Michael, you really ought to see a doctor. Get your heart checked.
Whats supposed to be wrong with my heart?
Seems to me you havent got one at all!
Jack couldnt understand why the front door to the flats, the very door hed come through with his owner so many times after their walks, was suddenly closed and locked.
He sat across from the battered brown doors.
Maybe Ive muddled it? he wondered. No! he told himself firmly. The scents said this was the place.
I just need to wait a bit longer and the master will remember he drove me out to the woods and left me there for some reason. Its all a game! But I found my way back. Now Ill just wait!
Snow began to fall. Jacks paws were growing colder by the minute. His body shivered despite his thick coat.
Dont think about food, thats the main thing. Soon as they spot me, theyll be overjoyed. Ill get a giant, delicious bone…
The small, trembling dog went over to a snowdrift and licked at the snow. It melted on his tongue, easing his thirst a little but making him even colder, if that were possible.
Any moment now, Ill be let in and curl up by the big white radiator. But first, a bone. And then soup. Then I can growl at them all. I know its a game, theyre testing me.
I searched for this block for nights. Yesterday, I slipped in through the open entrance, just to get warm. Woke in the morning to a cleaners boot in my side. I whimpered. Didnt have the strength to bite in return.
People are strange. When Im on the lead with my owner, nearly everyone on the street smiles at me or greets him. When Im alone, they look at me with contempt. That one even kicked me. My side still hurts.
For hours Jack stared at the doorway, motionless. No one came in or out. He started to whine softly, picturing himself fed and warm.
Just need to wait a bit. Just a bit longer.
The snowstorm grew worse. Jack could hardly feel his paws now. He curled up tight. Gradually, his awareness drifted far away. Hed done his task. It was hard, but he had found his building. Hed done well. Time for a nap…
Victor Mitchell was alone at home. There was just so much to do: watch a bit of telly, have a cuppa, watch the telly some more, another cup of tea, then a nap, and yes, another brew…
That was all for today. To be honest, it would be the same routine for the next ten years. Once upon a time oh, now that was living!
Hed driven trains, carried folk from the suburbs right into the heart of London. Hed been part of the citys lifeblood. Most importantly, hed been needed.
Oh well! he consoled himself. Springs not far off. Ill start with the seedlings, then its the allotment season before you know it. Just got to get through the winter!
He went into the kitchen, put on the kettle. There used to be someone to chat to while it boiled. Now, he felt tricked, almost rushed on, left alone unfairly.
Once the kettle boiled, Victor instinctively opened the cupboard for the tea only to find the box empty.
Oh, blast it! Run out. Ill have to pop to the shop, he thought, almost cheerfully. Throwing on his coat, he left his flat.
In the stairwell, the bulb was out or maybe pinched again. Ill get a new one on my way back, he decided.
Victor opened the door to the block and had barely taken a step when he tripped over something hidden beneath the snow.
For crying out loud! he muttered. The something was a dog, snow-dusted, so cold the flakes werent even melting on its fur.
Jack! Victor recognised his neighbours dog instantly.
Jack, mate, are you alright? Hang on, Ill ring your owners. Victor rushed to the entryphone and dialled Jacks flat. No reply. He tried the neighbours. This time, someone picked up.
Hello, its your neighbour. You dont know where the folks from flat sixty-four are, do you? Their dogs nearly frozen out here!
Theyve moved out. Got a divorce, I think. The place is up for sale.
Unbelievable. Thanks.
Victor shrugged off his padded jacket, laid it next to the dog. Gently brushed off the snow, and wrapped Jack in the coat. Seemed the dog wasnt breathing.
Oh, buggering hell! Jack, dont you dare!
He dragged him inside to the radiator. Rubbed the frozen fur. Then he knocked on the first door downstairs. Neighbour Nina answered.
Mr Mitchell, whats going on?
Nina, the dog… Please, can you look up the nearest vet and book us a taxi?
Hello, Elaine?
Yes, whos this?
Its Victor Mitchell from flat seventy-two. Nina gave me your number.
Oh, hello, Mr Mitchell.
Its about Jack.
Youll want Michael. I never wanted that silly dog.
Well… Were at the vet
That useless idiot cant even afford the mortgage… and would you believe it, he bought that dog! I supported our family for years. I told him to get rid of the mutt… And he couldnt even do that. Goodbye!
Hello, Michael? Its Victor Mitchell, your old neighbour. Jack found his way back!
Youre mistaken. Our Jack was lost in the woods.
Im certain this is Jack!
No, surely not.
I see… Its not right, what you did.
I dont follow?
You do. And Im glad I no longer have neighbours like you.
Jack lived in Victors house for months after that. He lost the tips of his ears and still limped on two paws, but hed adapted.
Jack realised that this hadnt been a game at all. Not really. It was a cruel sort of game, played by two grown-ups, and Jacks part was drop dead. For real.
He understood, too, that he had a new owner now. Three walks a day. The old man wasnt young, so Jack made sure to get him jogging as well.
Funny people, humans, Jack thought. Those ones always smiling, yet nearly left me for dead. This one moans and grumbles but is kind and caring. Not stupid, Jack: snap at the old, love the new!
Someone knocked on Victors door.
Mr Mitchell, its Michael. Im living with a new partner who has a little girl. She wants a dog. Let me take Jack off your hands. Sorry about how it all happened. How much do I owe you for the vet?
Michael, I dont follow you.
It just happened… I didnt earn enough and…
The dog doesnt care how much you earn… Jack got lost in the woods.
But there he is, lying on the mat.
Thats Norris. Jacks gone.
Jack, come here!
But the dog just lay there, didnt budge. Only bared his teeth.
Michael, its time. Id suggest you see your doctor. Get your heart checked.
Whats supposed to be wrong with my heart?
I just think you havent got one at all!Michael looked down at the unmoving dog, the silence between the three of them thick as snowfall. Victors eyes never left his, steady and unwavering, until Michael faltered and stepped back, shame drawing hard lines across his face. He muttered something neither of them caught, and retreated down the corridor, boots squeaking awkwardly.
The door clicked softly shut, sealing the cold out once more.
Victor knelt beside Jack and stroked his head, feeling the warmth beating steadily beneath rough fur. Jacks tail swept a slow, satisfied arc against the floor, eyes half-closed, world settled again.
Ninas laughter echoed faintly through the common wall as she danced with her toddler, and somewhere on the landing, a kettle began to boil, heralding tea and company and soft, ordinary evenings.
Victor rubbed Jacks shoulder and whispered, Thats right, old chap. This is home.
Outside, snow kept falling and footsteps faded quickly; but within, an old man and his dog rested together, hearts mended, quietly certain that springeven if late in comingwould find them both waiting, side by side.
