Olivia Harper has been living alone for several years in a modest cottage on the outskirts of the village of Littleford. Yet when anyone teases her about being on her own, she laughs and retorts, What? No, Im not alone at all I have a big family! The neighbouring farmers smile and nod, while some of the townsfolk roll their eyes behind her back, twirling a finger at their temple as if to say, Shes a bit daft, she calls a bunch of animals a family. Olivia, however, does not care about those whispers. In her view, a family can be made up of any creatures she keeps, not just a husband or children.
She has five cats and four dogs, and, contrary to the neighbors expectations, they all live inside the cottage rather than out in the yard where they belong. The locals keep their opinions to themselves, knowing that trying to reason with the eccentric is pointless; she simply chuckles and says, Oh, stop it, the street can wait were happy here together.
Five years ago, Olivias husband and teenage son were killed in a single tragic accident. They were returning from a fishing trip when a laden lorry swerved into the opposite lane on the M1 and collided with their car. After that day, Olivia cant stay in the flat where every room reminds her of her lost loved ones, nor can she walk the same streets and shop at the same stores without feeling the sting of sympathetic glances. Six months later she sells the flat, packs up her cat Misty, and moves to a small house on the edge of Littleford. In the summer she tends a garden; when winter arrives she finds work in the village community centres kitchen.
One by one, she brings her animals home. Some had been begging for scraps at the train station, others had wandered into the kitchen looking for leftovers. Thus her big family of kinspirited souls, all once alone and scarred, comes together under her roof. Olivias warm heart heals their hidden hurts, and they return that love in kind. There is enough love and warmth for everyone, and, though money is tight, there is enough food to keep them all fed.
Olivia knows she cant keep bringing stray animals home forever, and she repeatedly promises herself she will stop. In March, after a spell of sunny days, Februarys cold snaps back, laying a sharp snow over the lanes, sending late pedestrians scrambling home, and howling a bitter wind at night.
She hurries to catch the last evening coach, a sevenhour service that will take her back to Littleford. With two days of the weekend ahead, she stops after work to stock up on provisions for herself and her furry family, also picking up a few parcels from the community kitchen, so both of her arms are loaded with heavy bags.
Remembering her promise, Olivia tries not to look around, focusing on the pets waiting at home to warm her thoughts. But, as an old saying goes, the heart has eyes of its own, and it makes her pause just ten metres from the bus. A dog lies beneath a bench. Its stare is vacant, almost glassy, and its body is already dusted with snow. Passersby rush by, bundled in scarves and hoodies, yet no one seems to notice.
Olivias heart clenches painfully; she forgets the coach and her vow. She drops her bags, runs to the bench, and reaches for the dog. It blinks slowly.
Thank heavens youre alive! she exhales. Come on, sweetheart, get up, follow me
The dog doesnt move, but it doesnt resist either as Olivia lifts it from under the bench. It seems almost indifferent, as if ready to leave this harsh world.
She cant later recall how she manages to drag herself, two heavy bags, and the dog to the bus station building. Inside, she settles in the far corner of the waiting room, vigorously stroking the thin, shivering creature, warming its frostbitten paws in her hands.
Come on, love, pull yourself together. We still have a way to go home. Youll be our fifth dog that makes the numbers even, Olivia whispers.
She pulls a small meat patty from her bag and offers it. At first the dog turns its nose up, but after a little warming, it decides to stay, its eyes brightening, nostrils flaring, and it takes the bite.
An hour later, the coach has long since left. Olivia fashions a makeshift leash from her belt, though the dog, now named Molly, already follows her, pressed close to her legs.
Ten minutes later, much to her surprise, a car pulls over and a driver opens the door.
Oh, thank you! Dont worry, Ill seat the dog on my lap, she wont make a mess, Olivia chatters.
No problem, the driver replies. Let her sit on the seat, shes not that small anyway.
Molly cuddles against Olivia, still trembling, and somehow fits on her lap.
Its warmer this way, Olivia smiles.
The driver nods, glances at the makeshift collar, and turns up the heater. They drive in silence, Olivia holding the nowcozy Molly, watching the snowfall flash past the headlights.
The driver steals occasional glances at Olivias calm profile, the woman clutching the rescued dog. He realises shes taking the animal home. She looks a little tired, but content and happy.
He drops them off at her cottage and steps out to help with the bags. The snow is piled high, and the old gate is stuck; the rusted hinges give way, and the gate collapses onto its side.
Never mind that, Olivia sighs. Its about time I repaired it.
From inside the house comes a chorus of barking and meowing. Olivia hurries to the door, swings it open, and her entire pack pours out into the yard.
Well, look whos finally back! Im here, Im not going anywhere! Meet the newest member, she announces, laughing.
Molly peeks shyly from behind Olivias legs. The other dogs wag their tails, sniffing at the bags the driver still holds.
Oh, dont just stand there, Olivia says, Come inside if youre not scared of our big family. Want some tea?
The driver carries the bags inside but declines to enter.
Its getting late, Ill be on my way. You feed them, theyve been waiting for you, he says.
The next afternoon, a knock sounds on the cottage wall. Olivia throws on her coat and finds the driver from yesterday kneeling by the broken gate, tools spread out, new hinges in hand.
Good afternoon! I broke your gate yesterday, so I came to fix it, he says, introducing himself. Im Victor, and you are?
Olivia, she replies.
The tailwagging family sniffs at the newcomer, curious. He crouches, petting them gently.
Olivia, dont dawdlego inside. Ill be done soon, and I wont turn down a cup of tea. Theres also a slice of cake in the car and a few treats for your big family.
