Alice, the dog, and the two sisters: Wellia and Malu

The photo captures the late afternoon. A quiet street, leaves on the ground, and the sun casting a sidelong glow.

Alice comes running—pink top, jeans, and a wide, open smile. Beside her is the dog she received as a gift. Tongue lolling, tail wagging, leash in her hand. A picture of pure lightness.

But behind this simple scene lies a family story.

The gift came from Wellia.

The mother. The town’s villain. A cold businesswoman with a hard gaze and a reputation for showing no mercy. Wellia gave the dog to Alice. Some say it was to "teach the girl responsibility." Others say it was to show that even a villain has a heart. No one knows for sure.

What everyone does know is that Alice gets along better with her Aunt Malu.

Malu is Wellia’s twin sister. Same face, different soul.

While Wellia closes contracts, Malu opens the kitchen door. While Wellia demands, Malu embraces.

It is at her aunt’s house that Alice shares her secrets. It is Malu who takes her for walks, buys the dog food, and teaches the dog its commands.

"Auntie, why is Mom like that?" Alice asks.

"Because your mother forgot how to be a child, sweetheart. But you won't forget."

And right there, on the walk shown in the photo, it all comes together.

The gift from the mother who doesn't know how to show affection.

The warmth of the aunt who knows how to care.

And Alice in the middle—growing, running, and choosing to live lightly, even with two such different women raising her.

The dog doesn't pick sides. He just wags his tail for both of them. And perhaps that is exactly what the household needs.

Because that’s what family is: twin sisters who are opposites, a girl in the middle, and a dog to remind us that love barks, too.