SHORT STORY MATEO AND MAX
MATEO AND MAX
Automatic traslation from the original story in Spanish. Not checked manually
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of cereal and the promise of a new day. Sofia, beaming, watched her three-year-old son, Mateo, as he struggled to string colourful beads onto a thick cord. Sunlight filtering through the curtains illuminated his rosy cheeks and blond hair, a whirlwind of energy filling the house with laughter and mischief.
Her husband, Daniel, entered the kitchen, yawning and rubbing his eyes. “Good morning, my love,” he said to Sofia, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Looks like the little tornado is already up and running.”
Sofia nodded, smiling. “You know him. He’s especially lively today.”
Daniel made his coffee and sat down at the table. “Hey, did you remember about that work meeting today?”
“Yes, of course. I have everything ready. But first…” Sofia paused, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Daniel frowned, sensing something. “But first… what?”
Sofia stood up and walked toward the front door. “Surprise!”
Daniel and Mateo followed her, curious. When the door opened, a small puppy, a Labrador-German Shepherd mix, came running out, wagging its tail frantically. Its big brown eyes shone with excitement.
Mateo let out a shout of joy and ran toward the puppy, who greeted him with jumps and licks. Daniel, on the other hand, froze in the doorway, his jaw agape.
“What… what is this?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“It’s a dog, honey. A dog for Mateo,” Sofia replied, with a triumphant smile.
Daniel stared at her, incredulous. “But… we’ve talked about this. You know I don’t agree. We already have enough on our plate with the baby, work, the house… A dog is a lot of responsibility.”
“I know, I know,” said Sofia, approaching him and taking his hand. “But I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Mateo needs a friend, someone to play with, someone to share his secrets with. And this puppy… he’s perfect. Look how well they get along.”
Daniel watched the scene. Mateo, with his small hand, stroked the puppy’s head, who lay happily at his feet. He couldn’t deny the connection that had been established in a matter of seconds.
“And what’s his name?” he asked, resigned.
“We haven’t decided yet,” replied Sofia. “But Mateo has already come up with a bunch of names: Firulais, Plushy, Sparks…”
Over the next few days, the family’s life changed completely. The puppy, whom they finally named Max, became the centre of attention. Mateo and Max were inseparable. They played in the garden, chased each other around the house, shared cookies and naps.
Daniel, initially hesitant, gradually softened. He saw how Max taught Mateo the importance of responsibility, of caring for another living being. He also saw how the puppy filled the house with joy, how his antics and affection relieved the stress of daily life.
Mornings began with walks in the park, where Mateo and Max ran and played, while Daniel and Sofía, with a cup of coffee in hand, enjoyed the spectacle. Afternoons were filled with laughter and games in the living room, with Max chasing balls and Mateo, with his infectious laughter, livening up the party.
However, Max’s arrival wasn’t without its challenges. There were sleepless nights because of the puppy’s barking, days of extra cleaning due to household accidents, and constant worry about his well-being. Daniel and Sofía had to learn to balance their routines with Max’s needs, to train him, to understand his language.
One afternoon, while Mateo and Max were napping, Sofía and Daniel sat on the sofa, exhausted but happy.
“Do you remember when you didn’t want the dog?” Sofía asked, smiling.
Daniel sighed. “Yes, I remember. And I was wrong. Max has been the best thing that’s ever happened to this family. He’s taught us to be more patient, more tolerant, more loving.”
“And he’s given Mateo a friend for life,” Sofía added, stroking Daniel’s head.
“It’s incredible how everything has changed,” Daniel said. “At first, it seemed crazy to me. Now, I can’t imagine our lives without him.”
At that moment, Max woke up and came over to them, wagging his tail. Daniel hugged him, feeling the warmth of his body and the softness of his fur.
“Welcome to the family, Max,” he whispered. Time passed, and Mateo grew up alongside Max. Together they explored the world, shared secrets, overcame obstacles, and celebrated triumphs. Max became Mateo’s inseparable companion, his confidant, his best friend.
And Daniel, who at first had resisted the idea, learned to love that dog with all his heart. He understood that sometimes the best decisions are those made with the heart, even if they go against reason. Because in the end, the love and joy a dog can bring to a family are immeasurable.
One day, Mateo, a s a teenager, he asked his father, “Dad, do you remember when Mom brought us Max?”
Daniel smiled, recalling the surprise and disbelief of that day. “Yes, son. And it was the best surprise of my life.” And so, the story of the family and Max, the dog who came to stay, became a family legend, a constant reminder that sometimes the best decisions are the ones that make us happiest.
Mateo and Max – Short stories series – Copyright ©Montserrat Valls and Juan Genovés