Chapter 2 – The Dog Called Bruno
Anna’s first uncomfortable moment involved a brown mixed-breed dog called Bruno.
He had been found near an industrial estate.
His hind leg was badly swollen.
When Anna arrived that afternoon, Bruno was lying on a blanket beneath one of the kennel windows.
Elisa was filming him.
“Can somebody bring me the grey blanket?”
Anna brought it.
“No, the darker one.”
Anna looked around.
“Why?”
“The blood shows better against grey.”
Anna stopped.
Elisa looked up.
“For the camera.”
Anna handed her the darker blanket.
Elisa rearranged Bruno carefully.
She never struck him.
Never handled him roughly.
She stroked his head.
“There you go, baby.”
Then she stepped back.
“Don’t give him water yet.”
Anna frowned.
“He’s been panting.”
“I know. Two minutes.”
“Why?”
“We’re filming.”
Anna looked at Bruno.
Elisa noticed.
“Two minutes isn’t going to hurt him.”
Anna said nothing.
The camera started.
Elisa crouched beside Bruno.
Her voice changed immediately.
Soft.
Broken.
Almost whispering.
“We’ve just received Bruno, and honestly, I don’t even know what to say.”
Anna stood outside the frame.
Elisa touched the dog’s swollen leg.
Bruno whimpered.
Elisa looked directly into the camera.
“That sound is going to stay with me forever.”
The video ended.
Elisa immediately stood.
“Okay. Water.”
Anna brought the bowl.
She told herself the same thing Elisa had.
Two minutes.
It had only been two minutes.
