Every Last Breath (20 page)

In a strange way the emptiness inside left as she recognized the body. 

Maggie walked back to her car as if she had wings. Her future would be free from the madness Jack had thrust upon her. The struggle was over. It was finally over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Ben cradled Vala as if she were his child. Maggie stood at the hatchback and opened the door for what would be the last time. Ben placed the dog in the back, her breathing slow and calm. The tears fell harder as Maggie collapsed into the front seat. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing Vala. Backing away pulled at her heart. Suffocated by memories that she’d forever hold dear, Maggie closed her eyes as they drove to the vet’s office. This would be the hardest goodbye she’d ever had to say.

For days prior, Vala existed solely on meds that left her incontinent and lethargic. She would not recover— she simply existed. Her presence in the house was more of a quiet observer, and a constant reminder of the beauty that once was. Unable to lift up her head, Eli had stayed by the dog. He didn’t understand that she was dying or that she would be leaving the family. Maggie showed him pictures of local puppies and told him that Vala got sick and needed to live with the doctor to keep her safe.

Maggie’s voice was riddled with guilt and sadness as her little boy hugged her tight. “It’s okay mommy. Love will make her all better.”

She couldn’t look at her without crying. Her eyes had been red and there were only hours left. Vala fought hard. She had recovered from the incident, enough to live another year.

As they drove up the mountain Maggie looked for the turn off that she took to work. Klaus had come to say goodbye. Vala was nestled in the corner when her trainer came by. With tired, heavy, lethargic eyes, her quiet spirit was soothed by his visit. And that was it.

The veterinarian invited them during lunch, so the office would be quiet and still. Ben placed the dog on the floor and sat beside Maggie, holding her hand.

“You’re such a good girl Val. The sweetest, loving girl,” Maggie cried.

The reminder that she was still alive because of this dog, was one that would never fade. The Vet explained the series of shots, and how long it would take. “There can be some involuntary movements, but she will slip away peacefully.”

“Do you need some time to say goodbye.”

Maggie wiped her eyes. “No. She is ready to go. I’ve held on to her way too long.”

She looked down at the white beauty. Vala sat still, almost inviting the release. The Vet knelt beside the dog and reached into his pocket for the injection. This can happen fast. And I need to warn you. There could be some residual muscle spasms, causing her body to move once the heart stops.”

Ben took photos of her. “Bye sweetie. Bye Vala,” he said.

“Maggie shook her head and then slid off the chair. “Wait I want to hold her paws while she goes.”

The Vet injected the solution as Maggie pet her head. Vala’s eyes closed and within seconds she was gone. “I think she’s already gone.” He said as he placed the stethoscope on her side and sighed. “I’ve never seen a dog so ready to go.”

Maggie shook her head. “She was in a lot of pain. She was ready.”

“It would appear that way,” Ben sank to the floor and pet her head. “She stayed alive to protect you. She lived for you and Eli.”

The door to the exam room opened and they pulled Vala away. Maggie watched as the dog’s lifeless body was taken from the room. The office seemed completely quiet. Maggie sat there with her head in her hands. “She was only five. She had so much more life.”

“She loved you Maggie. She gave her life up for you?”

“I know,” she sobbed as he held her in a tight embrace. “That makes it so much harder.” She voice trembled. “If I hadn’t needed her to protect me, she could have had a normal life.”

“But that was her life. She was bred for protection. She didn’t know any other way of living.”

If the traits of Maggie seem similar to your thinking patterns, please talk with someone who knows about anxiety, PTSD or domestic violence.

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