Chapter 15 Playing With The Dog

Duke had fallen ill recently, and the responsibility of taking care of him had fallen on Tia’s shoulders. “Duke! You can’t have mashed carrots right now!” Tia shouted in the yard. Duke was a bit under the weather, but he still had a big appetite. Although Tia strictly forbade him from eating carrots, yet he managed to snatch one and dash out of the yard when she was not looking. Tia yelled in frustration and hurriedly chased after him. “Ack!” Tia chased Duke out of the yard and nearly bumped into someone at the gate. Fortunately, the person quickly reached out to support her, preventing her from falling. “Why are you running?” Aaron gave Tia a somewhat disdainful look. He released her and wiped his hands on his pants. Tia could not be bothered to deal with the man in front of her and squatted down to check on Duke’s condition. “You naughty boy, you never listen.” Tia gently stroked Duke’s head and neck. Duke stuck out his tongue lazily and lay down on the ground. “How’s Duke been these past few days?” Aaron asked. Tia did not even lift her head. “Everything else is okay, but he’s a bit lethargic, and he’s become pickier with his food.” “I’ve made an appointment with the clinic. I’ll take Duke to see the vet this afternoon, and you’re coming with me,” Aaron informed Tia. “What?” Tia, now realizing what he had said, looked in the direction Aaron had left. She then turned back to Duke, speaking to the dog, “Did he say I have to go to the vet with him? Oh god, if I have to be alone with that man, I’ll go crazy.” Duke whimpered twice, clearly not understanding Tia’s 'suffering'. Although Tia was not keen on going with Aaron, the man would certainly not allow her to refuse. The two of them took Duke to the clinic. The veterinarian conducted a thorough examination of Duke and asked about some living conditions, all of which Tia answered confidently. “You take good care of your dog. It’s clear that you’re a caring and gentle person,” the veterinarian smiled at Tia. Tia felt a bit shy. “Duke has always been strong. I haven’t really put in much effort.” “Were you the one taking care of the dog initially, sir?” the veterinarian asked Aaron. Aaron behaved politely. “Yes, a friend of mine had a dog that gave birth, and they gave me one of the puppies.” “In that case, it seems the dog has developed an attachment to you, sir. Though it appears that you rarely spend time playing with him.” The vet carefully chose his words. “This can have many negative effects on the relationship between a dog and its owner. You should make an effort to spend more time with your pet.” Aaron was stunned. He pursed his lips and said nothing. Duke seemed to understand a little bit and looked up at Aaron sorrowfully. “I’m just usually busy with work.” Aaron looked at Duke’s somewhat pitiful expression, and his expression became gentler. He raised his hand and touched Duke‘s head. “If you’re not quite sure how to play with him, you can ask your wife.” The veterinarian smiled as he looked at both of them. Tia immediately shook her head. “We’re not husband and wife. I’m just a maid in his house.” The vet looked somewhat embarrassed. “Oh? I’m sorry, I thought you two were a perfect match.” Tia forced a smile. Aaron, however, did not react at all Since the vet had given his advice, Aaron planned to take it seriously. He then made a last-minute arrangement to take Duke for a walk. Tia could not understand this at all. Duke seemed a bit resentful toward Aaron. Even though he was on a leash, he walked slowly and showed no enthusiasm. “Duke?” Aaron tried calling, but he did not get a response. Tia walked far behind them, merely observing Aaron and Duke. The two of them looked quite comical. “Does Duke have any favorite games?” Aaron suddenly stopped and turned to ask Tia. Tia was lost in thought. Upon hearing Aaron’s question, she thought for a moment. “Fetch. You throw a ball, and Duke goes and fetches it. If he brings it back within 30 seconds, you reward him. Duke loves this game.” “Fetch?” Aaron contemplated for a while. “Can we use these?” Tia looked at the bag of colorful balls with different textures inside the bag that Aaron had opened. “When’d you buy these?” Tia could not help but laugh. “Just now at the vet,” Aaron said expressionlessly. “The vet said dogs like playing with these balls.” “Alright. It’s just that Duke has always played with a tennis ball at home. I don’t know if he’ll like these new ones.” “We’ll know once we try.” Aaron picked up a ball and attempted to throw it. “Go fetch the ball, Duke.” Duke just lazily glanced at Aaron, then immediately turned around and lay down. He stuck out his tongue, showing no interest in his owner. Aaron had never encountered such an uncooperative 'partner' before. His awkwardness was evident even from his back while standing on the road. Tia burst into laughter. It seemed that Duke and her were partners in some aspects. Who would have thought that even Aaron could have moments of frustration? Tia’s disdain toward Aaron lessened a bit. “Duke!” Tia ran over, picked up the ball that had just been thrown, and waved at Duke from a distance. She shouted loudly, “Watch closely, let’s have a race to see who can fetch the ball first!” Duke perked up upon hearing Tia’s words. His eyes were gleaming and fixed on the ball in Tia’s hand. Tia counted to three and then threw the ball far away. Duke shot out like a rocket and quickly grabbed the ball before Tia could reach it. “Good boy!” Tia panted, satisfied as she watched Duke, who was now proudly holding the ball. “Duke’s the best. How about playing one more time?” As Tia threw the ball again, Duke went for it once more. Just then, a speeding car suddenly rushed toward Tia.