia had fear for animals. Their eyes really told her that they really wanted to have one. Her mother did not let them adopt a pet for the sake of Alicia. Did she did that for the fear of the society? That people will think she is an evil lady who bullies her step-daughter? Or is it sincerely for the sake of her step-daughter?

How important was Alicia for them?