Crazy idea, Mom? You really adopted a shelter dog? the daughter shouted almost into the phone. What a damn old, sick mutt! Are you out of your mind? Couldnt you just get back to dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes spin and settle on roofs and tree branches. It had become a daily habit. Once she waited for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced return. The kitchen glowed with soft light, dinner sat on the table, and conversation drifted over cups of tea.
Gradually the topics ran dry, and her husband came home even later. He dodged her gaze, his answers grew curt. One day he said, Nadine, I have to tell you Ive met another woman. Were in love and I want a divorce.
How? she gasped, feeling a sharp sting beneath her shoulder blade. Divorce what will become of me?
Nadine, were adults. The kids are grown, they have their own lives. Weve shared nearly thirty years, but were still relatively young. Look at usjust past fifty. I need something fresh, something new.
Im just the past, obsolete, she whispered, lost.
Dont overreact. Youre not old I feel like Im still in my thirties. Forgive me, I want to be happy, he kissed her crown and slipped into the bathroom, washing away the remnants of their marriage while Nadine sensed the weight of universal melancholy settle on her shoulders. Betrayalwhat could be more bitter?
Time slipped by unnoticeddivorce papers were signed, her husband left for a new life. Nadine fell into a gray routine. She had lived for her children, for him. Their joys were hers, their problems hers. Now? She spent hours at the window, sometimes peering into a tiny pocket mirror passed down from her grandmother and saw a sad gaze, a tear hidden among fresh lines, a few gray hairs at her temples.
She dreaded looking into the fulllength mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters brisk voice urged, clearly in a hurry.
What, dear? Nadines flat tone faded into the static of the phone line.
I dont knowread, dance for those over, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those over. I already have, Nadine could barely gather herself.
Oh, Mom, sorry, Im busy.
Unexpectedly, her son Louis understood the depth of her sorrow: Mom, Im really sorry about everything. Isabelle and I want to visit you for New Years. Itll cheer you up. Nadine loved her children, yet she sensed how different they had become.
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nadine stumbled on an invitation:
Open house at the dog shelter. Bring kids, friends, family. Our animals are eager to meet new visitors! Were at.
The notice asked volunteers to bring blankets, old linens, towels.
She read it repeatedly. Blankets, old sheets, towelsI have a pile to sort. I think I can give them away, she murmured in the night, perched at the window, wondering what she could still afford on her tight budget.
Ten days later she arrived at the shelters door, laden with gifts. A taxi driver helped unload bags of blankets and rags, pulling out a rolled rug and another blanket. Volunteers assisted visitors in delivering bundles of laundry, food sacks, and doggift packages. Later, groups were assigned to tour the enclosures, learning the backstories of the sorrowful occupants.
Exhausted, Nadine trudged home, legs feeling dead. Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself. But later never came; the images of cages, people, and dogs replayed in her mindespecially their eyes, the same mournful glance she had seen in her pocket mirror, filled with distrust of joy.
A particular senior dog, a graytinged Japanese Chin named Lady, captured her heart. This is Lady, a volunteer explained. Her previous owner abandoned her when she was very old. Shes twelve now; with good care she could reach fifteen, but shes frail, ill, and lonely. No one wants her.
Lady lay motionless on a tattered blanket, like a discarded toy. Throughout the workweek, Nadine thought of the dog, and a hidden vigor surged within her. Lady is my reflection. Im not that old, but I feel abandonedmy children left, my husband tossed me aside. Im not a doormat!
Determined, she called the shelter. Hello, I was at your open house. You told me about Lady, right? she asked hopeful.
Yes, you were the only one who lingered near her pen.
May I see her again, please?
Lady? Of course! Come this weekend, the volunteer replied.
That night Nadine stood at the window, no longer weighed down by past sorrows. She watched a man in his yard playing fetch with a big dog, the animal racing circles, returning the ball to its owner, who stroked it affectionately. The weekend approached.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched beside the dogs enclosure, but Lady stayed still. She sat on the floor, wearing old jeans shed brought for the visit, and began to speaktelling her story, her children, the empty apartment she now occupied. After an hour she gently placed her hand on Ladys head, sighing. Lady lifted her head, resting it under Nadines palm. A bond formed.
Leaving, Nadine met the volunteers browneyed gaze, which seemed to ask whether this was a onetime encounter or something more.
Wait for me, Ill be right back, she whispered, closing the pen before heading to the staff member.
How did it go? the volunteer asked with a smile.
I I want to adopt her, Nadine blurted, breathless.
Just like that?
Yes, the volunteer replied. People say theres little hope for old ladies like her, but I want to give her a chance.
Be warned, Lady is ill. Shell need extensive care, time, energy, and money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful children; I think I can manage. Lets give her a chance, Nadine affirmed.
The shelter prepared the paperwork, noting that they monitor the lives of their residentsphotos, video calls, vet appointments, all to be reported.
Hours later, Nadine entered her apartment carrying Lady wrapped in a towel, setting her down gently. Here you are, Lady. This is your new home. Well learn to live together.
She took a few days off, arranging veterinary exams, treatments, nail trims, and dental extractions. Lady behaved well; Nadine placed washable pads for any accidents. They walked early mornings and late evenings, avoiding neighbors so Lady could adjust without fear.
Mom, what did you do? Are you okay? her daughter shouted again.
Yes, Im fine, thank you for asking.
Mom, a shelter dog? Old and sick? Youre crazy! You could have kept dancing!
My dear, Im still young at heart. Im fiftythree, healthy, pretty, independent. Thats not what I taught you! Nadine replied firmly.
No, Mom
No but You have your life, Louis is far away too. Your father left me for a girl fresh out of high school. Respect my choices.
She hung up, sighed, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
Mom, you amaze me! I never thought youd do this. Adopting a shelter dog is noble, but will you have the patience? Louis said, astonished.
Louis, I raised you and your sister. I made it this far, Ill make it further. The shelter promised help if I need it, Nadine laughed.
She never told her children about meeting a man during latenight walksa divorced man named Philippe, whose exwife had moved abroad with a new husband. He had a dog, too.
And guess where that dog came from? Philippe had rescued Axel, a large purebred that had been seized by animal control after roaming the city. No one could trace the original owners despite a tattoo, so Philippe took Axel in.
Mom, can Isabelle and I come visit? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as wild as you! Louis joked.
Come on, my son. Were waiting.
On New Years Eve, when the doorbell rang, two dogsPhilippes and Axelsjoined Lady at Nadines home. Louis, seeing the lively pack, exclaimed, Mom, Im not waiting for tomorrow; heres Isabelle. I love her and soon youll be a grandmother. He added, We also want to adopt a shelter dog, maybe a small one first, since the baby arrives soon.
That night no window looked sad; wishes, music, and laughter filled the city and the world. Even the shelters dogs and cats, still awaiting families, felt a joyful anticipation.
May we all be happy! And to you, dear friends, a big salute and congratulations from my dear Filou. I hope he no longer remembers his past life in the shelter, because now he basks in joy and our love. Wishing you all abundant happiness!
