Natalie Was Returning Home with Heavy Shopping Bags When She Saw a Car by Her Gate—Puzzled, She Drew Closer and Spotted a Young Man in the Yard. “He’s Here!” She Exclaimed, Rushing to Hug Her Son—But He Stopped Her: “Mum, Wait, I Need to Tell You Something. You’d Better Sit Down,” Victor Whispered, and Natalie Braced Herself for the Worst

Author Wanda MirandaReading 10 minViews 2

Natalie was making her way home from the village shop, her arms aching from the weight of her shopping bags. She was nearly at her front gate when she stopped in her tracksa car was parked right outside her cottage. Her brow knit in confusion.

“Who could that be? I wasnt expecting anyone,” she muttered, squinting as she stepped closer.

As she reached the path, Natalie spotted a young man standing in her garden.

Hes come! she exclaimed, hope overtaking her surprise as she rushed forward. Her son, David, seemed taller, older, but to her he would always be her boy.

Mum, wait, he said, gently dodging her outstretched arms. I need to talk to you. Theres something you should know.

Natalies heart sank at his tone. Whats the matter? she asked, breath hitching.

Youd best sit down, David said quietly.

Natalies knees gave out onto the old garden bench, bracing herself for news she feared.

For two years, Natalie had lived alone in the charming village of Willowbrook. Her husband had died not long ago, and David, her only son, had left for the cityLondonafter his national service. Hed become an engineer at a factory, first struggling in small bedsits, but recently, things seemed to have shifted for him. He never said much, offering only platitudes”Alls well, Mum, dont fret”while bringing groceries and the odd gift on occasional visits, especially after hed bought his car.

Last time, hed given her a beautiful hand-knitted scarf. But about his own life, David was silent. Natalie knew only scraps, and that thanks to kind-hearted neighbours. Vera, the young woman from next door, had gone to London and come back with stories.

Natalie smiled remembering how shed sent jam and her special pickled mushrooms as a treat for David, asking Vera to deliver them. Vera had phoned David and met up with him.

Oh, Auntie Natalie, he turned up at the flat with a real looker! Took the lot, sent his love, and said hed visit soon, Vera had told her later.

What sort of woman? Natalie had asked, intrigued.

Dont know, really. She didnt even get out of the car. Seemed olderby five years at least. Full-figured, made up to the nines.

Natalie pondered this quietly. David had never shared his personal affairs. She resolved to press him for details next timeand, as fate would have it, she didnt have to wait long.

One afternoon as she came back from the shop, David was standing in the front gardenwith a small boy beside him. The car still idled just outside the gate.

Hes here! Natalie set her bags down, hurrying to her son. But David stepped back a little.

Hi, Mum. Let me introduce youthis is Jamie. Hes like a son to me now.

Natalie ushered them both into the cottage. Come inside, its silly to stand about outside.

She quickly set a simple mealstill-warm potatoes in the pot, tangy pickled cabbage, juicy slices of boiled beef. Jamie sat listlessly at the table, barely touching his food or looking up. They finished quickly, and David suggested Jamie go into the garden to have a look around, giving him an excuse to talk alone with his mother.

Mum, heres the thing, David began. I got married last year. Well, properlywe just signed the registry. Her names Helen, and Jamies her son. Dont be cross, I didnt tell you because Helen well, she doesnt want to meet her mother-in-law.

Whats wrong with me? Natalie shot back, hurt. Am I too country for her?

No, nothing like that. David looked down. Her first marriage was rough. Her former mother-in-law was vicioushated Helen, made her life hell. Thats why she left her husband, and then he died, his mother too. The flat and car passed to her and Jamie. When we met, she invited me in, and well, we registered quietly. She doesnt want to think about mothers-in-law ever again.

Then why bring Jamie here? Natalie asked, confused.

Its just for the summer. Helens pregnantdue in August. Shes struggling with Jamie on her own, and Im always at work. Could you keep an eye on him till autumn, then Ill bring him back?

I will, of course, Natalie nodded. But does he want to stay?

David shrugged. No ones asking him, Mum. Helen says its whats best.

Natalie was surprised at such words but kept her counsel. She didnt know Helenhow could she judge? Jamie, barely eight, would hardly be a handful, and soon thered be a grandchild, a new joy to look forward to.

The next morning, David left for London. Jamie slumped by the window, sulking.

Natalie quietly approached. Shall we make a start on our little life together, then? You can call me Grandma Natalie. What year at school will you be in?

Year Three, Jamie grunted, not turning round.

Come, let me show you the hens, see the veg patch. Strawberries are nearly ripeearliest in the village

Im not going anywhere with you, he muttered.

Whys that, love? I wont bite, and neither will my old dog, Winston, if thats what youre thinking.

Mum said youre not a good person. And Im not here for long anyway. Besides, Im not afraid of your dog.

Natalie sighed. What can you do? How would your mum know Im so bad when weve never even met? Wellstay if you want, but Ive chores to be getting on with, my lad.

She slipped out back, her heart aching for the boy. Helen must really have suffered at the hands of her last mother-in-law, and now both she and Jamie were wary of everyone. Never mindkindness and patience, Natalie told herself, would win out in the end.

She busied herself with weeding and seeing to the few chickens and ducks she kept. She bought milk and cheese from Veras mother, passing eggs or strawberries from her garden in return. It was the village way.

A week passed. Slowly, Jamie began venturing into the gardenstroking Winston, pinching ripe strawberries, finding little reasons to be outside. He didnt offer to helpNatalie didnt force him. But one morning when Natalie mentioned the shop, Jamie volunteered to walk with her. For the first time he chatted the whole way home, and after that he seemed to change. He swept floors, watered the veg, fed Winston, made fast friends with the local boys. Evenings, they could hardly get him inside.

He brightened up, and started reading Robinson Crusoean old, battered copy from Davids childhoodand would recount the tales to Natalie, giggling at Friday as she knitted by the fire. And she remembered David as a boy, talking a mile a minute, happy and full of life.

In August, David came home, overjoyed. He brought newsa baby daughter, Julia, had been born to him and Helen. Tomorrow he would fetch them from the hospital, but hed come first to tell his mother and ask after Jamie.

Dad, Im having a lovely time with Grandma Natalie! Please can I stay a bit longer? Ill see my sister when school starts.

So Jamie stayed on until September. Natalie had knitted little socks, a hat, and a downy blanket for her granddaughter, mittens for her daughter-in-law. David kissed his mother, ruffled Jamies hair and left for London.

As August ticked away, Jamie was playing football in the lane when a car appearedHelen, round-faced and flushed, stepped out holding a baby, David hurrying to help, and Jamie ran full-tilt towards them.

Mums here! he shouted, but stumbled on a stone. No tearshe picked up a plantain leaf and pressed it to his grazed knee, as local boys had shown him. Helen kissed him, took his hand, and followed David inside.

Why was Jamie unsupervised in the street? she asked, not bothering with greetings.

Hello to you too, Natalie replied softly. We see each other at last. Boys run free round hereits how its always been. Jamie helps me in the house and garden, too. Hes been a blessing. What else should a boy do, if not play?

Natalie peeked at baby Julia, fast asleep, angelic, and tears sprang to her eyes.

She served up a dinner of roast beef, potatoes, fresh bread, and creamy custard tart, asking about Helens health and plans.

Weve come to take Jamie back, Helen announced firmly. Schools startinghe must be bored, and Im sure youre glad to see the back of him, arent you?

Jamie jolted out of his seat. I dont want to go to the city! I want to stay with Grandma Natalie! You liedshes not bad, shes lovely!

Helens cheeks blazed and her lips pursed in a wounded pout.

You mustnt speak to your mum like that, Jamie. Apologise, then go play in the garden; dont wander off, Natalie said gently but firmly.

Jamie hung his head and mumbled an apology, then slipped outside.

Dont worry, Helen. Hes a good, obedient boyyouve done well. And Ive been thrilled to have him all summer. Thank you for letting him come. If you can spare him again next year, Id be glad of it.

But at that moment, Julia began to wail, and Helen rushed to comfort her. They spent two more days at the cottageDavid did odd repairs, Helen doted on the baby, and Natalie cooked hearty meals for the whole family. Jamie was always in the thick of things, helping his father in the shed or playing big brother to Julia.

At last, they packed up. David shook his mothers hand, hugged Jamie, and took baby Julia to the car while Helen hesitated on the doorstep. She turned, embraced Natalie, and whispered, Thank you, Mum. I dont remember my own mother, and I never imagined a mother-in-law could be so kind. Please forgive me. Youve raised a wonderful manand I do love him.

Hes yours now, love, Natalie replied, smiling. And Jamiebring him back any time; Ive grown so fond of him.

And so, peace came to their family. In winter, they invited Natalie to stay in London, to help with the children and the house. Helen and Natalie found they could not do enough for each other, to Davids delightand to Jamies as well.

“Come on then, Rusty…” muttered Val as he straightened the homemade lead of old rope. He zipped up his jacket to his chin and shivered—it was a particularly nasty February, sleet hammering down and the wind cutting right through him. Rusty—a faded ginger mongrel with one milky, blind eye—had come into Val’s life a year ago. He’d been finishing a night shift at the factory and seen the battered, starving dog by the bins with a clouded left eye. The shout set Val’s nerves on edge. He recognised the voice—Sean “Scarface”, the local twenty-five-year-old “hard man”. Three spotty teenagers hung around with him—his “crew”. “We’re taking a stroll,” Val answered shortly, gaze fixed on the icy ground. “Oi, mate, you pay your dog-walking tax for that freak?” one of the lads jeered, cackling. “Look at him—proper ugly, his eye’s all mashed up!” A stone flew, hitting Rusty in the ribs. The dog whimpered and pressed close to Val’s leg. “Get lost,” Val said quietly, steel in his tone. “Oh! Gramps found his voice!” Sean sauntered closer. “Don’t forget whose patch this is. Dogs walk here with my say-so.” Val tensed. The army had taught him to deal with problems swiftly and decisively—but that was thirty years ago. Now he was just a weary retired mechanic who didn’t want trouble. “Let’s go, Rusty,” he muttered, turning for home. “Yeah, run along! Next time your mutt’s a goner!” Sean yelled after him. All night, Val replayed the scene in his mind. The next day, wet snow fell. Val delayed the walk, but Rusty waited by the door, so devoted that Val gave in at last. “All right, all right—make it quick,” he grumbled. They stuck to quieter paths—but there was no sign of Sean’s lot, likely hiding from the foul weather. Val relaxed, until Rusty suddenly stopped by the deserted boiler house. The old dog pricked his one ear, sniffing the air. “What’s up, old boy?” Rusty whimpered, pulling towards the derelict building. Strange sounds drifted out—sobs, or moans, hard to tell in the howling wind. “Hello? Anyone there?” Val called. No reply—just the wind. Rusty strained forward, anxiety shining in his lone good eye. “What is it? What is it, boy?” Then Val heard it, clear as anything—a child’s voice: “Help me!” Heart pounding, Val unclipped the lead and followed Rusty in. In the wrecked boiler room, behind a mound of bricks, lay a boy of about twelve—bloody-faced, split-lipped, clothes torn. “Oh God!” Val dropped beside him. “What happened?” “Mr Valentine?” The boy squinted up. Val recognised him—Andy Mason, the shy lad from next door. “Andy! What is it?” “Sean and his gang… wanted money off Mum. I said I’d tell. They caught me…” “How long have you been here?” “Since this morning. It’s so cold.” Val stripped off his jacket and wrapped the boy up. Rusty curled close, sharing his warmth. “Can you stand up, Andy?” “My leg hurts—think it’s broken.” Val gently checked—yes, broken, and who knows what else. “Got a phone?” “They took it.” Val dug out his ancient Nokia and dialed 999. Paramedics would be there in thirty minutes. “Hang on, son—the ambulance is coming.” “What if Sean finds out I survived?” Andy whispered, panic rising. “He said he’d finish me…” “He won’t,” Val said firmly. “He’ll never touch you again.” The boy stared, surprised. “But you walked away yesterday.” “That was different—just me and Rusty. Now…” He trailed off. What was there to explain? How thirty years ago he’d sworn an oath to protect the weak? How Afghanistan taught him: a real man never abandons a hurt child? The ambulance came fast; Andy was whisked to hospital. Val, left at the ruins with Rusty, pondered. That evening Andy’s mum, Mrs Mason, came round in tears, thanking Val over and over. “The doctors said one more hour alone, he might have died! You saved his life, Mr Valentine!” “Not me—Rusty found him,” Val replied, stroking the dog’s head. “But what’ll happen now?” Mrs Mason looked fearfully at the door. “Sean won’t stop. The police say they have no proof without witnesses.” “It’ll be all right,” Val promised, though he had no idea how. He didn’t sleep; worry gnawed at him. How could he protect Andy? Or every other child bullied by that gang? By morning, he knew. He put on his old army uniform—parade dress, medals and all. Checked the mirror—not young, but still a soldier. “Come on, Rusty. We’ve got work to do.” Sean’s crew lounged by the shop as usual, mocking as Val approached. “Oi! Looks like Remembrance Day came early—look at Granda, what a hero!” Sean got up, sneering. “Clear off, pensioner. Your time’s over.” “My time’s just started,” Val said quietly, closing the gap. “What’s with the get-up?” “To serve my country. And protect kids from people like you.” Sean laughed. “What kids? What country, old man?” “Andy Mason—remember him?” Sean’s sneer faded. “Why should I remember losers?” “Because he’s the last child you’ll ever hurt here.” “Threatening me, granddad?” “A warning.” Sean stepped in, a flick-knife glinting in his hand. “I’ll show you who runs this place.” Val didn’t move an inch. The army never really leaves you. “The law runs things here.” “What law? Who made you sheriff?” “My conscience did.” That’s when Rusty, who’d been still as a statue, suddenly bristled. A low, menacing growl rumbled from his throat. “And your mutt—” “My dog’s a veteran,” Val cut in. “Afghanistan. Bomb detection. He can sniff out scum with one look.” It was a lie—Rusty was just a mongrel—but Val delivered it so convincingly, everyone believed it. Even Rusty straightened up, baring his teeth. “He found twenty militants in Afghanistan. Brought every one in alive. Think he can handle one junkie?” Sean backed off; his mates froze behind him. “Listen up,” Val stated, stepping forward. “From now on, every yard, every night—I walk these streets. Me and my dog. Any trouble, we’ll find it. And then…” He left it hanging. “You trying to scare me, old man? I could—” “Go on then, call for help. But I’ve got connections—real ones. Prison’s full of mates who owe me favours.” Another lie, but Val’s steel convinced them. “Name’s Valentine—Val Afghan, they call me. Don’t touch the kids again.” Val turned and walked away. Rusty trotted at his side, tail held like a flag. Silence followed them down the street. Three days passed. Sean and his crew were nowhere to be seen. Val truly did patrol the streets daily. Rusty kept close—proud and serious. Andy was discharged a week later, limping but on the mend. He visited that day. “Mr Valentine—can I help with your rounds?” he asked. “I could be your deputy.” “Talk to your mum first, Andy. But I’d be honoured.” Mrs Mason agreed. She was only glad her son had someone to look up to. So every evening, neighbours spotted a curious team—a grandad in uniform, a boy, and a scruffy old ginger dog. Rusty became beloved, even by mums who’d normally shoo away strays. There was something special—noble—about him. Val told the kids tales of the army, of loyalty, of courage. They listened wide-eyed. One night, as they walked home, Andy asked: “Were you ever scared, Mr Valentine?” “I was,” Val admitted. “Still am, sometimes.” “Of what?” “Of not being quick enough. Not being strong enough.” Andy stroked Rusty. “When I’m grown-up, I’ll help you. I’ll have a dog just like Rusty.” “You will,” Val smiled. “Absolutely.” Rusty’s tail wagged. Everyone in the area knew him now. “That’s Valentine’s dog. He can spot a hero from a scoundrel,” they said. And Rusty wore the role with pride—no longer just a mongrel, but a defender.

Natalie, You’ve Been Gone Five Years—You Never Cared How I Was or What Became of Me Natalie and Ben had lived together for over five years. Ben wasn’t rolling in money—he was just an ordinary labourer earning a modest wage. Natalie always dreamed of a comfortable, or better yet, luxurious life, so whenever she met someone wealthier than her husband, she was secretly thrilled. Then one day, Natalie’s luck seemed to change—she was noticed by a wealthy businessman who promised her the world. Taken in by his smooth talk, she left her struggling husband to start a new, glamorous life. Ben was shattered by his wife’s decision. He begged her to stay, promising to work harder, switch jobs, make more money—anything to keep her happy. But Natalie remained firm. She was enchanted with visions of sailing on white yachts and shopping in Europe’s finest boutiques—things her poor husband could never provide. No vow of love or grand promise could sway her. Five years later, at thirty-two, Natalie’s rich benefactor lost interest in her—he was now surrounded by younger, more enticing women. He told her she was too argumentative and demanding, and cast her aside. With nowhere to go in London, no work experience, and no means to support herself, Natalie decided to crawl back to her ex-husband. Convinced that his vow of everlasting love meant he would be waiting for her, she set out for their former home. As she approached the door, she heard a rustle inside. The door opened, and a stranger holding a small girl appeared. “Darling, I’ve told you before not to open the door on your own,” the woman said to the girl in her arms. Then she turned to Natalie, “Can I help you?” Natalie stood frozen on the doorstep. “I’m looking for Ben. Is he home?” she stammered, lost for words. “Ben, there’s someone here for you! What’s your name?” called the stranger, then glanced back at their visitor. “Natalie!” Ben exclaimed in surprise when he appeared. Turning to the woman, he said, “Sweetheart, go back inside. I need to talk for a minute.” “Who was that woman?” Natalie asked, staring after the young woman with her daughter. “That’s my wife, Olivia, and in her arms is our daughter, Maddy,” Ben replied. “When did you get married? You have a daughter? Ben, you swore eternal love to me—you promised you’d never love anyone as much as you loved me!” “So many years have passed since that day! At first, I was heartbroken, but then I realised life goes on after you. Then I met Olivia—and I fell in love. She made me happy. She gave me a daughter.” “And what about me?” “Natalie, you’ve been gone for five years, and you never once cared how I was or what became of me. You left for someone else’s money, thinking only of comfort and a wealthy life. Maybe we were never rich, but what you did can’t be justified. Now you come back? What did you expect—that I’d be here waiting for you all this time?” “I was foolish! I love you!” “Natalie, enough of this charade. Please just go—I don’t need you and I don’t want to see you. Your fancy man threw you out so now you come crawling back? Honestly, it’s disgusting. Just go.” Natalie broke down in bitter tears, devastated that no one wanted her, while Ben was finally glad he’d managed to forget her and, in his own way, get his revenge.

“Well, Ginger, shall we head out then…” muttered Val, adjusting the makeshift lead fashioned from an old piece of rope. He zipped his ancient coat up to his chin and shivered. February that year was vicious—slush, stinging wind, cold that cut right through you. Ginger—a scruffy ginger mongrel with mottled fur and one cloudy eye—had walked into Val’s life a year ago. Val had spotted the battered and starving stray by the bins on his way back from the night shift at the steelworks. The poor animal’s left eye was milky with an old injury. A shout sliced through the evening. Val recognised the sneer—it was Steve ‘Squint’, the local twenty-something would-be tough guy. Around him loitered three teenage lads—his ‘crew.’ “Out for a walk, are we, gramps?” Steve jeered. “Just walking,” Val replied curtly, eyes down. “Oi, mate, you paying tax to walk that mutt?” one of the kids laughed. “See, he’s proper ugly—look at that dodgy eye!” A rock whistled past and struck Ginger’s side. The mongrel yelped and pressed close to Val’s shin. “Leave it,” Val said quietly, but his voice had an edge as sharp as glass. “Oooh, Percy the Tinkerer’s found his tongue!” Steve swaggered closer. “You remember whose patch this is? Dogs walk here if I say so. Got it?” Val tensed. Army training taught him to handle trouble swiftly and decisively—but that was thirty years ago. Now he was just a weary, retired fitter who didn’t want any more hassle. “C’mon, Ginger,” Val turned for home. “Yeah, you better run!” Steve called after him. “Next time I’ll finish off your freak for good!” Val lay awake all night, the confrontation twisting in his mind. The next day, sleet drummed on the windows. Val delayed the walk, but Ginger waited by the door with such faithful insistence he couldn’t refuse. “All right, all right. Just a quick one.” They steered clear of the usual haunts, but Steve’s gang were nowhere to be seen—probably hiding from the foul weather. Val was just beginning to relax when Ginger stopped dead near the old boiler house. His one good ear pricked up, sniffing. “What’s up, old boy?” Ginger whined and tugged towards the derelict. Strange noises filtered out—maybe crying, maybe groans. “Hello? Anyone there?” Val called out. No answer, just wind howling through broken brick. Ginger pulled urgently. There was fear in that one bright eye. “What is it?” Val knelt beside him. “What’s going on?” Then, he heard it—a child’s voice, desperate: “Help! Please!” Val’s heart skipped. He unclipped Ginger’s lead and followed into the ruins. Behind crumbling bricks, a boy of twelve huddled, beaten and crying—split lip, torn clothes. “Oh my God!” Val knelt. “What’s happened, son?” “Mr Williams? Is that you?” the boy peered up. Val looked closer and recognized him—Andy Moore, the quiet lad from no. 5. “Andy! Who did this?” “Steve and his lot,” Andy sniffed. “They wanted money off my mum. I told them I’d tell the police. They caught me…” “How long’ve you been here?” “Since morning. S-so cold.” Val shrugged off his coat and wrapped Andy. Ginger pressed close, sharing his warmth. “Can you stand, son?” “My leg… I think it’s broken.” Val carefully examined it. Definitely a break. Who knew what else was wrong? “You got a phone?” “They took it.” Val fished out his battered old Nokia, dialled for an ambulance. “Hold on, Andy. Help’s coming.” “What if Steve finds out I’m still alive?” Andy’s voice trembled. “He said he’d finish me.” “He won’t lay a finger on you,” Val promised. “Not ever again.” Andy stared at him in disbelief: “But you ran off from them yesterday…” “That was just me and Ginger. This time—it’s different.” He left the rest unsaid. How to explain the old soldier’s code—that real men don’t abandon children in trouble? The ambulance came quicker than expected. They took Andy away. Val waited by the boiler house, thoughts churning. That evening, Andy’s mum, Mrs Moore, came to his door in tears, thanking him over and over. “Mr Williams,” she sobbed, “they said if he’d been out there another hour… You saved his life!” “Wasn’t me,” Val said, stroking Ginger’s head. “Ginger found your boy.” “But what now?” Mrs Moore stared anxiously at the door. “Steve’s still out there. The police say there’s no proof—one kid’s word doesn’t count.” “It’ll be all right,” Val promised, though he had no idea how. He tossed in bed that night, restless. How could he protect Andy—and the rest of the area’s kids—from this gang? By morning, the answer was clear. Val put on his old British Army dress uniform—medals shining, jacket crisp. He checked the mirror—a soldier, even if greying and slowed by time. “Come on, Ginger. We’ve got work to do.” Steve’s gang lurked by the shop as usual. Seeing Val approach in full regalia, the youths sniggered. “Here he comes, like it’s Remembrance Sunday!” one crowed. Steve hopped off the bench, smirking. “You lost, grandad? Your day’s done.” “On the contrary,” Val replied, walking straight up. “My day’s only beginning.” “Why you dressed like that, then?” “To do my duty. To protect the vulnerable—from the likes of you.” Steve snorted. “What planet are you on, grandpa? Who cares about ‘the vulnerable’?” “You remember Andy Moore?” The laughter slid off Steve’s face. “Why would I remember some muppet?” “You’d better. Because he’ll be the last kid you harm around here.” “You threatening me, old man?” “I’m warning you.” Steve stepped forward, a glint of metal in his hand. “Let’s see if you’ve still got the bottle—” Val didn’t budge. The old army steel was back. “The law runs this patch, not you.” “And who made you the law?” “My conscience.” Then, something unexpected happened. Ginger, silent until now, stood up tall—hackles raised, a deep growl rumbling from his chest. “Your mangy dog’s next,” Steve started. “My dog’s a war hero,” Val cut in calmly. “Afghan bomb squad. She can sniff out bad guys with her eyes closed.” Utter nonsense—Ginger was no more than a bin dog. But Val’s voice had such conviction, everyone bought it. Even Ginger, who straightened and bared her teeth like a K9 legend. “She’s taken down more villains than I can count,” Val went on. “Think she couldn’t handle one jumped-up yob?” Steve faltered. His mates froze behind him. “Listen carefully,” Val intoned, stepping closer. “From today, these streets are safe. I’ll be walking every alley, every day—and my dog will know every troublemaker. You get me?” He didn’t finish. He didn’t have to. “You can’t scare me, you fossil. One call and—” “Make your calls,” Val nodded. “Just remember—I have my own contacts. Blokes in the nick. Life owes me more favours than you could dream.” Not true, but Val sounded utterly convincing. “The name’s Val the Veteran,” he finished. “Remember it. And leave the kids alone.” He turned away. Ginger trotted beside him, tail high. Behind, silence. Within three days, Steve and his crew had all but disappeared. And Val kept his promise. Every evening, he patrolled the estate, Ginger at his side—watchful, indomitable. Andy left hospital a week later, still limping but on the mend. That very day he knocked on Val’s door. “Mr Williams, can I help? With your patrols, I mean.” “You’d best ask your mum first.” Mrs Moore agreed, relieved her son had found such a role model. So, every night, the oddest trio strolled the estate—a retired soldier in medals, a sturdy lad, and an old ginger dog. Ginger won everyone’s hearts; even the mums let their kids stroke her, scruffy as she was. Something about her was noble. Val told the kids stories of army brotherhood and loyalty. They listened, rapt. One evening, Andy asked: “Mr Williams, have you ever been scared?” “Of course,” Val replied honestly. “Still am, sometimes.” “Of what?” “Of not getting there in time. Not being strong enough.” Andy stroked Ginger. “When I grow up, I want to help too. Maybe I’ll have a dog as clever as Ginger.” “You will,” Val smiled. “I’m sure of it.” Ginger wagged her tail. And soon, everyone in the area knew it: “That’s Val the Veteran’s dog. She can spot a hero from a villain.” And Ginger proudly served, no longer just a stray—now a true defender of the neighbourhood.