The son and his wife forced their elderly father out of the house he had lived in for decades. As the old man was nearly freezing, a gentle touch brushed his cheek. When he opened his eyes, terror froze him in place
On that cold autumn night, he could no longer feel his hands or feet. A thin layer of snow settled slowly on his shoulders while a biting wind pierced his battered coat. He could not recall how long it had been since his son, with whom he had shared the home for over forty years, slammed the door shut in his face.
María and I dont have enough room, and looking after you is a big responsibility. You understand, right, dad? the son said, avoiding his fathers gaze.
I understand, the old man whispered, though every fiber of his being screamed in pain. He could not grasp it. How could the son he had raised and devoted his best years to speak like that?
The day he left the house would be etched in his memory forever: a worn sack of belongings, his gray head bowed in shame, tears he could barely hold back. He had nowhere to go. Neighbors averted their eyes, and the thought of a nursing home terrified him. The city seemed alien and icy.
Sitting on a rickety park bench, he recalled his wifehow they had built the home together, raised their child, dreamed of the future. She used to say, When were old well sit by the fire and reminisce about our youth. She had died two years earlier, and since then his son and daughterinlaw treated him as a burden.
He closed his eyes and felt his limbs growing numb, his breath slowing, thoughts blurring. Is this what dying feels like? he wondered. Then, suddenly, a soft, warm touch on his face made him shiver. He opened his eyes slowly and was stunned.
A scruffy street dog, which he had fed near his home for many years, stood before him. Its kind, loyal eyes watched him with concern. The dog licked his hand, whimpering gently, as if pleading for him to rise.
Did you come, old girl? he whispered with a faint smile.
The dog wagged its tail and pressed against his frozen legs, trying to warm him. The animals heat made tears stream down the old mans face. No one else remembered him. No one except that stray dog.
With great effort, he leaned on the bench and stood. The dog trotted beside him, glancing back now and then, as if saying, Follow me.
Where are we going, girl? he asked, bitterness in his voice.
She just wagged her tail joyfully and led him through empty streets. After a few minutes they reached an abandoned shed that had once been a warehouse. The dog gave a soft whine and nudged the door with its snout.
Inside lay a bit of straw, the air was damp, but it was better than nothing. The old man sat on the floor, leaned against the wall, pulled the dog close, and stroked its dirty yet familiar fur.
Thank you, he murmured, at least you didnt abandon me
He closed his eyes, feeling the dogs warmth as it curled up beside him. The past faded slowly from his mind, leaving only a faint hope that perhaps God still watched over him and had not forsaken him.
The next morning, a passerby found the trembling old man and his faithful dog on the sheds porch. The dog had kept him warm all night. The passerby called an ambulance, and the man was taken to the hospital. When he regained consciousness, the first thing he asked was:
Wheres my dog?
The nurse smiled:
Hes waiting for you at the entrance. He hasnt moved.
That day the old man realized that true loyalty is not bound by blood. Even those closest can let you down, while strangers you once ignored can become your most steadfast friends.
He never returned to his former home. His son and daughterinlaw sold it shortly after the incident. He moved into a shelter where he was cared for, but the most important thing was that his loyal dogthe same one that had appeared on that frigid night when he was ready to leave this worldremained by his side forever.
