Down and Out
It’s been a hard year since I was abandoned to loneliness.
Homelessness is a dreadful erosion of dignity…
I keep clear of the town centre. Scavenging for leftovers near bins on the outskirts. Occasionally, a shopkeeper saves the day — handing me out-of-date snacks.
The sun warms my back when I stroll at the park’s edge, but it never lasts. Nights are worse. Cold bites my skin, but loneliness gnaws deeper.
I long for someone to share my life. I’ve so much to give, and circumstances have been unkind.
To be wanted is my dream. But all I have are night shadows and the distant chatter of people who pass me without notice. How did it all go so wrong?
As the days merge into weeks, my patience frays. It’s hard to keep clean. I stink of dampness and piss. I see myself in shop windows, barely recognising what stares back — scruffy, bitter, unloveable.
It’s late. I lie down on a piece of cardboard in an alley, shivering. Tired and hungry. Suddenly footsteps approach then a woman’s soft voice, “Hello. I’ve seen you before and want to help.”
I freeze, wondering if I should run. Maybe she’ll call the police. But no. She opens a flask, pouring warm food into a bowl.
It smells divine. Slowly, I move closer and tuck into the stew.
As I eat, she gently puts her hand on my back, “Good boy. You are safe now. Nobody will hurt you again.”
It’s been a hard year since I was abandoned to loneliness.
She keeps her promise. Takes me back to her house with my own bed near the fire. Soon I have a collar. Long walks at the weekend. Outside ball games with the smaller people. In short, a family to love me and who as time goes on I give my never-ending loyalty.
My fur shines.
At last, I’m home.
(This story was written during the 100k word Koala Quill three month challenge.
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I remember this story, it is so beautiful! Love how you wrote this from the perspective of the dog.
Everyone loves a shaggy dog, but you held that fact until just the right moment!