THE FAITHFUL FRIEND OF A TRAITOR
That autumn, drivers passing along the motorway began noticing a dog standing motionless by the exit to a village of holiday cottages. Day after day, she stayed in the same spot. At first, she stood; after a week, she sat; then, weakened by hunger, she lay downbut her eyes still followed every passing car.
Locals started stopping to feed the stray. From a distance, the mutt could pass for a German Shepherd, if not for her fluffy tail, curling playfully over her back like a cinnamon roll. She was friendly enough to her benefactors but kept her distance, wolfing down every scrap of food before returning to her postonly leaving briefly when absolutely necessary.
The one who took her plight most to heart was a local lad named Jamie. Every day, hed come to check on the poor boy (yes, it turned out she was a he) and named him Faithful. Jamie would explain, gently, that something mustve happened to his ownerhe wasnt coming backand coaxed the dog to come home with him.
Faithful would tilt his head skeptically but refused to budge. Slowly, though, they became friends, and soon they sat together by the roadside, watching the cars zoom past.
Autumn faded, winter crept in with biting frosts. At Jamies pleading, his dad built a cosy kennel by the country lane, complete with a covered porch to keep the food bowls safe from rain and snow. The new digs suited Faithful, but he still returned to the motorway after warming up.
Soon, blizzards swept in, burying the road, the fields, and even the kennel under deep drifts. After every snowfall, Jamie and his dad would dig out the entrance, turning the shelter into a snow cave with a trench leading back to the road. And still, once fed, Faithful would trudge to the empty road, staring into the distance.
But all winters end eventually, and so did this one. The snow melted, the ground dried, birds chirped, and butterflies fluttered. The motorway stirred back to life as holidaymakers returned.
One day, Jamie came as usual. They played, even ran a bit before flopping onto the wooden porch, blinking in the unseasonably warm sunshine.
Suddenly, Faithful bolted upright and tore off toward a black car turning onto the lane.
The Honda screeched to a halt. A stocky bloke in his early thirties tumbled out, swearing, and raised a hand to strike the dogonly for Faithful to yelp, leap, and attempt to smother him in slobbery kisses. Failing that, he danced in frantic circles before planting his paws on the mans chest.
The man shoved him away, then froze. “Bloody hell, Mandyits Hunter! Thought hed kicked the bucket ages ago. Tough little bugger, aint he?”
“Mister is he yours?” Jamie asked, jogging over.
“Was. Bought what I thought was a proper Shepherdturned out to be some scruffy mongrel with a doughnut tail. If Id brought *that* home, my mates wouldve laughed me out the pub. So I left him here last autumn. He chased the car till this spot, then gave up.”
“Hes been waiting for you *six months*. Never left.”
“Blimey. Didnt think dogs did that,” the man muttered, ruffling Faithfuls neck. The dog whined, pawing at him, pressing close “Anyway, got a proper pedigree East European Shepherd now. Wanna see?” He ducked into the car, hauling out a lanky pup. “Look at these paws! Gonna be massive. Proper beast!”
Faithful wilted. He stepped back, sat down, and gazed up at his owner with a sigh.
“Sorry, mate, cant keep two. Who knew youd still be here?” the man mumbled, avoiding his eyes. “Youre doing alright without me anyway.” He shoved the pup back inside, jumped into the car, and roared off.
Faithful gave chasethen stopped, watching the taillights vanish. Head low, he trudged back to the kennel.
Jamie followed, tears streaming. “Dont cry, Faithful. Hes not worth it. Not everyones like thatjust your luck to get a rotten owner.” He hugged the dog, stroking his muzzle. “Cheer up, eh? Who needs him? Youve got me! Were mates, right? Ill be your proper owner. Promise Ill never leave. Come home with me?”
He stood, walking backward toward his house, beckoning. Faithful hesitated, trotting after him, pausing every few steps as if to ask, *You sure you wont betray me too?*
“Come on, dont be scared. Youll be happy with us,” Jamie urged.
Finally, Faithful bounded after him. They entered the yard together. After a tour of his new kingdom and a hearty meal, they sat on the porch.
The grateful dog licked Jamies hands as the boy murmured, “Youre the best, cleverest, handsomest boy. Dont listen to that traitoryoure not a mongrel. He just doesnt know your breed. Its the best one in the world. Know what its called? *Faithful friend.*”
