Simon travelled to a small village to visit his aunt, his mothers elder sister, someone his mum had asked him to keep an eye on before she passed away. Aunt Mildred was tiny and frail now. Simon had offered several times to have her come live with them in the city, reassuring her that she would have her own room, could stroll in the garden, and that there were plenty of other elderly ladies she could befriend. But Aunt Mildred would have none of it. She absolutely refused to leave her little home.
So it fell to Simon, every three months, to take five days unpaid leave from work and come to look after her. Two days were spent travelling, but those three days with her were devoted to helping around the house. Fortunately, Simon was head of his department and could afford these short holidays. Besides, the director of the company was an old mate of his. That spring, though, work had been overwhelming; he didnt manage to visit in March as usual, and instead only made it in late April.
Aunt Mildred had certainly declined over the winter. Her neighbour, Mrs. Martha, told Simon that theyd even called an ambulance for her twice.
Why on earth didnt you let me know? Simon asked, surprisedwhenever he phoned, they insisted she was fine.
She made me promise not to bother you at work. Said, Once Im gone, then you can let him know.
Simon ran to the village shop to pick up the sugar and salt Aunt Mildred had asked forplus a few extras: rice, tinned meat, some condensed milk. Arriving back, he found a young sheepdog pup, about five months old, sitting by the front porch.
Simon couldnt help but ask, Aunt Mildred, where did you get the puppy?
Oh, he wandered in about a month ago, she explained. I opened the gate and there he was, shivering, poor thingskin and bone. Ive been feeding him up a bit. Took him in to keep me company.
Simon stroked the puppys head, who trustingly rested his head on Simons knees. As a boy, Simon had always longed for a dog, but his parents never allowed it. Now, with his busy life, it still wasnt possible. His wife, Catherine, had owned a cat for a few years, but the cat had disappeared one day. Simon and Catherine had no children; after accepting that Catherine couldnt have any, theyd learned to live happily for themselves, travelling often.
Whats your new friend called? Simon asked.
Benny, said Aunt Mildred. That was my cats name.
Simon laughed. Isnt it odd to give a dog a cats name?
Oh, what does it matter? He comes when I call him.
While Simon was there, Benny faithfully followed him everywhere. When it was time to leave, Simon asked his aunt to be honest with him if she ever felt unwell. Dont hesitate to callif you need medicine or anything at all.
Youve already been so good to me, running up and down to see me, she replied. But I havent much time left.
Dont talk like that, Aunt Mildred. The longer youre here, the better. I always look forward to seeing you.
Simon, could I ask you something? she said quietly. If something happens to me, dont abandon Benny. Hes a living soul, after all.
I wont, I promise. Ill find him a good home.
No, take him with you, please. I have a feeling he came to me for a reason.
At that, Benny pressed himself against Simons knees and looked up at him intently.
All right, Aunt Mildred. If it comes to it, Benny will come home with me.
A month later, Aunt Mildred passed away. Simon buried her and, as was tradition, marked nine days with the neighbours. After the funeral, he and Benny walked to the village churchyard one last time to say goodbye.
Soon, it was time to leave. Simon bought a muzzle and a lead, and they headed to the railway station. He booked a ticket in a pet-friendly carriage. Once in the compartment, Bennys hackles rose and he growled at a man by the window.
The man turned, eyes bulging in alarm. You must be mad, bringing a wolf on a train!
Are you drunk? Simon replied. Hes my dog, Benny.
Thats a wolf if ever I saw one, and Im a hunter. I know these beasts.
Benny bared his teeth, growling again.
Keep that savage away or Ill do something about it, the man barked.
Mind your own business if you want to make it home tonight, said Simon coolly. No ones bothering you.
The man grumbled, Im getting off in an hour anyway. Ill just wait in the corridor.
Left alone, Simon turned to Benny and asked, half seriously, Benny, are you a wolf? The dog laid his head in Simons lap and wagged his tail. No matter what you are, youre a brilliant companion.
Soon, the train conductor knocked on the door. Excuse me, sir, is that an Alsatian or a wolf?
Simon laughed, Did that man put you up to this? Hes a rare breed sheepdog, does search and rescue for me.
The conductor looked suspicious. Do you have his papers?
Of course, Simon replied, patting his pockets. Then, feigning alarm, he said, Benny, I left your documents at the ticket desk. But without papers, I couldnt buy a ticket, right? He looked at the conductor with a grin.
She nodded, Of course, sir.
No documents were asked forSimon had bought the ticket from Mrs. Marthas niece, who worked at the ticket office. By morning, they were back in the city. That very day, Simon took Benny to the local vets on the corner.
The vet stepped back, eyeing Benny. Are you from the circus?
No, why do you ask?
Well, youve got a wolf there.
Simon sighed. A wolf, but not from the circus. Hes from the countryside. My aunt died and asked me to take him, so here he is.
The vet examined Benny and nodded knowingly. Hes not a pure wolfa crossbreed. One parent, I believe, was a German shepherd. These wolf-dog crosses tend to be calm, loyal and easy-going. No need to worry. Lets register him and get his vaccinations sorted.
Catherine quickly grew fond of Benny herselfshe walked, fed, and washed him. Ten months passed, and one evening during the Christmas holiday, Catherine realised she needed a breath of fresh air and took Benny for a walk in the park, just ten minutes from their home.
As they wandered the paths at dusk, Benny caught a scent and darted into the darkness. Catherine called and called, heart pounding, waiting for seven long minutes. Just as she was reaching for her phone to ring Simon, Benny reappeared, struggling to carry a bundle in his jaws.
Catherine hurried overit was a newborn baby, still alive. Though a doctor herself, she wasted no time calling an ambulance and the police. The response was swift; they arrived in moments. Catherine couldnt accompany them with the dog, but after taking Benny home, rushed to the hospital with Simon.
There, the staff told them the infanta girl, a month oldwas healthy, and a note included with her said her name was Amelia and asked whoever found her to give her a good life. Catherine asked to see the baby, and immediately her heart melted. She glanced at Simon, and he understood without need for words. She told the staff that she was a doctor and that she and her husband wished to adopt Amelia.
Two months later, the foundling Amelia came home with themthe little girl saved by Benny, the stray as Aunt Mildred had said had found his way to their home for a reason.
And so, Simon learned that kindness and loyalty, whether from people or faithful friends with four legs, often bring new beginnings in the most unexpected ways.
