“Button? Oh, I called her Holly. She was dashing about all morning here—clearly lost. Then she curled up at my feet, poor thing. So I popped her in the car to keep her from freezing,” the man smiled… “Tammy, how can you be so unlucky? I’ve always told you—Vince is no good for you!” her mother scolded. Tamara stood, head bowed. Though she was only thirty-seven, she felt like a schoolgirl who’d brought home a failing grade. She couldn’t help but feel bitterness and sorrow—for herself, her failed marriage, and her little daughter. Right before the most magical time of year, they’d been left without a father figure. “I’m leaving you,” Victor had mumbled that evening, carelessly. She barely understood what he meant at first. “Leaving for where?” Tammy asked automatically, as she set a steaming bowl of borscht in front of him. “Oh Tammy, you’re just not all there. You don’t get serious things! How have I even lived with you all these years?” Victor rolled his eyes melodramatically. Before she could clarify, he explained in detail: “I can’t do this anymore! And your yappy dog doesn’t help. The kid’s always ill, there’s no romance, Tammy. Look at yourself. What have you become?” he finished his tirade. Tamara tried to peer at her frightened reflection in the cupboard glass, but her vision blurred with tears. She remained standing alone in the kitchen. Victor hated tears. He eyed the borscht with longing, stepped away from the table, and began to pack his things… Little Button the dog, sensing trouble, worried at her owner’s feet, whining for comfort. “At least I’ll finally get to rest without that constant howling,” Victor declared, appearing in the doorway with his bag slung over his shoulder. “But Vince—what about Eva?” Tamara whispered, imagining how heartbroken their five-year-old would be, peacefully sleeping in her room. “Figure something out! You’re the mum,” he snapped, leaving the flat to Button’s mournful whines… Tamara spent the whole night in the kitchen, hugging Button, who gently licked her to console her. She seemed to understand something terrible had happened. Tamara didn’t know how to tell her mum for days. Mum kept ringing, asking how things were, but Tamara would claim all was fine and switch off her phone. “And have you found a new job yet? Because if that no-good Vince leaves, you’ll have nothing to live on,” her mum insisted on a visit. Tamara finally broke down and explained that employers weren’t replying, and Victor had left days ago. Her mother tutted and fussed—she’d always been wary of Victor’s intentions, since he’d never actually married her daughter after five years and a child. “What are you going to do now?” she asked, alarmed. “I’ll think of something… I’ll get a job as a nursery assistant where Eva goes,” Tamara replied bleakly. “You can’t survive on a nursery wage—not with a dog to feed, too,” her mother concluded. She wasn’t keen on animals, especially little fluffy Button, whom Tamara had rescued from the street. She was about to chide Tamara some more when she saw her daughter fighting back tears. “Come on now, don’t cry. I’ll help out. If need be, I’ll look after Eva,” her mother relented… A week passed. Tamara managed to find work and started going to the nursery with Eva, which delighted the girl. “Mummy! Can’t Button come as our helper? Grandma’s tired of walking her, and Button could help you wash the dishes and watch over us at nap time,” Eva grinned. Tamara laughed and hugged her, though her heart ached every time Eva repeated, “Mum, will Dad be back soon? Do you think he’ll make it for Christmas?” Tamara couldn’t bear to tell Eva the truth, inventing a story about a business trip. She tried to call Victor, but he was always “too busy:” “Tammy, let me enjoy my personal life—tell Eva I’m a super-spy on a top-secret mission, I won’t be back for ages. By the way, have you seen my Christmas tie?” She sat for ages, wondering how she’d face Christmas alone—or explain things to Eva. The encounter happened by pure chance. Grandma was taking Eva to the doctor—she was on the mend from a cold—when Victor suddenly appeared. “Daddy! Daddy, you’re back!” Eva squealed. Victor flinched, offered a pale smile, and muttered that he and Mummy wouldn’t be living together anymore, before hurrying away. “Maybe I’ll drop in sometime if I can,” he said as he left. Eva stood stone-faced, whispering, “Please don’t drop in on us anymore.” That evening her fever rose again, and a doctor was soon called. Eva refused to speak or eat, as if her recovery had stopped. “Could be stress-related,” the doctor murmured sympathetically when he heard what had happened. Tamara blamed herself. “I should have told Eva at once—she’s a clever girl, she’d have understood,” she said to her mother, who just shook her head. And then another shock—a few days later, Grandma took Button out for a walk, but without a lead. When she told Button off, the dog bolted in the opposite direction. “Suit yourself! Freeze outside if you must—see how you like it!” she huffed, rushing upstairs to Eva with her medicine. But when Eva learned Button was missing, she refused all food, telling her mother, “I’ll only eat when we find Button again.” “It’s your fault, Tam—she’s all spoiled and out of control. I warned you…” her mother began. “Maybe you should have watched Button instead of lecturing me!” Tamara snapped—unusually angry. Her mother left in offense, so Tamara was once again alone. That night, she wandered the estate searching for Button, returning home shivering and exhausted. Eva woke early: “Mum! I dreamed of a Christmas tree! We decorated it and found Button!” Tamara smiled sadly at the tiny artificial tree on the table. New Year’s Eve was almost here, and they’d done their best to prepare. But Eva was crestfallen—she insisted their tree must be big and real. “Then Button will come back too, like in my dream!” she sobbed. Buying a real tree wasn’t in Tamara’s budget. She phoned her mum for help, but was told, “You care more for that stray than your own mother! Think about that.” Tamara realised there’d be no help from Grandma. At least it was nearly the weekend. Eva, still unwell, stayed in bed. As the house was readied for New Year’s Eve, Eva wept, “There’s no tree, Mummy… And Button won’t come home, just like Daddy…” Tamara soothed her daughter, then asked her kindly neighbour to keep an eye on Eva, and dashed out into the snowy evening. Snowflakes whirled in the bitter air as laughing strangers brushed past. Tamara barely noticed, frantically searching for Button. “Where could you have run off to, little one?” she whispered again and again as she retraced her steps. She suddenly stopped at a small Christmas tree market. A stocky man in a sheepskin coat shuffled near the last few firs. Tamara hesitated. “Need a tree? Only a couple left, special discount,” he offered quickly, clearly eager to get home to his family—maybe his wife had set the table and the kids were peering from the window… A joyful couple scooped up the penultimate tree, leaving just one. “Are you taking it or not? I can help you carry it home,” the man said. Tamara looked despairingly into his eyes; she had no money on her, not enough even at home. She noticed some cast-off branches in the back of his truck. “Could I… have those branches? If you don’t need them?” she murmured. “Of course. Here, let me help,” he replied, passing her a bundle. Tamara, in relief, tried to explain, “My daughter’s poorly. She keeps wishing for a tree, our dog’s gone missing—everything’s just gone wrong, not at all like Christmas…” The man listened with compassion; he’d himself recently been left by his wife, and the holiday was looking empty. Just then, another customer arrived, “Is that tree for sale?” “It’s taken. Try the next stall,” the man replied. Turning to Tamara, he said, “Come on, I’ll help you get that tree home.” Tamara faltered, “But I told you—I have no money…” “I remember,” he said quietly. And then came the most magical moment—just what can only happen as Christmas draws in. He opened the truck—and there on the seat lay Button, fast asleep and bundled in a woolly jumper, slow to realise what was happening. “But—but how did you find Button?” Tamara cried, barely holding back tears. “Button? I’d been calling her Holly! She was out and about here all morning—lost, clearly. She cuddled up by my feet, so I popped her in the car, poor thing,” the man smiled. His name was Paul. He loved animals and got on famously with children. Soon, Tamara’s home felt warm and welcoming as never before. Perhaps it was the magic of Christmas, or perhaps fate had long planned this happy meeting—no one can say for sure. But we do know this: a new family found happiness, and sometimes, even today, the little dog gets called Holly.

Button, you say? I called her Holly. Shes been scampering around here all morningyou can tell straight away shes lost. Later she curled up at my feet. Poor thing, I couldnt just leave her freezing out there, so I bundled her into the van to warm up, the man said with a gentle smile.

Emily, honestly, how can one person be so unlucky? How many times did I tell youJake was never right for you! her mum scolded sternly.

Emily stood with her head down. Though she was only thirty-seven, she felt like a schoolgirl sent home with a failing grade. Bitter disappointment flooded herover her failed marriage, her lost hopes, and her little girl, Lucy. It stung most to know that, just before the most magical time of year, their family was suddenly incomplete.

Im leaving you, Jake muttered carelessly that evening, not even glancing her way. At first, Emily didnt understand what he meant.

Leaving? Where are you going? she replied absently, setting a steaming bowl of stew before him.

Truly, Em, you never get it, do you? You dont understand anything serious! Sometimes I wonder how I managed with you all this time, Jake huffed dramatically.

Emily opened her mouth to respond, but Jake was already launching into his grievances.

I just cant do this anymore! And that yapping dog of yoursdrives me mad. Lucys always poorly, the house is lifeless, theres no romance left, Em. Look at yourselfwhat have you become? he finished, voice rising.

Emily tried to study her frightened reflection in the glass of the cabinet, but her eyes blurred with tears. She could only stand there, rooted to the kitchen floor, as Jake got up from the table and went to pack his things.

Holly, the little dog, sensed the tension and skittered anxiously around Emily’s feet, whining and nuzzling for comfort.

At least Ill finally have a bit of peace and quiet without that dogs endless howling, Jake announced with a cruel hint of satisfaction, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he appeared in the doorway.

Jake, what about Lucy? Emily whispered, picturing her five-year-old, sleeping soundly in her little bed.

Figure something out! Youre her mumits your job, isnt it? he shot back before leaving to Hollys plaintive whimper.

Emily spent the night in the kitchen, arms around Holly, the dog’s warm tongue desperately trying to assure her it would be alright. The shock of it all pressed in, and for days, Emily had no idea how to break the news to her mother. When her mum rang, shed say everything was fine and quickly hang up.

Hows the job hunt, then? Found something? I swear, that Jake of yours will bugger off, and youll have nothing to live on, her mother pointed out one afternoon, coming by with a basket of groceries. That was all it tookEmily burst into tears, confiding the truth that Jake had gone and job prospects were slim to none.

Her mother clucked disapprovingly. Anyone could see which way that wind was blowing. Five years together, a child, and he never thought to marry you properly, she grumbled, torn between indignation and sadness for her daughter and granddaughter.

So whatll you do now? she finally asked, hands on her hips.

Ill manage something. The nurserys got an opening for a classroom assistantIll apply there, be near Lucy anyway, Emily replied, resigned.

Thats not going to stretch far, the assistants pay. And youve still got the dog to feed, her mother sighed, eyeing Holly with disapproval. Shed never cared much for the dog Emily had rescued off the street.

She started to say something more, but stopped, seeing that Emily was close to tears again. Alright, love, dont cry. Ill help where I can. If you need me with Lucy, just say.

Time shuffled on. Emily eventually found a job, and every day she and Lucy walked to the nursery together. Her daughter was genuinely happy.

Mummy, could we bring Holly to work as our helper? Gran keeps grumbling about walking her. Holly could help you with the dishes and guard us during nap time, Lucy beamed.

Emily laughed and hugged her girl. But the laughter faded at Lucys next question.

Mum, when will Daddy be back? Do you think hell make it home for Christmas?

Emily could never bring herself to admit the truth. She spun a story about an important business trip, phoned Jake asking to see him, but he rebuffed her with excuses.

Em, dont pester me, Im trying to sort my life out. Maybe just tell Lucy Im a secret agent on a big mission. Wont be back for a while. Oh, and have you seen my blue tie? Ive got nothing to wear for New Years Eve, he said offhandedly, ending the call.

Emily sat for ages lost in thought, with no idea how theyd get through Christmas. How on earth could she explain it all to Lucy?

Unexpectedly, it all came crashing down. Lucys gran was taking her to the doctorLucy had caught a nasty cold, though was on the mend. Out of nowhere, Jake appeared. Lucy ran to him with shining eyes.

Daddy! Youre back? she shouted, joyfully.

Jake flinched and forced a smile. Quietly, he told Lucy that sometimes mummies and daddies just cant live together anymore. Then, awkwardly, promised hed try to visit.

Lucys face crumbled. Dont bother coming anymore.

That night, her temperature spiked again. A couple of days later, the doctor paid a visit.

Shes just not interested in talking or getting well, he noted, listening to Emilys explanation.

Likely stress-related, he guessed.

If only Id told her properly from the start. Shes a sharp girl, shed have understood, Emily lamented to her mother. Her mother only shook her head, lost for words.

And then, another shock. Gran set out with Holly one morning, in too much of a rush to clip on the lead. Holly, always a little headstrong, slipped away when Gran scolded her and dashed into the freezing street.

Oh, so thats it, is it? Wont listen to me now? Fine, thenlet her freeze, maybe shell run home faster, Gran muttered, hurrying inside to tend to Lucy.

When Lucy found out Holly was missing, she refused to eat or drink, despite Emilys desperate promises.

Ill have something when Holly comes home, Lucy said, turning her face to the wall.

Its your fault, the way shes turned out. Youve spoilt her, Em. Told you so, didnt I? her mother began.

Maybe if youd watched Holly instead of lecturing me, shed still be here! snapped Emily, uncharacteristically harsh.

Well! I do everything for you two, her mother huffed, storming out.

Once again, Emily was left alone. She wandered the estate as dusk fell, sick with worry, hoping Holly would find her way home. She returned frozen and exhausted, her sleep uneasy and shallow.

Lucy woke early that morning. Mum, I dreamt of a Christmas tree! We decorated it and found Holly! she announced, hopeful.

Emily forced a smile. There was a tiny artificial tree on the tablethe best they could manage this year. But Lucy was disappointed, longing for a real, tall Christmas tree.

If we got a real tree, Holly would come back, just like in my dream! she insisted tearfully.

Emily sighed. Buying a real tree simply wasnt an option. She phoned her mum, but her mum refused to come over.

That dog matters more to you than your own mother! Think about that, she said bitterly.

Well, Emily thought, no point counting on gran. At least the weekend was coming.

But Lucy struggled, still ailing as New Year’s Eve drew near and broke into tears as they finished their meagre preparations.

Theres no real tree, Mummy. Hollys goneand sos Daddy

Emily stroked her daughters head, fighting tears herself. She asked her kindly neighbour to watch over Lucy for a bit, and dashed out into the frosty night.

The icy wind caught her breath as snowflakes danced in the lamplight. Families hurried past, arms full of presents and food, faces glowing. Emily hardly saw them. She searched for hours, calling softly, desperate to find Holly.

At last, she came upon a tiny Christmas tree market. A burly man in a thick coat paced beside the last few trees, blowing into his gloved hands. Emily stopped dead.

After a tree, are you? Only have two left, can let you have the last one for a bargain, love. Need to get home to my lot! he called, packing the van.

Bet his family is waiting inside, table set, children peeping through the curtains, Emily thought, heart sinking.

Just then, a joyful young couple rushed over and bought a tree, leaving only one behind.

So, what do you say? This is the last one. Ill give you a hand getting it home, the man offered.

Emily looked at him, helpless. She hadnt brought any money, and even if she had, it would never have stretched so far.

She noticed a heap of pine branches in the back of his van. Could Iwould it be alright if I took those branches? If you dont need them, that is she asked timidly.

The man glanced from the sad woman to the discarded boughs and sighed. Of course. Here, let me get them for you, he said gently, lifting the bundle out for her.

Emily took them with heartfelt gratitude, stumbling over her words. My girls illshes been wishing for a tree, and the dogs got out, and everything just feels so hopeless.

To her surprise, the man listened with surprising patience. His wife had left him not so long ago, and Christmas felt lonelier than ever. He understood better than most how dark it could feel to be alone.

Another man sidled up. How much for this tree? he asked, eyeing the last one.

Already sold, mate. Try the next stall, the seller said, nodding away.

Emily stared, puzzled. The man turned to her, a hint of a smile breaking through his gruffness. Come on, Ill help you get the tree to your door, he said kindly.

ButI havent any money, honestly, Emily faltered.

I know, he said quietly.

And then, just as if the season itself had conspired for one small miracle, Emily saw something she could hardly believe. The man opened his van, and theresleeping curled up on the seat, wrapped in a woolly jumperwas Holly.

However did you come by Holly? Emily gasped, barely choking back tears.

Holly? I called her Holly because she turned up this morning, lost as anything. Shivered by my feet, bless her. I popped her in to warm up, the man explained, his smile kind and a little shy.

His name was Peter. He had a knack with animals, and children instantly warmed to him.

Soon, warmth and laughter returned to Emilys home in a way it never had before. Maybe it was the magic of the holiday, or perhaps it was just fate finally being kind. No one can say for sure. All that matters is that they became a real family, and every now and then, someone would still call Holly Button before correcting themselves with a fond grinNo, Holly.These days, Hollyher Hollywould doze contentedly by Lucys pillow, her tail thumping whenever Emily sang or Peter stopped by to check the twinkling lights. That New Years morning, Lucy opened her eyes to find Holly wet-nosed and wagging at her side, a fresh pine scent in the air where Emily had arranged the salvaged boughs with tinsel borrowed from the neighbor. The whole place sparkled in a homely, hopeful way.

Lucy squiggled upright, hair wild, cheeks pink at last. She came home! Mum, look! Holly kept her promise, she cried, arms flung tight around the little dog. In the kitchen, Emily and Peter exchanged a quiet, awestruck smile.

Later, as neighbors gatheredbringing a spare string of lights, a tin of sweets, a bauble here or thereEmily realized they were not so alone after all. Laughter spilled out from the door. Lucy danced in her socks, Holly barked and bounded about, and Emily caught herself humming, hope blooming bold and new inside her chest.

Standing beneath their patchwork tree, Peter gently took Emilys hand. Sometimes, you have to lose everything to see what wants to stay, he said softly. For the first time in months, the world felt wide open and bright.

Outside, the first bells of the New Year chimed, and the windows glowed gold against the dark. Inside, with love and laughter at last restored, Emily silently promised herselfwhatever came next, they would meet it together.

And Holly, whod once been Button and now was simply home, stretched out by the fire, guarding the small, shining world theyd built anewtail thumping, always.