Linda, my stepmother, had always been particular about appearances. But this? This was a new low, even for her. Granddad had silently borne her small cruelties ever since Grandma died, never raising his voice or protesting, always quick to appease. Until now.

This quiet rebellion was unlike him. But when it came to Penny, the little puppy he had rescued from a storm drain, something changed. Penny was the first thing that had made him smile again since Grandma passed away. Her boundless energy and unconditional love seemed to breathe life back into him.