Free The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

said.
    “Good riddance,” Betty said.
    “You poor thing,” Avery cooed to the dog. “I’ll bet you’re hungry.”
    Betty just stared at her granddaughter and the dog. She wanted to tell Avery in no uncertain terms that the dog was not welcome in her home. But Avery looked so happy and hopeful that Betty just couldn’t bring herself to say those words. Not yet anyway. Besides, there wasn’t much they could do about the situation tonight. The animal shelter would probably be closed by now. And Betty didn’t like to drive after dark anyway. She would deal with the dog tomorrow.
    “Don’t forget to call your parents,” Betty said as she headed back to the kitchen to make a salad.
    While Betty was in the kitchen, she overheard Avery talking on the phone. She could tell she was talking to her mother and that it wasn’t an easy conversation.
    “I want to stay here for Christmas,” Avery said. There was a long pause, and Betty imagined what Stephanie was probably saying to her daughter. So often she had used accusatory words, negativity, blame, and guilt to pressure her daughter into complying with her wishes. Betty had witnessed these awkward conversations before. But because Stephanie wasn’t her daughter and Betty had no actual blood relation to Avery, she had always kept her mouth shut. Still, it had troubled her. It seemed unhealthy. And sad.
    “I’m a grown-up,” Avery said. “And I can—” She was obviously cut off again. No surprises there. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mother. Merry Christmas to you!” There was a loud bang as Avery slammed the receiver down. Good thing that old phone was tough.
    “My mother is a moron,” Avery said as she joined Betty in the kitchen. “Man, something smells really good in here.” She peeked in the oven. “Mac and cheese?”
    “Yes. I was hankering for some.”
    Avery smacked her lips. “All right.”
    “So . . . how are your parents?” Betty asked with hesitation.
    “I don’t know about Gary. But my mom is as messed up as ever.”
    “I’m sure they’ve been worried about you.”
    “My mom is more worried about how it looks to have a missing daughter.” Avery began to imitate her mother. “‘Oh dear, what will people think if Avery is still AWOL at Christmas? It will completely ruin our hallowed Christmas celebrations if Avery doesn’t show up looking like the perfect little princess daughter. Oh my, we must keep up appearances.’”
    Betty smiled. Avery actually did sound a lot like Stephanie. Not that Betty intended to say as much.
    “I gave the dog some food, Grandma. But he hasn’t even touched it. Do you think he’s okay?”
    “I have no idea. I’ve never had a dog before.”
    “Me neither. But he’s so sweet. If he really doesn’t belong to Jack, I think I’ll keep him.”
    As they set the table together, Betty wanted to point out how unrealistic Avery’s adopt-a-dog plan was, but she decided to hold her tongue for now. Of course, the dog would need to go to the animal shelter tomorrow. But Betty would see to that. In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to postpone that conversation. And Avery seemed so happy tonight, chatting cheerfully as they ate dinner. Betty felt there was no sense in hurrying up what would surely come as a disappointment later.
    While Avery was cleaning up the dinner things, the phone rang. Betty always had a tendency to jump when the phone rang. Maybe it was because she didn’t get that many calls in the evening. Or maybe it was just an old reaction from a time when a ringing phone could bring bad news. But she hurried to pick up the extension in the hallway, out of the noise of the kitchen.
    “Hi, Mom.”
    “Oh, Gary.” Betty smiled as she sat in the straight-backed chair. “It’s so nice to hear your voice.”
    “You too. I hear that Avery paid you a surprise visit.”
    “Yes, she’s here. And I’m thoroughly enjoying her.”
    “I’m sure she’s enjoying you too.” There was a pause, and Betty