Her guide dog became her constant companion after the loss of her sight in a serious road accident. They trusted each other completely, with Sara feeling a huge need to have Molly with her at every opportunity, trusting her explicitly.
It took a long time before she plucked up courage to venture out alone, but knowing the area in detail before the accident, helped her enormously to gain confidence.
She had plunged well into her thirties, seeking to become a competent lawyer, always passing exams with flying colours.
It was a terrible shock to learn she had almost completely lost sight in both eyes, causing severe depression, not able to carry out her duties at work or at home for a long time afterwards. She needed to come to terms with what had happened, accepting the fact she was blind, and the sooner the better. Then as she accepted the turmoil it caused in her life, would need to readjust and carry on regardless. In helping to overcome the trauma, she realized there were other people in the world far worse off than her, but still she was ill at ease with her condition, often slipping back into depression - until one day Molly was presented to her. From then on, they became the best of friends, her guide dog being indispensable in no time.
Although Molly was pre-trained beforehand, having a keen sense of everything around her, she soon became Sara's eyes, lifting her out of her deep-seated depression, learning fast what was asked of her.
Molly was a jet black Labrador, with a gentle loving nature, alert and always willing to carry out even the smallest of tasks. She was proving to be an important addition in Sara's life.
Apart from several close friends, she had never married, but it was another thing she needed to deal with, shrugging it off in order to rid herself of any self pity. There was no point in feeling sorry for herself, considering it a waste of time instead.
'Isn't that right Molly?'
Sara bent down, running a hand smoothly over her guide dog's satin-black coat and ears.
As the sun flickered through trees, their branches becoming heavier with the new season's bright green leaves, although she couldn't see them, she could feel Molly's ears pricked up with alertness. She had been chosen carefully, her personality matching Sara's perfectly.
Molly whimpered in answer, her tail waving backwards and forwards before Sara felt her stiffen slightly.
'What is it girl? Have you seen something that troubles you?'
She crouched down, laying her stick carefully on the ground before running both hands over the animal's fur sensing something was wrong, not knowing what it could possibly be, which puzzled her.
The day was warm with a gentle breeze, sun streaming down with genuine warmth now that spring was almost turning into summer. Trees rustled as children played not far away. Laughter could be heard from the playground nearby.
They often took a stroll in the park, a short distance from her apartment, mainly in the weekends. Sara was back at work full time and able to take Molly everywhere with her, now they were inseparable.
The apartment was in a small block of several flats built in the Victorian era, old and creaking. Floors were wooden, ceilings high, with Sara's apartment being on the first floor. Both she and Molly negotiated the staircase with ease and it was seldom they ventured out at night. There was a small lift which they used on occasion, but often preferred the exercise using the stairs, being good for Molly also.
Her friends came for supper from time to time, but mostly she was on her own with only Molly for company. Sara learned to read in braille, enjoying the books on offer at the local library. They both loved the outdoors, with a stroll in the park when the weather was conducive.
She looked around, trying to feel if anything was different. Her senses had become more intense, hearing and feeling both with her mind, intuition and natural intelligence.
She felt something was bothering Molly, but couldn't ascertain what it was.
They continued on hesitantly a little further until Sara stood still. 'Let's go home shall we Molly?' she suggested, feeling concerned. 'I think the sun has gone behind some clouds and the air is a little chilly.'
Her dog whimpered in reply, trembling slightly.
Although it was still warm and only mid afternoon, Sara couldn't help a cold shiver running down her spine. She was still worried about Molly's sudden reaction in the park and as they set off, felt her nuzzle more closely against her leg. Was it for protection? she wondered.
That night after listening to the television for a while, Sara decided to try reading in bed. She was still puzzled about Molly and fondled her head and furry ears before rising out of a soft leather chair.
Together they padded up the wooden staircase to her bedroom, as her apartment was on two levels. There was a direct main entrance door from a small landing into the sitting room, with her kitchen leading off that, an unusual swing door existing between the two rooms.
She lay in a hot bath, listening to some Beethoven, French horns sounding distinctly during a movement of his pastoral symphony. She always loved this piece of music, reminding her of the sweeping English countryside she could see before the accident, but not now.
She sighed when it was finished. 'Wasn't that simply beautiful Molly? Don't you just love the music evoking the countryside?'
Her dog sat up and barked once, causing Sara to laugh.
'So you are in full agreement? I am glad. I'm not the only one with problems you know. That composer had his fair share of anguish too. Imagine being that musical and talented to write what he wrote, but slowly going deaf - not being able to hear your own music?'
She glanced over to where she heard Molly panting gently. 'Do you know I was told, that after he conducted a new piece of music at a concert for the first time, had to be turned around to witness the applause. Life isn't fair at times, but we just have to grin and bear it - don't we my lovely girl?'
Another immediate bark came from Molly, then another.
Sara continued, smiling to herself while sweeping waves of water over her body. Molly listened quietly beside the bath tub, dark brown eyes always alert.
'Monet had trouble with his eyes, but thankfully had an operation which meant he could return to painting with normal colours again - and the cellist Jacqueline du Pre was struck down at the height of her career. I wasn't born when she played with such talent - put her whole heart and soul into her music I believe.'
After a long soak in the bath, Sara returned to her bedroom. The wooden floors were old and near the side of her bed a floorboard was broken, causing a severe dip over time, gradually becoming larger. She was used to dodging it with her stick feeling the hole, always stepping over it. She promised herself to have it repaired one day, but never got around to it. There were a few things like that, the latch on the walk-in pantry window being another.
She sat up in bed with a large book, slowly moving her fingers over the words, until eventually she became drowsy and slept. Molly lay beside her on the floor, comfortably snug on her own bed.
Soon after the clock downstairs struck one, immediately Molly sat up alert, ears pricked, a deep growl coming from her throat before placing her head lightly onto her front paws again, still listening.
A faint noise was heard downstairs causing her head to rise suddenly, another growl emanating from her chest. It immediately woke Sara, usually a deep sleeper.
'What is it Molly? What troubles you?' she asked in hushed tones.
She wasn't content to fall asleep again, but rather lay still listening.
Another noise was heard, this time alerting them both - a faint creaking that sounded like the swing door from the kitchen.
'There must be someone in my flat,' she whispered to Molly.
The room felt eerily cold, where dampness hung like cobwebs. She sensed they were still there from winter that lingered long this year.
Suddenly she heard more sounds coming from downstairs. Her breathing stopped as she strained her ears to listen, realizing it must be a man, as the footsteps on the stairs were too light for any woman's. Sara froze.
It was a harrowing experience, for now her whole being was threatened, her soul in torment. This was no time to be blind. Her breathing remained shallow, while her heart pounded like hammer blows against her chest. She strained her ears as she stood listening, but for the moment all she could do was try to think. If she screamed, alas it wouldn't be heard in the flat above. The man who lived there was a shift worker and would not be home until much later. The old lady below was almost deaf, and wouldn't hear a stampede of elephants through her rooms.
Sara's heart sank. She needed to think and fast, there was no time to lose. The sound of her bedroom door opening, frightened her beyond belief. For what seemed like hours, precious moments were slipping away. She ran to the door trying to secure it with something heavy. But what? There was no lock on it. Her chest of drawers was on the other side of the room and it was too late to shift it. With no lock, she stood thinking, fear rising within her, but nothing came to mind.
As footsteps were heard entering, making a slow shuffling noise, her legs felt weak under her, barely able to hold her up. She shook in utter fear wondering why Molly wasn't at her side barking.
She heard breathing, that smelt heavily of alcohol, making her recoil. She whirled around to face her intruder square on, feeling his eyes piercing her very soul.
'What do you want of me?' she asked timidly at first, becoming more defiant.
There was no answer but a stony silence.
'Why have you come here?
Sara felt his cold stare upon her and shivered with its intensity. All had gone quiet around her. More and more she experienced his cold hard stares. It mounted to a persecution never before experienced.
She lifted her chin again wondering where Molly was and why hadn't she made a move.
A strange sound of murmuring came from somewhere in front of her.
'What was that?' she asked shakily in a low voice, not realizing he was so close. She could still distinctly smell strong alcohol on his breath and recoiled in disgust. The heavy breathing claimed all her attention, causing her whole body to freeze rigid. She felt his scrutiny upon her wondering why he hadn't made a move to kill her, or even attack.
'What do you want and why are you here?' she asked again in a low desperate tone,' standing her ground.
Immediately she heard the man step closer. 'Sometimes I don't think I know you at all. I saw you in the park again today and wanted you there and then. I mean to make you mine.'
Sara was shocked and fell silent, trying to think on her feet quickly, at the same time feeling a sense of utter desperation.
'You know that isn't possible,' she answered, wondering if he was about to make a move towards her.
There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
'Why isn't it?
It was obvious he was not going to accept her answer.
She dared to reply. 'Because for one thing, I wish to live alone.'
'I could certainly help you there,' the voice leered.
It frightened her so much, she thought her legs would give way altogether. She shook so uncontrollably, then made a brave attempt to ask a question.
'How did you get in anyway?' Her face creased in a deep frown.
She heard a low snigger. 'The pantry window was ajar. You saw to that, making it easier for me. All I needed to do was find your room to claim you as mine. I'm good at climbing walls too.'
Sara shuddered knowing that catch should have been mended long ago. It was too late now, she thought.
'You have no right to me or my home,' she retorted, feeling his leering eyes and alcohol breath move over her again.
At that moment he made a sudden rush to grab her, but thankfully she anticipated his advance and stepped back avoiding his grasping arms. Immediately Molly leapt out from under the bed where she'd been waiting her chance, and flew at the man pinning him down briefly. But he was too large and powerful, soon overpowering her, pushing the snarling dog off him.
Sara screamed several times with horror, shaking uncontrollably, stepping back trying to find her stick she always carried. At first she couldn't find it, but feeling around frantically, soon picked it up to ward off her attacker.
Molly wasn't put off in the slightest and as she growled deeply waiting to pounce again, the man rushed at them, consequently falling into the hole where the broken floorboard still remained. He fell heavily, tripping over his own feet, crashing to the floor in front of them, cursing and swearing as he lay there unable to move. Molly whimpered as she bit into his hand, yelping with glee while causing the intruder immense pain - successfully pinning him down, sprawled across the floor.
At that moment an off-duty policeman walking home, heard the screams, and immediately followed them to Sara's apartment. He banged on the door furiously, thinking a murder was being committed.
Another man came racing up the stairs to join him. Tom, Sara's neighbour from the flat above, was returning home unusually early after his shift.
'What is it?' he asked anxiously, puffing and out of breath. 'What's going on?'
'That's what I'd like to know,' the policeman answered, banging on the door again.
Then it opened slowly. Sara stood there shaking so much she could barely speak.
The policeman stood back for a moment, taking in the girl's appearance. Although it was still dark, light from inside the apartment shone onto the young woman slumped against the open door. She was beautiful, then he noticed she appeared to be blind.
'Are you alright lady?' he enquired. 'I heard screams coming from here and came as quickly as I could. I'm a policeman, an off-duty one at that.' He showed her his identification, then realized she couldn't see it, so replaced it in his pocket.
Although Sara was still shaking uncontrollably holding her stick, her breathing coming in short gasps, she nodded slowly.
'Yes... I'm fine, but there's a man up there and I think he has broken his ankle, judging by the painful moans.'
She nodded in the direction of some stairs.
The policeman checked her appearance briefly. 'Oh dear! Did he attack you in any way? Is he still dangerous? I must...'
Sara gave a short laugh. 'Not now I don't think. My dog has seen to that.'
'I see! Would you mind if I take a look?'
Tom made a move to help, but the policeman put a restraining arm out first.
'Think I'd best see to this. But if you would wait here with Miss...?'He asked Sara her name, then proceeded up the stairs two at a time.
She almost collapsed at that moment and leaned against a wall, head lowered.
'May I get you some tea or something?' Tom asked, sympathetically, taking one look at her.
'Yes... thank you. That would help, or perhaps even a brandy.' She led the way to the kitchen with Tom following.
'But I'll manage,' she said, feeling for the kettle to fill.
Soon the policeman returned with her attacker in tow, moaning in obvious pain. He was handcuffed and limping badly, barely able to walk at all. Molly followed looking pleased with herself. She went over to rub against Sara's leg, enjoying the attention she received.
'I've already called for an ambulance and will need to go with him,' the policeman remarked.
He gave the man a small shove with his spare arm.
'No doubt he will be charged after being questioned and I'm sorry you have been put through this. Not a pleasant thing at all. Thank goodness you appear to be alright, apart from being badly shaken.'
Sara drew a deep breath. 'Yes, I am too, but it's over thanks to Molly here.'
She bent down to put her arms around her hero.
'Now I know why you hid under the bed and waited your chance. You sensed what was going to happen, didn't you, you clever dog? You waited until just the right moment to pounce.'
She laid her head down onto Molly, feeling very grateful. She felt her companion's loyalty, her tail wagging briskly.
'What would I do without you now, huh?'
The policeman sniffed and led the grunting man towards the front door to await the ambulance outside, beginning to moan in agony. Somehow no one was feeling any sympathy for him. He paused briefly before passing through it, turning to face Sara for the last time.
'It's a good thing that floorboard was broken,' he commented, giving a hint of a grin. 'I think it might have saved you from a very unpleasant experience.'
Before Sara could reply, Molly gave a loud bark.
'That's your answer,' she smiled, nodding towards Molly.
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