On a chilly autumn evening, the old man shivered as the bitter wind cut through his worn-out coat. His hands and feet had gone numb, and a light dusting of snow settled on his shoulders. He couldnt believe how much time had passed since his own sonthe boy hed raised in that very house for over forty yearshad shut the door in his face.
Emily and I just dont have the space, and looking after you is such a responsibility. You understand, dont you, Dad? his son had muttered, unable to meet his gaze.
I understand, the old man whispered, though his heart ached with disbelief. He didnt understand. How could his own flesh and blood, the boy hed devoted his life to, say such a thing?
That day would haunt him foreverthe old suitcase with his few belongings, his grey head bowed in shame, and the tears he could barely hold back. He had nowhere to go. The neighbours pretended not to see him, and the thought of a care home filled him with dread. The city, once familiar, now felt cold and unwelcoming.
Sitting on a weathered bench in the park, he thought of his late wife. How theyd built that home together, raised their son, dreamed of growing old by the fireside. When were old, she used to say, well sit side by side and remember all our adventures. But she was gone now, taken two years prior, and since then, his son and daughter-in-law had treated him like a burden.
As he closed his eyes, his body grew stiff, his breath shallow. Is this what dying feels like? he wondered. Thena gentle, warm touch brushed his cheek. He startled, his eyes fluttering open and froze.
Before him stood an old stray dog, one hed often fed scraps to near his house. Her kind, loyal eyes watched him with concern. She licked his hand and whined softly, as if begging him to get up.
You came, old girl? he murmured weakly.
The dog wagged her tail and pressed against his frozen legs, sharing what little warmth she had. Tears spilled down his weathered face. No one else had remembered him. No one but this stray.
With great effort, he pulled himself up, leaning on the bench for support. The dog trotted beside him, glancing back now and then as if to say, Follow me.
Where are we going, lass? he asked hoarsely.
She just wagged her tail and led him through the empty streets until they reached an old, abandoned shedonce a storage space. With a soft whine, she nudged the door open. Inside, the air smelled musty, but straw covered the floor. It was better than nothing. He sank down, leaning against the wall, and pulled the dog close, stroking her scruffy fur.
Thank you, he whispered. At least you didnt abandon me.
As he drifted off, her warmth kept the cold at bay. The past faded, leaving only a fragile hope that perhaps he hadnt been forgotten after all.
The next morning, a passerby found the old man trembling on the sheds doorstep, the loyal dog curled tightly beside himshed kept him alive with her body heat all night. An ambulance was called, and he was rushed to hospital. When he woke, his first question was, Wheres my dog?
The nurse smiled. Shes waiting by the door. Hasnt left your side.
That day, he learned that loyalty isnt bound by blood. Sometimes, those closest to you let you down, while strangersor even a stray dogbecome your truest friends.
He never returned to his old home. His son and daughter-in-law sold it soon after. The old man found shelter in a care home, but most importantly, his faithful companionthe dog whod found him on that freezing night when hed nearly given upstayed with him always. And in her eyes, he found more love than hed ever known.
