Chapter 19 - The Passing of Mr. Buttons
Mr. Buttons grew old and frail.
The golden retriever who had stayed by the estate since its coldest days.
One autumn afternoon, he lay under the old oak tree, his breathing heavy and labored.
The veterinarian arrived and slowly shook his head.
The entire family gathered around him.
Ethan stroked the graying fur.
Rosa sobbed quietly.
Lily buried her face into Mr. Buttons' back.
"Thank you," Ethan whispered. "Thank you for loving me even when I didn't deserve it."
Mr. Buttons weakly wagged his tail one last time, licked Lily's hand, and closed his eyes.
Peaceful and gentle.
They buried the dog right beside the roots of the oak tree.
Oliver personally carved a small wooden marker.
Mr. Buttons. The most loyal friend.
That night, the house felt terrifyingly quiet.
There was no sound of claws clicking against the hardwood floors.
Lily sat with her knees pulled to her chest on the sofa.
Ethan brought over two mugs of hot chocolate.
"It hurts so much, Daddy," Lily sobbed.
"I know," Ethan wrapped his arms around his daughter.
"Why do we have to love someone just to lose them?"
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"Because," Ethan said slowly. "The pain of loss is the price we have to pay for the gift of love."
And despite the pain, they all knew that gift was entirely worth it.
