Gerda’s front paw was unnaturally bent, and with every movement, the dog held back its pain. Shock. Worry.
This hadn’t happened in the morning. Gerda was perfectly healthy. They had gone for a walk together before leaving. How could this have happened?
Sofia turned abruptly to the guests:
— Did anyone see what happened to Gerda?
Silence. Then — a timid voice from the back:
— I… I saw. She approached your future husband, and he… hit her. Hard.
Sofia froze. The groom turned pale, trying to say something, but he couldn’t get the words out.
At that moment, everything became clear to her. She remembered small details: how Gerda never approached him, how she would get angry when the dog sat between them on the couch. But she hadn’t paid attention to it.
Now, everything made sense.
Sofia lifted her head. She spoke loudly, clearly, with a voice that trembled slightly, but was determined:
— The wedding will not take place.
A deafening silence. The guests couldn’t believe their ears. And she was already holding Gerda in her arms, despite the dirty, torn white dress.
— I’m taking her to the vet.
She left without looking back. At first, everyone remained still. Then — they began to applaud. Impressed by her strength. By her choice. By her love.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the events or the portrayal of the characters and are not liable for any misinterpretations. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed belong to the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
