Simon arrived in the countryside to visit his aunt, his mothers elder sistera duty his late mother had asked of him just before she passed away. Aunt Lucy was a tiny, fragile woman, well into her twilight years. Time and again, Simon had begged her to move into the city with him. He promised shed have her own room, chances to stroll in the communal garden, company of other ladies her ageit would all be a bit brighter for her. But Aunt Lucy would not hear of leaving her cottage.
He had no choice but to take five days of unpaid leave every three months, making the long journey out to her village. Two days vanished just in travel, another three he spent helping her about the house. Fortunately, Simon was the head of his department, which made such brief holidays bearable, and the company director was an old mate, always understanding.
But this spring, work had been relentless and hed only managed to visit at the end of April rather than March. Lucy had clearly diminished through the winter, and her neighbour, Mrs. Martha, confided that the ambulance had come twice.
Why didnt you let me know? Simon asked, frustration seeping into his voice. Every time I rang, you told me everything was fine.
She made me swear, Martha replied, almost guiltily. Dont bother Simon at work. Let me go in peace, then youll tell him. Those were her words.
Simon had run into the village shop for the usual requestssugar and salt, as Aunt Lucy insisted, but also picked up oatmeal, tinned stew, condensed milk. When he returned to her cottage, a young shepherd dog, barely five months old, sat at the doorstep, head cocked and tail wagging warily.
Aunt Lucy, where did you find the puppy?
Oh, he turned up a month ago. I opened the gate, and there he was: shaking from cold, nothing but bones. Ive fattened him up a bit. He keeps me company.
Simon bent and ran his palm over the pups large head. The dog promptly laid his head in Simons lap, trust radiating from him. Simon had always adored dogs; as a child he had yearned for a loyal companion, but his parents forbade it. Now, with the city flat, such things seemed impossible. His wife, Helen, once adopted a cat, but it vanished after three years. They had no childrenHelen was unable. Theyd come to terms with it, filling their lives with escapes to new places.
What did you name the stray? he asked, smiling.
Tommy. That was my old cats name.
Simon chuckled. Is it right to give a cats name to a dog?
Oh, names are names. He answers, doesnt he?
During Simons stay, Tommy shadowed his every step. The day before leaving, Simon urged his aunt to be honest if her health ever failed. He assured her hed always come, and if she needed anythingtablets, prescriptionsshe shouldnt hesitate to ask.
Ive troubled you enough, you traipsing all this way for a tired old woman, she sighed. But it wont be much longer now.
Dont, Aunt Lucy, Simon pleaded. The longer youre here, the better. Youre never a burden.
Aunt Lucy hesitated, her eyes earnest. Simon, could you promise me something? IfwhenIm gone… Dont abandon Tommy. Hes a living soul.
Ill find him a good home, Simon assured.
No, she insisted softly. Take him in yourself, please. I think he wandered here for a reason.
Tommy nuzzled Simons knee, then looked deeply into his eyes.
All right, Aunt Lucy. If anything happens, Tommy comes with me.
A month later, Aunt Lucy passed away. Simon handled the funeral, honoured the traditions, and paid his respects at her graveside with Martha and the others. Then, he and Tommy walked together to the cemetery for their final farewell.
When it was time to return to the city, Simon brought a muzzle and lead to the rural train station. Hed bought a ticket for the carriage where pets were permitted. Inside their compartment, Tommy bristled and growled at a man sitting by the window.
The man turned, eyes wide. Good grief, who travels with wolves nowadays?
Dont be daft. Hes a dog, my Tommy, Simon replied calmly.
Thats no dog, mate. Im a hunter. I know a wolf when I see one.
Again, Tommy bared his teeth and rumbled fiercely.
Take that beast away before I do something I regret.
Best keep your mouth shut if you want to get home in one piece, Simon answered coldly. Were not bothering you, so just sit tight.
Not a chance. I’m off to the corridor till we reach my stop.
They were alone at last. Simon regarded the animal curiously. Tommy… are you truly a wolf? The pup laid his chin on Simons knee and wagged his tail. Well, either way, youre a good lad.
Soon the ticket inspector looked in. Is that a wolf or a shepherd dog youve got?
Who told you that nonsense? Hes a breed of working shepherdsearch and rescue, Simon explained.
Alright then. Do you have his papers?
Well Simon patted his pockets, feigning panic. Oh blast, mustve left his documents at the kiosk when we bought our tickets. Mind youthey wouldnt have sold me the ticket without them, he added with a chuckle.
Of course, the inspector nodded, taking his word for itafter all, Marthas daughter worked at the ticket office.
By morning, they were back in the city. That very day, Simon took Tommy to the local veterinary surgery at the corner of their street. The vet glanced over her glasses and asked, Are you with a circus by chance?
No, why do you ask?
Well, because thats a wolf.
Simon sighed, Hes from the village, not the circus. My aunt passed and asked me to take him in. Thats all.
The vet examined Tommy and declared, Hes a crossbreedone parent must be German Shepherd. Wolfdogs can be loyal, gentle, and hardly ever aggressive, so you can rest easy. Lets register him and get his vaccinations done so you have no trouble.
Helen quickly grew fond of Tommy; she bathed, fed, and walked him herself. Ten months passed. One dusk, during the Christmas holidays, Helen took Tommy for a strollitching for some fresh air after too many days tucked indoors. They went walking in the park, only ten minutes from their home.
While they wandered the paths, Tommys ears pricked up and suddenly he darted into the gloom. Helen called and called, panic rising, but he was gone for several minutes. Just as she pulled out her phone, near tears, Tommy reappeared, gently dragging something in his jawsa bundle.
Helen rushed forward. It was a newborn babyalive and shivering. Although Helen was a doctor herself, she immediately called for an ambulance and the police.
To everyones surprise, both services arrived within moments. Helen couldnt ride along with them since she had the dog, but after settling Tommy at home, she fetched Simon and hurried to the hospital. There, they learned the baby was a girl, a month old and healthy.
Pinned to the babys clothes was a note: her name was Victoria, and her mother begged for her to be given to kind people. Helen asked to see the girl and, the moment she laid eyes on her, her heart was lost. She and Simon exchanged a look, silent understanding passing between them. Helen turned to the nurse, Im a doctorand this is my husband. Well adopt her. Please dont send her elsewhere.
Two months later, Victoriathe child found by their loyal stray Tommycame home to them. As Aunt Lucy had said, there was a reason the dog had come into their lives.
