“— Mum, what have you done? — the daughter nearly shouted into the phone. — What on earth possessed you to adopt a dog from a shelter? And an old, sick one at that. Honestly, Mum, what were you thinking? Couldn’t you have just taken up dancing?
Norma was standing by the window, watching a gentle white haze settle over the city. Snowflakes twirled in a dance, landing softly on rooftops and tree branches, breaking under the feet of late-night passersby. Lately, she found herself at the window more often.
Once, she would wait for her husband to come home from work, arriving late and weary, his voice hoarse. The kitchen lights were warm, dinner was on the table, and they’d talk over cups of tea. Over time, their conversations dwindled, and he began coming home even later. He avoided her gaze, responding to her questions with curt answers. Until one day…
— Norma, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you… I’ve met someone else. We love each other, and I’m filing for divorce.
— Divorce… what about me, Alex? — Norma felt a sharp pain between her shoulder blades.
— We’re both adults, Norma. The kids are grown and have their own lives. We’ve been together for nearly thirty years, but we’re still young. Look, we’re only just over fifty. But I want something new, something fresh!
— So I’m just old and worn out, merely a fading memory, — she whispered, bewildered.
— Don’t exaggerate. You’re not old… But understand, with her, I feel like I’m thirty. Forgive me, but I want to be happy, — her husband kissed the top of her head and went to the bathroom.
He washed away the remnants of their old life, humming cheerful tunes, while Norma was weighed down by a profound despair…
Betrayal. Is there anything more bitter?
Norma lost track of time – the divorce happened, and Alex moved in with his new partner. Her days turned grey and monotonous. She had always lived for her children, for him. Their problems were hers, their illnesses too, their joys and successes, hers to share. And now?
Norma spent hours at the window. Sometimes, she glanced into a small hand mirror inherited from her grandmother. In it, she saw a sad eye, a tear tracing the already present wrinkles, a single grey hair on her temple.
She avoided looking into a large mirror.
— Mum, you need to find something to do, — her daughter’s hurried voice indicating she was off somewhere.
— What, dear? — her dull voice barely carried through the phone.
— I don’t know. Books, dance classes for “those over…”, exhibitions.
— Yes, yes, for those over… I am over… — Norma couldn’t pull herself together.
— Oh Mum, I’m sorry. I have to go.
Surprisingly, her son Les was more understanding of her sadness:
— Mum, I’m really sorry things turned out this way. You know, Ericka and I want to visit you, maybe for New Year’s. You’ll feel happier with us around.
Norma adored her children and marveled at how different they were…
*****
One night, while scrolling through social media, Norma stumbled across an announcement:
“Open Day at the Dog Shelter.
Come, bring the kids, friends, and family.
Our dogs will be thrilled to meet every new visitor!
We’re waiting for you at…”
There was also a note that if anyone wanted to help the shelter, a list of needed items was available.
Norma read it, once, then again.
— Blankets, throws, old bedding, towels. I need to sort through all this anyway. I’m sure there’s something I can give them, — she mused late into the night.
Standing at the window, she mentally listed things she could buy with her limited salary.
Ten days later, she stood at the shelter’s gates. Norma arrived with gifts. The cabbie helped unload the endless heavy bags filled with blankets and fabric. He pulled out a worn carpet and a bundle of mats.
Shelter volunteers helped guests carry in bundles of laundry, bags of dog food, and gifts for the dogs.
Later, volunteers divided attendees into groups, leading them past kennels, recounting the stories of each occupant in those somber cages…
Norma returned home weary. She was exhausted.
— Right, shower, dinner, couch. I’ll think about it all later, — she told herself. But “later” didn’t come. Images whirled in her mind – people, cages, dogs.
And their eyes…
Eyes like the ones she saw in her small mirror. Eyes filled with sadness and disbelief in happiness.
She was especially struck by one little dog, old and grey. She seemed so sad, lying quietly in a corner, unresponsive to anyone.
— This is Lady. A Japanese Chin. Her owner abandoned her at quite a venerable age. Lady is old too, already twelve.
They say in good care they can live up to fifteen. But Lady, she’s an old, sick, sad dog. Unfortunately, no one wants to take her home, — the volunteer sighed and led the guests on.
Norma lingered near Lady. The dog didn’t react to her. She lay on an old blanket like a stuffed toy, like an old dirty plaything…
All week at work, Norma couldn’t stop thinking about the sad little dog. A new energy stirred within her, and she was more active at work.
— Because Lady is like my reflection. I’m not that old yet. But I’m lonely. The kids have moved on, and my husband stepped over me as if I were a doormat. But I’m not a doormat! No, I’m not!
Norma left her office and called the shelter.
— Hello! I visited your open day. You told me a lot about Lady, the old dog. Remember? — she asked hopefully.
— Yes, yes, of course, I remember. You were the only one who stopped by her kennel.
— Please tell me, can I visit her?
— Lady? Incredible! Of course, come over. You can come this weekend, — the volunteer arranged a visit time and hung up.
That evening, Norma stood by the window again. But this time she wasn’t sad, reflecting on her past life. She watched a man in the courtyard walking a large dog.
The dog ran in wide circles around the empty nighttime courtyard. Chasing a ball, bringing it back to his owner each time. And the man fondly ruffled the dog’s head.
The weekend approached.
— Lady, hello! — Norma crouched near the dog. But she didn’t stir in response.
Norma sat right on the floor. She was wearing old jeans she’d brought along to change into at the shelter.
Without moving closer, Norma began to speak…
She talked about herself, her children. How she was alone in a three-bedroom apartment, now with no one to share it.
An hour passed like that. Norma gently moved closer to the blanket where Lady lay. She tentatively reached out her hand to touch the dog’s head. She gently stroked her.
The dog sighed.
Encouraged, Norma continued stroking the dog in slow, soothing movements. Lady, after some contemplation, leaned her head into Norma’s hand. Thus, a connection was made.
As she was leaving, Norma caught a careful gaze from those brown eyes. The dog looked at her as if trying to understand if that was a one-time encounter or…?
— Wait for me, I’ll be quick, — Norma whispered to the dog, closed the kennel, and hurried to the volunteer.
— So, did you have a nice chat? — the girl smiled at Norma.
— I… I want to take her home… — Norma was so nervous she was nearly breathless.
— Just like that?
— Yes, she responded to me. You said old dogs like her rarely get a chance. I want to give her that chance.
— Norma, I need to caution you. Lady is an unwell dog, she’ll need care if you want to extend her life. That’s time, effort, and money.
— I understand. I’ve raised two wonderful kids. I think I can manage. Let’s give her this chance, — Norma’s resolve was clear.
— Alright. I’ll prepare the paperwork. And also, we do unobtrusively follow up on our animals. You understand people can be… varied…
— Of course. Whatever you need. Photos, video calls, all vet visits I’ll keep you informed.
A few hours later, Norma entered her flat carrying the little dog wrapped in a towel. She gently set her on the floor.
— Well, Lady. This is your new home. Let’s learn together how to live now.
Norma took a few days off work and dedicated herself to the dog. Vets, check-ups, grooming, nail clippings, removal of sore teeth…
Lady turned out to be a very well-behaved little dog. Norma laid out pads for her, so Lady could relieve herself if needed.
She aimed for walks early in the morning and late at night, minimizing encounters with neighbors. She wanted Lady to get used to the new environment without any scares.
*****
— Mum, what have you done? Are you alright? — her daughter nearly shouted over the phone.
— I’m fine. Thanks for your concern.
— Mum, what on earth possessed you to adopt a dog from a shelter? And an old, sick one at that. Are you out of your mind? Couldn’t have you taken up dancing instead?
— Darling, your mum is a young woman. I’m only fifty-three. I’m healthy, beautiful, independent. This isn’t what I taught you! — Norma retorted.
— But Mum…
— No ‘buts’… You have your life, and your brother Alex is far away too. Your father switched me for someone barely out of school. Be decent enough to respect and accept my decisions.
Norma turned off the phone, exhaled, and headed for the kitchen. She was craving coffee.
— Mum, hats off to you! I’d never have guessed! That’s amazing! Adopting a shelter dog is something to be proud of. Will you have the patience for it? — her son was supportive, yet baffled.
— Les, I raised both of you. I managed somehow, — Norma chuckled. — I’ll be fine. The shelter promised to help if needed.
Norma didn’t tell her son or daughter that during her nighttime walks with Lady, she met the very man who walked the large dog.
His name was Jim. He was divorced, his wife moved to a new life in a new country with a new husband. And he got a dog…
Guess where from?
Yes, yes, Jim met his Abercrombie at the shelter. Abercrombie had been picked up off the streets. A healthy purebred dog running wildly through the city when they nabbed him.
Efforts to find his former owners, despite his tags, were fruitless. And Jim began a new life with Abercrombie, adjusting to fresh circumstances…
*****
— Mum, Ericka and I are coming to see you, alright? I want you to meet her soon. She’s fab. Crazy, like you!
Norma laughed heartily at her son’s words.
— Come over, love. We’re waiting for you.
On the 31st, when the doorbell rang, two dogs perked up immediately — Jim and Abercrombie had come to visit Norma and Lady.
When her son saw the crowd, he beamed:
— Mum, I won’t wait until night, I’ll tell you now. This is Ericka. I love her, you’re soon to be a grandma.
And also — we want to get a dog from the shelter. But for starters, perhaps a small one. We do have a little one on the way…
That night, no window in the city held sadness — greetings, music, laughter filled the city and the world with joy.
And even in shelters, those who hadn’t yet found their families felt a special sensation — the anticipation of happiness.
So let’s all be happy!
And to you, my dear friends, huge greetings and love from my delightful boy, Phil. I hope he no longer remembers his time in the shelter.
For he is basking in happiness and enveloped in our love!
Wishing you joy!”
