I Walked Away With His Dog

Under a popular Reddit thread titled Is there a couple whose breakup was actually better to watch than their relationship? I left a comment:

Oh, absolutely. My boyfriend and his ex. They share a Border Collie. After they split, my boyfriend kept the dog, but the ex constantly 'dog-naps' him in the middle of the night.

Last Christmas, she took the dog all the way back to her familys place in Vermont. My boyfriend was so panicked he blew off meeting my parents for the first time, jumped into his car, and drove five hours through a blizzard just to chase her down.

Her packages still get sent to our apartment because she 'forgets' to change her default address. Were talking lace lingerie and boxes of condoms delivered right to our door. Every single time, it drives my boyfriend absolutely insane.

I guess you could call them a toxic enemies-to-lovers ship.

A couple of users replied to me almost immediately:

Are you kidding? How do you even stomach that?

Using a dog as an excuse to mark her territory? Thats sick.

I smiled faintly, looking up at Luke and Nicola walking side-by-side ahead of me. It was supposed to be a rare afternoon for just the two of us, but because Nicola had texted saying she "missed her baby," it had morphed into an awkward group outing.

I looked down at my phone and slowly typed out my reply:

So, Im planning on leaving him.

1.

Luke and Nicola walked a few paces ahead of me. They stayed closeclose enough that their arms brushed occasionally as they swung. They seemed entirely oblivious to it, still laughing and bickering as they always had.

Just like they used to back in college.

I stepped on their shadows as I followed, a ridiculous thought suddenly slipping into my mind: If I were to quietly slip away right now, how long would it take Luke to notice I was gone?

Probably five hours.

Last month, when we took our Border Collie, Cooper, to the vet for his annual checkup, we "ran into" Nicola on the way. The two of them had walked ahead just like this, deeply engrossed in a discussion about Coopers healtheverything from his weight to whether we should have him neutered.

They looked like a divorced couple discussing the upbringing of their child.

I couldn't find a way into the conversation, so I just trailed behind them, keeping my distance. Eventually, a thick crowd of pedestrians separated us. The light turned green, and as people rushed past, someone bumped into me. I fell hard on the pavement, a sharp, white-hot pain shooting through my ankle.

I called out Lukes name. Ten times. Each louder than the last.

But he never turned around. He had one hand on Coopers leash, and the other was hovering protectively near Nicolas waist, guiding her through the crowd. They crossed the street, lost in their own world.

From two in the afternoon until seven in the evening.

For five hours, he had no idea how I had limped off the street, or how I had sat alone in the emergency room, swallowing down the pain while waiting for a cab.

All he knew when he got home was that Coopers lab work looked great and that the vet didn't recommend neutering him at his age.

When he finally saw me sitting on the couch, his only reaction was:

Oh, there you are. I figured youd just headed home early.

My disappearance was nothing more than a minor footnote in his afternoon.

Molly!

Luke suddenly turned his head and called out to me, snapping me back to the present.

Keep up. Dont go crying to my mom about this later.

After I sprained my ankle, Luke's mother had called him three days in a row to lecture him about his neglect. He was convinced I had run to her to play the victim.

I pressed my lips together and walked up to Lukes left side.

Nicola glanced at me, her smile bright and effortless. Hey, you look a little down, Molly. Dont overthink things, okay? Luke and I are completely incompatible as partners. I would never get back together with this idiot.

Shut up, Luke scoffed, though there was no real heat in it. Who are you calling an idiot?

They kept bickering, their eyes bright with a familiar, shared amusement.

Am I wrong? Cooper is a boy, and you put him in that ridiculous pink fleece coat. Youve lost your mind.

The air went still for a second.

Luke didn't snap back this time. Instead, he stole a cautious glance at me.

I bought that coat, I said quietly.

Nicolas smile didnt falter, though her expression cooled. Oh.

And I bought the leash youre holding, too, I added.

Whenever we took Cooper out, Nicola always found some excuse to take the leash from me. When she held it, her movements were so practiced, so maternal, that she looked like the dog's true owner.

It left me looking like an awkward acquaintance who had just been invited along to fill space.

Luke cleared his throat and handed a frisbee to Nicola. While she walked ahead to toss it for Cooper, he turned to me, his brow furrowed in frustration.

Why do you have to make things so tense? he whispered. She barely gets to see the dog. Why do you have to pick a fight over a leash?

Barely gets to see him?

I stared down at the tips of my sneakers, my throat tightening. She came by to drop off dog food last week and stayed in our living room for three hours. The week before that, she spent twenty-five minutes in our entryway picking up a package. And thirty-five days ago, she snuck in at two in the morning to 'borrow' him. We were half-naked in bed, Luke. We had to scramble for our clothes like we were the ones getting caught in an affair.

I looked up at him. Does every single time have to be a special exception?

Luke took a deep, sharp breath. Molly, how old are you? Can you please be a little more mature about this?

We went to college together. We share professional contacts. Are we supposed to act like complete strangers just because we broke up?

Besides, she promised she wouldn't come over in the middle of the night anymore. She raised Cooper for two years. Wanting to check in on him is completely normal.

Normal.

An ex-girlfriend who sneaks in at midnight, sends her lingerie to our address for two years, and leaves a lipstick or an earring behind almost every time she visitshe called that normal.

I had tried to set boundaries so many times. But Luke always had an excuse ready.

I was overreacting. I was too sensitive. It wasnt like they were going to get back together.

Every single defense was mounted for Nicolas sake. And the only thing expected of me was to be "the cool, understanding girlfriend."

But if I was really just overreacting, why did my chest feel like it was collapsing?

A few yards away, Nicola called out to Cooper as he ran back with the frisbee.

Come to Mommy, sweet boy!

That wordMommyhad felt like a physical splinter lodged in my throat for the past two years. It had defined the entire span of my relationship with Luke. Sometimes, it made me feel like an intruder in a family they had already built.

And yet, after they broke up, it was Luke who had pursued me.

A college-aged couple walked past us on the trail. They paused, their eyes darting between me, Luke, and Nicola. After a moment, the girl gasped in recognition.

Wait, are you guys the legendary debate couple from State U? I used to watch your tournament videos online!

Oh my god, her boyfriend chimed in. I cant believe you guys are still together. Did you get married?

My favorite college ship is actually endgame!

Luke and Nicola didnt correct them. They just shared a soft, nostalgic laugh.

They had been broken up for four years, yet to the rest of the world, their chemistry was still so obvious that I was practically invisibleeven while wearing a jacket that matched Luke's.

A profound, exhausting wave of emptiness washed over me. I felt like a prop in their play.

Swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth, I took a step forward.

They broke up years ago, I said, my voice cutting through their quiet laughter. Im Lukes girlfriend.

I looked at the two of them and forced a cold smile. But honestly, the way they still cling to each other? Its pretty pathetic.

2.

I didn't wait to see their reactions.

I threw out a quick, bitter "Have fun with your little family," turned on my heel, and walked away.

I walked as fast as I could, desperate to put distance between myself and their stares. I wanted to get out of sight before the tears spilled over, before the sob catching in my throat broke free.

I wanted to keep at least a shred of my dignity intact.

My phone suddenly buzzed in my hand.

My heart skipped a beat. Is it Luke? Is he calling to apologize?

With shaking fingers, I pulled up the screen. When I saw the caller ID, a bitter, self-deprecating laugh escaped me.

Jesus, Molly. What were you even hoping for?

I took a deep breath, composed my voice, and answered.

Molly, sweetie, Lukes mother said, her voice warm and maternal. Are you two coming over for dinner tonight? I made that pot roast you love.

Helen, I

The words caught in my throat. I couldn't bring myself to tell her we were breaking up.

Helens health wasnt good. Last month, when she found out Luke had left me to deal with my sprained ankle alone, she had worked herself into such a state that her hands wouldn't stop shaking.

She often reminded me that if I hadn't been there to perform CPR when she had her heart attack in the middle of the street a few years ago, she wouldn't be here today.

I had never expected that the sweet woman I saved would turn out to be Luke's mother. That chance encounter had ultimately paved the way for my four-year unrequited crush to become a reality.

When Luke and I started dating, Helen had been overjoyed.

She remembered the birthdays Luke forgot. She offered the quiet, gentle warmth that Luke never seemed to have copy-pasted for me. My boyfriend spent all his energy defending another woman, but his mother always stood firmly in my corner.

Helen, I don't think I can make it tonight. I have some work stuff I need to wrap up.

She sighed softly, reminding me to rest and not push myself too hard.

Listening to her gentle voice, I bit my lip as tears silently tracked down my face. They tasted hot and incredibly salty.

This is it, I thought. Its over.

I took a cab back to the apartment we shared and began packing my things in silence.

We had lived together for a year and a half, but the apartment was practically a museum of Nicolas presence. Her claw clip still sat on the edge of the bathroom sink. A package containing a size-medium lace underwear setwhich she claimed was sent to our address by mistakewas still sitting on the counter.

She had slowly, methodically invaded my life, and Luke had let her. Or rather, he had refused to see it.

Just as I zipped my suitcase, the front door clicked open. Luke walked in, Cooper trotting in behind him.

Luke's face was set in a cold, hard stare.

Give me your phone.

What?

Molly, dont play dumb with me!

He shoved past me, knocking my suitcase to the floor, and grabbed my purse, tearing through it to find my phone. He was frantic.

He was moving so violently that the metal buckle of my bag sliced a long, red line across my forearm. I stared at the blood welling up, momentarily stunned by the pain.

Are you insane? What is wrong with you?

What's wrong with me?

He finally pulled out my phone, unlocked it, and shoved the screen directly into my face.

Look at what you did! Look at the mess you made!

Nicola is being absolutely dragged online because of you! Do you have any idea what people are saying to her?

On the screen was the Reddit thread I had commented on hours ago. My response had skyrocketed to the very top of the thread, racking up thousands of upvotes and replies.

Almost every single comment was calling Nicola out.

A good ex acts like theyre dead. What is her problem?

This is disgusting. How does she have the nerve?

Lukes voice was actually trembling. The sheer, protective agony he felt for Nicola was written all over his face.

People found her Instagram. Her comments are flooded with hate, and her DMs are even worse. Molly, were you trying to ruin her life?

I stood there, looking at him.

I slowly wiped the blood from my arm with a tissue and shrugged. Did I say a single thing that wasn't true?

Luke blinked, momentarily speechless.

I looked him dead in the eye. Tell me, Luke. Which part of that post was a lie?

Do you want to know why people found her account? Because she put herself out there. She earned every single bit of this.

Lukes brow furrowed, and he opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off, my voice rising to a shout.

Shut up! Just shut up and listen to me!

My hands were shakingnot from the cut on my arm, but from a tidal wave of pure, unadulterated rage. The dam had finally cracked, and I was done holding it back.

Weve been together for two years. She has come to this apartment fifty-four times, and every single time, she posts something about it on social media.

Last Christmas, my parents were waiting to meet you. You promised youd be there. Do you remember where you actually were?

Luke shifted his weight, a brief flash of guilt crossing his eyes.

I let out a harsh, watery laugh.

You ignored my calls. You ignored my texts. I had to sit there in front of my family, making up pathetic excuses about how busy you were, telling them you were on your way.

But you weren't busy, were you? You were driving through a snowstorm to chase Nicola down. You even stayed to eat Christmas dinner with her family.

Do you know what it felt like when I saw her post on Instagram? A photo of the three of you with the caption: 'Our little family, finally back together.'

Now shes getting mean comments online, and youre ready to burn the world down to protect her.

But when, Luke? When were you ever going to protect me?

He slowly set my suitcase back upright. His breathing was heavy, but he didn't look at me.

I sank onto the floor, burying my face in my knees. If youre still so in love with her, why didnt you just stay with her? Why did you have to drag me into this?

Cooper trotted over, whining softly as he licked the palm of my hand.

Luke stood over me, silent for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he held out my phone.

I deleted the post. It was getting out of hand.

You

He hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something else, but he never got the chance. His phone rang, and the sound of Nicolas muffled sobbing on the other end instantly snapped him to attention.

Her heads in a really bad place right now. I need to go check on her, he said, his voice tense.

Molly, stay here. Wait for me to get back, and well figure this out.

I didn't say a word. I just kept my face pressed against Cooper's soft fur.

Just before the front door clicked shut, I asked quietly, Since you saw the thread, I assume you saw my reply to the comments too, right?

He didn't answer. The heavy thud of the door was his only response.

I took the silence as his agreement. We were over.

3.

I had no idea when Luke would return.

After New Years, we had gotten into a massive fight over Cooper. Luke had spent half the night smoking on the balcony, and the very next morning, he packed Cooper up and took him to Nicolas place.

Within a week, Cooper had gotten hurt twice and ended up running away.

That day, I had been caught in a downpour, running around the neighborhood looking for the dog until my fever spiked to 102 degrees. But the second Luke heard Cooper was missing, he grabbed his coat and bolted.

He searched all night. When he finally came home, he was covered in the distinct scent of Nicolas perfume.

I didn't know how long hed be gone this time.

I sent a text to Helen, asking if she could watch Cooper for a few days. Within minutes, she called.

Molly, are you and Luke really that busy with work? she asked, sounding confused. He told me he had to go out of town for a conference, too.

I froze, then let out a quiet, hollow laugh.

It seemed Luke and I shared one final, tragic piece of synergy. The excuse he had used to go comfort Nicola was the same one he always used: a business trip.

A seven-day trip.

After a few polite words, I hung up the phone. I filled Coopers automatic feeder to the brim and made sure his water bowl was overflowing.

As if sensing something was wrong, Cooper tugged gently at the hem of my jeans, looking up at me with wide, soulful eyes.

I forced myself to look away and gently nudged him back.

Im not your mom, Cooper, I whispered.

I grabbed my suitcase, opened the door, and didn't look back.

I checked into a cheap motel near my office. For the next week, I threw myself into my work, finalizing my resignation and wrapping up my remaining projects.

My text thread with Luke was a ghost town. The last message from me was a week old: What do you want for dinner?

I scrolled up, reading through our history. Nearly every exchange was a monologue. I would send him photos of interesting clouds, or snapshots of my lunch.

He never replied to those.

The only times he text-bothered to type a response was when I mentioned taking his mother to her doctors appointmentswhich earned a brief Thanksor when I asked about buying Cooper a new toywhich got a Whatever you think.

But his texts with Nicola were entirely different.

She would text him to remind him of Coopers vaccine schedule, or send him old photos of Cooper as a puppy at two in the morning with captions like: Miss him so much. Cant sleep.

He always wrote back.

Sometimes a simple Yeah, sometimes Get some rest, and sometimes they would chat for hours.

I remember my fingers shaking the day I had confronted him with those messages.

Luke had just shrugged, completely unfazed. Go ahead and read them. Show me where we talked about anything other than the dog.

And he was right. They hadn't.

But Cooper was the invisible thread that kept them bound together, and I was the one caught in the middle, slowly suffocating.

My phone vibrated. It was a text from Luke.

Has Cooper been good? Did you put Neosporin on that cut on your arm? Don't let it get infected.

He didn't even know I had moved out. He had no idea the cut had already scabbed over.

He was too busy being active in Nicolas Instagram comments. He had spent the last week taking her to therapy appointments and driving her to the beach to clear her head. He was even fighting with trolls in her comments section:

Who says exes cant be friends? Grow up.

Ive screenshotted all these comments. If the harassment doesn't stop, we will be pursuing legal action.

I stared at the ceiling of my motel room, my mind completely blank.

I opened our chat and typed out a question: When you first asked me out, was it because you actually liked me? Or did you just think I was a safe, convenient option?

I stared at the words for a long time. Then, letter by letter, I deleted them.

It didn't matter anymore. The answer wouldn't change where we were.

On my very last day of work, my phone started ringing off the hook. Lukes name kept flashing across the screen.

After the fifth call, I finally picked up.

The background was a chaotic mess of static and Nicolas hysterical sobbing. Then came Lukes voice, sounding completely drained of life.

Molly, you need to get to the vet hospital right now. Cooper is dying.