July 2026 – Page 4 – Road

Retired lady discovers an injured dog – the encounter changes her lifeShe decided to nurse the dog back to health, and in doing so discovered a new purpose that revitalized her days.

Agnes Whitaker was trudging home from the chemist, her thoughts fixed on one thing getting back to the

The teacher snatched the girl’s phone, unaware her dad was already on his way to school.

I’m going to call my dad, the little girl in the front row said, clutching her phone to her chest

“‘If you can live here a month without turning into a monster,’ he warned, walking out for another. Three years later, his trembling hands produced a ring.”

28September The suitcase was already propped against the front door, and on the stove the beef stew with

– Shut up, you scruffy country bumpkin! – the husband shouted at Vika. She smiled in silence, and by morning the husband had lost his job, his wife and his flat.

At the long banquet table the air was thick with expensive dishes and a smug selfsatisfaction.

The teacher seized the girl’s phone, not realizing her father was already on his way to school.

Ill call my dad, whispered Evelyn, the girl in the front row, and pressed the phone to her chest as if

Flat sold with resident cat, heirs announce, and slash the priceThe new buyers, charmed by the feline’s regal demeanor, eagerly signed the contract, delighted to find the reduced price includes a lifetime supply of premium cat food.

Rachel Morgan, the estateagent, hung up and stared at her mobile for a few seconds as if the device itself

— Keep quiet, you shaggy countryside farm! — He shouted at Vicky. She smiled in silence, and by morning he’d lost his job, his wife, and his flat.

At the long family dining table the room felt cramped with expensive dishes and a smug sense of selfimportance.

“‘I’ll support you and help you,’ promised the 52‑year‑old gentleman — and I soon regretted giving him more than just my heart.”

Ill always be there for you, Ill help you out, he promised, his voice steady. I didnt realise how quickly

Heirs say the flat comes with a cat – and they’ve slashed the price.

The estate agent Margaret Collins hung up the phone and stared at the handset for a few seconds, as if

“‘I’ll support you and help you,’ promised a 52‑year‑old man. I soon regretted giving him more than just my heart.”

Ill be there for you, Ill help you, I said, and I meant it at least, thats how I told myself.