Noticing that after her mother-in-law’s visit to the cottage, the dog was growling at the garden beds, Emily, amidst her husband’s chuckles, decided to weed them. But digging deeper, she froze in shock at what she uncovered… 

The day was easing into evening as the sun dipped behind the pine trees, painting the sky in soft peach hues. Emily, in a light cotton dress with a delicate floral pattern, smiled at Margaret, escorting her to the garden gate.

The air was rich with the scent of blooming lilacs and freshly cut grass. Max, a large dog with intelligent, loyal eyes, wagged his tail at Emily’s feet, glancing between his new owner and her guest.
“Well, Margaret, there’s the taxi,” Emily said, spotting the car rounding the corner.

She always felt a touch of nerves around her mother-in-law. Margaret, a woman of strict principles, visited the countryside cottage with an inspecting eye. She’d survey the garden, assess the house’s cleanliness, and comment on Emily’s cooking.

Yet, despite her firmness, her eyes always glowed with love and concern for her son.
“Thank you, Emily,” Margaret replied, adjusting her thin-framed glasses. “I had a wonderful day. James is a gem for buying this place. And you’ve done a lovely job making it your own. The table was set beautifully—I can’t remember the last time I ate so well.”
“How do you manage it all? A schoolteacher, yet it’s like you were born in the country.”
Emily smiled shyly.
“Oh, Margaret, it’s all simple and from the heart. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
She stole a glance at her husband, who stood on the porch, leaning against the railing, watching them with a smile.

James, tall and broad-shouldered with a mop of unruly dark hair, was her ideal of a true man. The taxi pulled up, kicking up a small cloud of dust. The driver, a young man in a blue cap, stepped out and opened the back door.
“Time for me to go,” Margaret sighed. She turned to Emily and extended her hand. “Thank you again, dear. Take care of James.”

Emily smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. She always wanted to please her mother-in-law and build a good relationship, and it seemed she was succeeding.
“Of course,” Emily replied, squeezing her hand.

As the taxi disappeared around the bend, Emily let out a relieved sigh. With her mother-in-law gone, the cottage felt lighter, brighter. James, pleased with his mother’s visit, headed inside to finish watching an intriguing movie on TV.

Emily decided to tend to the garden. Max nuzzled her leg, sensing her mood, and she crouched to pat his shaggy head. Not long ago, the dog had been a wounded, frightened stray found by the roadside.

Emily nursed him back to health, showering him with care, and Max repaid her with boundless loyalty. James had initially grumbled, calling the dog a burden, but eventually accepted him. Max followed Emily everywhere, tail wagging joyfully.

He sniffed every blade of grass, perked up at the birds’ chirping, and chased sunbeams dancing in the air. Everything was calm until Max froze by a strawberry patch. He growled fiercely, digging at the soil with his claws.

Emily was puzzled. Max had never acted this way at the cottage. He was usually calm and steady.
“Buddy, what’s wrong? What’s there?” she asked, stepping closer and raking the patch. Max kept growling, eyes fixed on the ground, as if trying to unearth something.
“Show me,” Emily said, trying to pull him away, but he resisted.
“Alright, let’s see,” she sighed, determined to find out what had upset her pet. She knelt and inspected the soil.

Nothing seemed unusual—just a regular strawberry bed. But Max persisted, nosing the dirt and growling.

Curiosity piqued Emily. Could something be hidden there?
“James, come here! See what Max found!” she called, hoping for her husband’s help. He didn’t respond immediately…