Chapter 13 Live Better

"What did you just say, Summer? Say it again." Calvin threw off Emily's hand and stormed toward me. Duffy growled again, and the police quickly pulled Calvin back. I wiped my eyes and looked at him coldly. "I said let's get divorced. Are you deaf? Look at how you're acting even though we're at the police station. "There are no feelings between us anymore, so let's part ways on good terms. We'll get a divorce, and I'll take the dog and leave to make room for your mistress." As tears rolled down my face, I couldn't tell if I was acting or truly heartbroken. Something flickered in his eyes, and he became even more agitated. "You're getting a divorce over a dog? Am I worth less than a dog to you? I'll take care of this dog today, and no one will stop me!" I hugged Duffy tightly, while Emily held Calvin back. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Cal, let it slide. Why stoop to the level of an animal?" She glanced at me smugly as she spoke. Phyllis spat, "Shameless people! Calvin, can't you see? Is Summer asking for a divorce because of Duffy?" Many people were at the police station, and those who were watching the scene began to chatter. "The mistress is insulting the wife to her face, and the husband's still defending her? Divorce is the only answer." "A grown man taking his anger out on a dog? He looks like he's got a bad temper. He's probably an abuser." "Young lady, just sue him for divorce. Domestic violence cases don't need a cooling-off period, right?" Seeing that the crowd was getting riled up, the police officers hurriedly intervened and ushered us into an office. I knew this was just a domestic dispute. Calvin had moral issues, but that wasn't enough to get him into serious trouble. I noticed a young officer nervously whispering to others. Afterward, the way they looked at Calvin changed too. In the end, the police gave us a light reprimand, and the matter was left unresolved. Before we left, the female officer looked at me with concern. "It's hard for outsiders to mediate family matters, but… if you really need to, you can consider filing a lawsuit." She didn't say more, but I appreciated it. It was the most help she could offer within her authority. I nodded at her and left the police station with Duffy and Phyllis. At the entrance, Emily was tenderly holding onto Calvin. "Cal, your wound is torn again. You're bleeding." The small bloodstains on his arm were nowhere near the amount I'd bled yesterday. What was the big deal? I glanced at them indifferently and walked away. "Summer, stop right there!" Calvin's commanding voice rang out, but I didn't stop. Duffy wanted to turn back, but I gave him a light tap. "Don't bother with that pig. What are you looking at? Do you want him to bite you?" Duffy whimpered pitifully and nudged my leg with his head. I stroked his head and kept walking. I wasn't going to look back at that scumbag. That would never happen. Calvin seemed ready to chase after me, and Duffy got into full battle mode. But Emily's soft voice stopped him. "Cal, I think I'm having an allergic reaction again. It's so itchy." Phyllis gave me a worried glance, but I just shook my head and hailed a cab. She hadn't had an allergic reaction all that time she'd been in the police station with Duffy. But now her skin was just as "sensitive" as she was. … Back home, Duffy followed me inside, but I gently nudged him toward the door. Phyllis looked at me, clearly in a dilemma. "Summer, my son has settled down in Melyria, and he's asking me to come live with him." My grip tightened on Duffy's leash, which I was supposed to hand over. "Phyllis, I…" As a neighbor, she'd done so much for me. But if Duffy stayed with me, he might be sent away when I wasn't home one day. Phyllis patted Duffy's head and looked at me. "I know you're very attached to Duffy. You've raised him since he was a pup, after all. And do you need companionship right now. "But Summer, Calvin might send him away one day. You can have Duffy accompany me if you'd like that." I stood frozen, unable to speak. I knew she didn't have to do this, but she also didn't want to see an innocent life hurt. She didn't rush me and simply waited for my decision. As time ticked by, I made up my mind as I heard Duffy whimpering. "Phyllis, could you take him with you please? I'll cover the costs." "Can you bear to part with him?" I wiped my wet eyes and nodded firmly. "I can." It was better for Duffy to be with Phyllis. Duffy returned home with me that evening, and I cooked him a special meal. My cooking had never been great. No one had ever liked it except Duffy. That night, I held him on the couch and soaked his fur with my tears. "Duffy, there are so many people who've never left the country, but you're lucky. I'm giving you a bit of my luck. You have to take care. "Once you leave, I won't have any weaknesses anymore. I'll live better. I'll live longer."