Finally, I managed to speak, almost like I was in a daze. “B-Buddy’s dead. Chelsea kicked him to death…She…She killed Buddy! I wish I could make her pay for what she did—how could I possibly apologize?!”
“What did you just say?”
Alexander froze for a moment, his expression shifting as he noticed Buddy’s still body lying in the blood. The same dog who had once risked everything to save us.
“Buddy!”
I saw a flash of pain in Alexander’s eyes, but he didn’t push me to apologize to Chelsea. Instead, he turned to her, his gaze growing cold.
“Chelsea, why did you kick Buddy to death?”
“I...” Chelsea, used to being coddled by him, now looked panicked at his sudden harshness. But just as quickly, she returned to her helpless act.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to...” She shook her head, tears streaming down her face as if she were the one who’d been hurt.
“I was in pain, trying to find you. Then Buddy jumped on me, barking and biting. I was so scared, I just... pushed him down the stairs! I never thought he’d die! I swear I didn’t want to hurt him!”
Her sobs grew more dramatic, making it hard for her to speak clearly.