Chapter 4

"Ludo was always so gentle.

"I could only feed it leftovers and had to bathe it myself.

"It never minded, nuzzling up against my hand instead.

"I often wondered if heaven had sent it to fill the void Lucas left, to keep me company.

"The little girl often came by to visit Ludo, bringing it snacks.

"She always seemed awkward around me and would bolt the moment she spotted me.

"It wasn't until later that I figured out she was feeling guilty.

"Ludo got sick, and she couldn't pay for its treatment, so she had to leave it behind.

"By…