— Mum, what have you done? — her daughter almost shouted into the phone. — A dog from the shelter?! And an old, sick one at that. Are you mad? Couldn’t you have taken up dancing?
Nora Smith stood by the window, watching as the white mist slowly descended over the town. Snowflakes swirled in a dance, settling on the rooftops and branches, breaking their delicate twigs under the steps of late passersby. Lately, standing by the window had become a habit.
She used to wait for her husband to come home late from work, tired and hoarse-voiced. The kitchen would have a warm light, dinner on the table, and conversations over a cup of tea…
Gradually, the conversations dwindled, and he began to arrive even later. He would avoid eye contact, answering her questions with curt phrases. And then one day…
— Nora, I’ve been meaning to tell you… I’ve met someone else. We’re in love, and I’m filing for divorce.
— What? Divorce… what about me, Alex? — Nora suddenly felt a sharp pain under her shoulder blade.
— Nora, we’re adults. The children have grown and live their own lives. We’ve spent nearly thirty years together. But we’re still young. Look, we’re just over fifty. I want something new, fresh!
— So, I’m old and faded? A memory past its due date, — whispered a bewildered woman.
— Don’t exaggerate. You’re not old… But understand, with her… I feel thirty again. Forgive me, but I want to be happy, — he kissed her on the top of her head and went to shower. He washed away the old marriage, humming cheerful tunes, while the weight of betrayal pressed heavily on Nora’s shoulders.
Nora didn’t notice how time flew by—divorce, and Alex left to be with his new partner. Her days turned grey.
She was used to living for her children and husband. Their troubles were her troubles, their illnesses her illnesses, their joy and successes her successes. And now?
Nora would stand by the window for hours. Sometimes, she’d glance into a small hand mirror inherited from her grandmother. In it, she’d see a sad eye, a tear lost in the wrinkles that had started to show, or a strand of gray at her temple.
Nora was afraid to look in a full mirror.
— Mum, you need a hobby, — her daughter’s hurried voice suggested she was going somewhere.
— What, dear? — her mother’s dim voice faltered over the phone lines.
— I don’t know. Books, dancing, exhibitions…
— Yes, for those over… I am already over… — Nora couldn’t pull herself together.
— Oh, mum, sorry, I’m in a rush.
Surprisingly, her son Alex was much more understanding of her sadness:
— Mum, I’m really sorry about what happened. You know, Irina and I want to visit you, maybe for New Year. You’ll meet her, and it’ll cheer you up.
Nora adored her children but was amazed at how different they were…
*****
One evening, while browsing social media, Nora came across an announcement:
“Open Day at the Dog Shelter. Bring your kids, friends, and family. Our pets are eager to meet new visitors! We look forward to seeing you at this address…”
It mentioned that if anyone wished to help the shelter, there was a list of needed items.
Nora read it once, then again.
— Blankets, duvets, old bedding, towels. I need to sort through those piles anyway. I’m sure I have some things to give, — she thought in the night.
Standing by the window, she mentally listed what else she might buy with her modest salary. Ten days later, she stood at the shelter gates. Nora arrived with gifts. The taxi driver helped unload the seemingly endless heavy bags of blankets and cloth. He took out a rolled-up worn rug and a bundle of mats.
Shelter volunteers helped guests bring in bundles of bedding, bags of food, and gift bags for the dogs.
Later, volunteers divided the guests into groups, taking them along the enclosures, narrating the stories of each resident of those somber cages…
Nora returned home exhausted. She couldn’t feel her feet beneath her.
— Right, shower, dinner, sofa. I’ll think about it all later, — she told herself.
But “later” didn’t happen. Her mind was still filled with images—people, cages, dogs.
And their eyes…
Nora had seen such eyes in her small mirror. Eyes filled with sadness and disbelief in happiness.
One dog struck her particularly; an old, gray one. It seemed very sad. It lay quietly in the corner, unresponsive.
— That’s Lady. A Japanese Chin. Her owner left her at quite an age. Lady is also old now, she’s twelve years old. They say, with the right care, they can live to fifteen. But Lady is an old, sick, and sad dog. Sadly, no one wants to take such dogs home, — sighed a volunteer as they led the guests further.
Nora lingered near Lady. She didn’t react to her presence. She lay on an old blanket, like an artificial dog, like an old dirty toy…
All week at work, Nora kept reminiscing about the sad little dog. A sudden surge of energy awoke in her, and she became more active at work.
— Lady is my reflection. I’m not that old yet. But I am alone. The children have flown the nest; my husband walked over me like I’m nothing. But I’m not nothing! No, I’m not!
Nora stepped out of her office and dialed the shelter’s number.
— Hello! I was at your Open Day. You told me a lot about Lady, the old dog. Remember? — she asked hopefully.
— Oh yes, I remember. You were the only one who stopped at her cage.
— Please, may I visit her?
— Lady? Incredibly! Of course, come by! How about this weekend? — the volunteer arranged the visit time and hung up.
That evening, Nora stood by her window again. But this time, she wasn’t sulking over her past. She watched a man walk a large dog in the yard.
The dog ran in circles in the quiet night yard, fetching a ball time and again to his owner, who affectionately ruffled the dog’s head.
The weekend approached.
— Lady, hello! — Nora crouched next to the dog. But there was no movement in response.
Nora sat right on the floor, wearing old jeans she brought along to change into at the shelter.
Not moving closer to the little dog, Nora started talking…
She spoke about herself, her children, her solitude in a three-bedroom apartment she no longer had anyone to share with.
An hour passed. Nora gently shuffled towards the blanket where Lady lay. Carefully, she inched her hand closer. She touched her head gently.
The little dog sighed.
Encouraged, Nora began to stroke the dog in slow, measured motions. After some thought, Lady started to lean her head into Nora’s hand. That was the beginning of a connection.
As she left, Nora caught a steady gaze from those brown eyes. The dog looked at her as if trying to understand whether this was just a one-off encounter or…?
— Wait for me, I won’t be long, — the woman whispered to the dog, secured her cage, and hurried to speak to the volunteer.
— Did you two get acquainted? — the girl smiled at Nora.
— I… I want to take her home… — Nora’s breath quickened with excitement.
— Right away?
— Yes, she responded. And you say such old ladies don’t have many chances. I want to give her that chance.
— Nora, I should warn you. Lady is a sick dog, she’ll need care if you want to extend her life. That requires time, effort, and money.
— I understand. I raised two wonderful children. I can handle it. Let’s give her this chance, — Nora was determined.
— Alright. I’ll prepare the paperwork. Also, we like to keep track of our pets’ fates. You know, people are different…
— Of course. Whatever you say. Photos, video calls, I’ll update you on every vet visit.
A few hours later, Nora entered her flat, holding in her arms a dog wrapped in a towel. She set her down on the floor.
— Welcome, Lady. This is your new home. Let’s learn together how to live now.
Nora took a few days off and devoted herself entirely to the dog. Veterinarians, examinations, grooming, nail trimming, removing sick teeth…
Lady turned out to be a very well-behaved dog. Nora laid out training pads for her, so in case of need, Lady could relieve herself.
She tried to take Lady out early in the morning and late at night, minimizing encounters with neighbors. She wanted Lady to get used to her new environment without any fright.
*****
— Mum, what have you done? Are you alright? — her daughter nearly yelled into the phone.
— I’m fine. Thanks for asking.
— Mum, why on earth a dog from a shelter?! Especially an old and sick one. Are you off your rocker? Couldn’t you start some dance classes?
— Darling, your mum is a young woman. I’m only fifty-three. I’m healthy, beautiful, independent. That’s what I taught you! — quipped Nora.
— But, Mum…
— Let’s skip the ‘but’… You’ve got your own life, your brother Alex is far away too. Your father replaced me with an almost schoolgirl. Please, learn to respect my decisions.
Nora hung up, exhaled, and headed to the kitchen. She fancied a cup of coffee.
— Mum, you’re amazing! I wouldn’t have guessed! Adopting a dog from a shelter is commendable. Have you got the patience for it? — her son supported, though his surprise was evident.
— Alex, I raised you both. I managed somehow, — glowed Nora with laughter. — I’ll manage. The shelter promised help if needed.
Nora didn’t tell either her son or daughter about meeting the man with the big dog during her nightly walks with Lady.
His name was David. He went through a divorce, his wife started a new life in a new country with a new husband, while he found companionship with a dog…
And guess where from?
Yes, David met his dog, Baron, at the shelter. Baron had been taken in after being caught running manically through the town. Despite his breed tag, no owner emerged. And so, David started afresh with Baron, adjusting to new circumstances…
*****
— Mum, Irina and I are coming to visit, alright? I want you to meet her soon. She’s so much fun, just like you!
Nora laughed at her son’s words.
— Come by, dear. We’ll be waiting for you.
On the thirty-first, when the bell rang, two dogs pricked up their ears—David with Baron had come to visit Nora and Lady.
Seeing the gathering, her son was delighted:
— Mum, I can’t wait till midnight, I’ll tell you now. Here’s Irina. I love her, and you’ll soon be a grandmother. Also, we plan to adopt a shelter dog. But we’ll start small since a baby is on the way…
That night, there wasn’t a sad window in town—greetings, music, and laughter filled the town and the world with joy.
And even in the shelters, the yet-to-be-adopted dogs and cats were filled with a special feeling—of hope for happiness.
May we all be happy!
And to you, my dear friends, a big hello and greetings from my lovely little Phil. I hope he’s already forgotten he ever lived in a shelter.
For he’s bathing in happiness and our love!
Wishing you happiness!
