From the day Toby lost the thing he loved most, he never stepped paw inside his kennel again. Now he slept directly on the bare earth, hardly touching his food. He didnt react even to his only remaining companionSimon.
Another November arrived. Each day grew colder, and the sky hung low with heavy grey clouds like wool blankets youd find in a Midlands attic. People bustled about the warehouse yard in thick tweed coats and scarves, breath fogging the air as winter crept in, and Toby knew the snow couldnt be far behind.
I wonder when theyll fill my kennel with warm straw? he thought one evening as he sprawled, nose to the damp ground. Ive got enough fur not to freeze, but the chill seeps right through my bones at night
He absent-mindedly watched the porters dart back and forth, loading boxes into hulking lorries with the acrid smell of petrol clinging to the air. No one even glanced at the old watchdog lying in the mud.
What are you lounging there for? barked the security guard, ambling out of his office for a cigarette. Youre meant to watch the warehouse, not loaf about like some pampered lapdog.
The man spat on the ground with a snarl and lumbered off. His name was Philip, and hed disliked Toby since hed been a scruffy puppyno reason, he just did.
Soon, a dark green estate car rolled up. Toby scrambled to his feet.
Alright, mate, came the familiar voice of a man in a flat cap, a bristly beard shadowing his cheeks. Ive come to make you a bit more comfortable.
It was Simonthe gentlest and most beloved of Tobys guards. He always spared a kind word and a tasty treat. Even on his day off, Simon hadnt forgotten Toby: hed brought a bale of straw so he wouldnt freeze.
Simon knelt, packing the kennel with fresh, warm hay, then produced from his boot a dish brimming with hot porridge and meat. He waited patiently until Toby finished every last morsel, collected the empty bowl to wash, and only then left.
Toby was alone again. But the night drew closetime for dreams, where he could escape, if only for a little while, from the sharp edge of loneliness that had become his companion.
When the dark finally settled, Toby padded over to his kennel. He was just about to crawl inside when he stopped dead.
Two emerald lights glimmered inside the hay, and a fierce hiss broke the silence.
Toby gazed calmly at the uninvited guest. A skinny black cat crouched there, eyes wide and unnerving, drilling a warning straight through him:
Touch me and youll regret it!
Rather than frightened, Toby felt oddly pleased.
The kennel is cramped, but theres room for both of us, he reasoned, hope flickering.
He took a cautious step forward and a razor-sharp paw sliced the air before him.
Hiiiiissss! shrieked the creature in reply to his peace offering.
Alright then. Ill sleep outside tonight, Toby thought without much fuss, searching for a patch by the entrance and making himself a bed on the frosty ground.
Morning rolled in pink and shivering. Toby woke early, stomach rumbling with anticipation. Glancing at the kennel, he saw the black cat curled up asleep.
Oh, shes lovely, he thought dreamily.
Philip stumbled from the guard hut, scowling, and hurled some scraps Tobys way before disappearing.
A dog was supposed to get proper food, but Philip couldnt care lesshe tossed out whatever was left. These meals made Tobys belly ache, but there was no one to complain to.
Toby sniffed at the thrown leftovers and caught another scent
The cat! She sat brazenly close, gnawing on a bit of sausage skin as if it was her right to do so.
Toby was glad to have fed her, especially with her bony frame.
When she caught him watching, the cat tensed, ready to defend herself. Toby just chewed his bread, eyes gentle, wondering:
Whys she angry? Maybe she wants bread too He hesitated, breaking off a chunk for her.
The day passed with shy glances exchangeda wary, spikey gaze from the cat; a warm, open curiosity from Toby.
That evening as Philip tossed another round of refuse, the cat darted forward, scoffing her portion.
Oi! Whats that witch doing here? Get out! Shoo! Philip bellowed.
The black cat shot behind Toby. For a moment, Toby froze. Then he bristled and bared his teeth.
Philip snorted in disgust and stormed off, leaving the animals to themselves. The new guard who arrived paid them no notice at all.
The cat flashed Toby a reserved but grateful look. And Toby found himself musing:
Witch, he called her Is that her name? Must be
And so he decided: the cat would be Witch.
The frost bit down that night, and Witch resumed her place among the hay. Toby hesitated to disturb her but poked his head inside.
The cat gave him a long lookbaffled at a dog being so strange. But she shifted, allowing Toby to curl up close.
That night they slept pressed together, the warmth flowing between them. Neither had ever known such peace.
From then on, Toby and Witch were inseparable. They ate, slept, and spoke in their own odd animal language.
Simons eyes nearly fell out of his head when he first saw the tiny black cat beside Toby. So small, so frail, so unafraid of a hulking watchdog.
But he soon understoodbetween them was love. And love, after all, obeys no rules of size.
Simon took Witch under his wing: the vet, a gentle combing, regular meals. Within weeks, she filled out nicely.
Only Philip ever disturbed their quiet. Convinced that a black cat brought misfortune, he became bent on getting rid of her.
He once tried to poison her, but Toby, ever watchful, sniffed out the danger and foiled the plan.
One teeth-chattering night, Toby licked another scratch on Witchs earshe was forever vanishing and getting into trouble.
Then, suddenly, both their noses twitched. Something strange
Smoke.
Toby sprang out and barked furiously. Fire! The warehouse was burning.
Philip tumbled from the hut, swearing, frantic, emptying his pocketshis mobile was missing.
Witch mewled a long warning. Philip spun and saw her sitting next to the phone where it had fallen.
You wicked little wretch! he snarled, shoving her aside as he grabbed the phone to call the fire brigade.
Toby dashed to Witch, who was limping away from the smoke. Together they sheltered in the shrubs until the flames were doused.
As Philip stumbled away, exhausted, his glare was pure hate.
The next evening, Toby overheard voices at the post:
That creature only brings trouble. Did you see her eyes? Shes a real witch, Philip was insisting.
So what do you want to do? someone replied.
Take her to the woods. Thatll be the end of it.
Toby froze, his heart quaking. He pressed against the sleeping Witch.
Youre madshe wouldnt last a night, Simon protested.
I dont care! Wasnt the fire enough?
Well, maybe black cats really are unlucky another mumbled.
No ones taking her anywhere, Simon snapped, striding off.
Morning came grey and icy. Toby woke, stretched, yawned, and reached for Witch
But she was gone.
He tore through the haynothing. He darted out into the yard, calling with cracked little barks.
A black shape flickered at the guard hut. Toby raced towards it.
It was only a plastic bag skipping on the wind.
The door slammed open.
What do you want here? Looking for your freaky little friend? Philip sneered. Shes not here anymore. Off causing trouble somewhere else.
Toby searched Philips face for a clue, any comfort.
Besides she wont cause trouble again. Shell be dead in the woods before long. If she isnt already.
Toby said nothing. Even pains howl stuck inside.
The first snow fell, huge slow flakes blanketing the unmoving dog.
Since hed lost the only thing that mattered, he never entered the kennel again. He slept on the cold, hard ground, barely eating, ignoring even Simon, the only friend left.
Toby, shes in a very good place now, believe me. Shes warm and safe. Do you trust me? Simon whispered, sitting beside him, stroking his ragged fur.
I want to go there too. I want to be with my Witch. Please can I go, please
The morning before, Toby had overheard strangers talking nearbydiscussing him as if he were just an object. Old dog, they said, no use for the warehouse now, time for a new onea young one. This one should be retired
Toby couldnt remember how the conversation ended. He didnt care. Nothing mattered any more.
Snow continued to fall, settling on his back, his nose, his paws. A thick white shroud gathered. His eyes closed, slowly.
Maybe Ill never open them again. I dont want to open them anymore his last thought slipped away.
The world went still, hushed, distant. He forgot his aching body, forgot the scents and the wind. And then, cutting through the dark, a familiar voice called:
Wake up, old chap. Come on now, time to go. Were off together.
The rest was hazy: the warm hum of Simons car, the soft seat beneath him, winding roads, unknown smells drifting through the vents.
Sorrow dulled him to the worldhe slept deeply, lulled by the subtle strains of the radio.
After hours, they stopped. Simon helped Toby out and steadied him as they walked towards a cottage.
Youre living with me now, old friend.
Toby scarcely cared. Still, for kind Simons sake, he tried a tail wag. It came off awkward and feeble. But Simon understood.
There you go, just insidewell get you sorted in no time, Simon winked, pushing open the door.
Within, a scent enveloped Tobyone more familiar than all the rest. Impossible to mistake.
At the very next moment, a small shifting shadow leapt from the windowsill and rushed towards him. Toby knewbefore she even reached himthis was her. His Witch.
Told you she was somewhere good, didnt I? Simon said, smiling. Did you really think Id let those knaves dump your friend in the woods?
But just then, the dog and cat had no time for peoplethey had so much to say to each other at last.
When their reunion was finished, and they nestled down for a rest, Toby found himself musing: What does witch mean anyway?
He almost asked Witch herself. But why bother? Witch was his friendnothing else mattered.
