Natalie stayed at the office until the very end the project needed that last polish, and before she knew it the clock had slipped past five. When she finally trudged home, London was already cloaked in a thin veil of winter night, and soft flakes were drifting down like powdered sugar. Exhausted from the marathon day, she rattled off the chores, then pressed her forehead against the window of her flat on the second floor. For a while she simply watched the nearby trees grow thick, fluffy snow pillows on their branches.
Shed always loved winter, especially those evenings when the snow falls slow and silvery, as if an unseen hand were sprinkling feathers from the sky. In moments like that the world seemed a bit magical, straight out of a storybook.
December the holidays Ive been dreaming about since I was a child are just around the corner, she murmured to herself with a wistful smile. Her husband, Oliver, was already sound asleep he had to rise earlier than her for his shift at the hospital. Natalie flicked the light off and slipped into bed, hoping to steal a few hours of rest before another hectic day.
Just as she was slipping into sleep, the blare of a car alarm jolted her awake. The security system on her hatchback had gone off. She grabbed the remote, padded to the window and, for a moment, everything looked quiet: her car sat parked beside the neighbours vehicles, the street empty except for a blanket of snow. She silenced the alarm, lingered a bit, then crawled back under the covers. A few minutes later the alarm sounded again.
Alerted, she snatched her phone and the remote, threw a blazer over her nightrobe and headed downstairs. No one was by the car, but in the fresh powder a long, shallow groove snaked across the ground, and nearby were the unmistakable prints of paws.
The track ran straight under the bonnet. Natalie disabled the alarm once more. Neighbours began peeking out of their windows at the commotion. Her mobile rang it was Oliver, groggy but already at the kitchen sink.
Whats happening? Im coming down, he shouted, throwing on a coat.
When Oliver reached the car, Natalie pointed out the tracks. He crouched, turned on the flashlight on his phone and shone it beneath the chassis.
Theres something in there looks like an animal, eyes glinting. The engines still warm, so its probably huddling. I need gloves, well pull it out. Stay here, he said, darting back inside.
He returned wearing thick gloves and a small piece of toasted liver. He tried coaxing the unwanted guest, but the creature squeaked and shuffled back, unwilling to emerge. Natalie, now bundled up, decided to help. She knelt in the snow, extended a hand with the treat and cooed gently:
Come on, little one good boy come to me
A faint whimper sounded from under the car. The truth became clear: a dog was hiding there. It shuffled forward until, trembling and drenched, a tiny, mangy puppy emerged.
Natalie, ignoring Olivers protests, scooped the shivering animal into her arms. It was obvious the pup was homeless: its fur was a clump of greasy ropes, eyes halfclosed beneath tangled strands. Seeing those desperate, pleading eyes, she didnt hesitate. She cradled the pup and headed for the lift.
Oliver tried to stop her. Were out of the house all day, Natalie! We cant look after a dog and didnt you forget were off to Christmas in Edinburgh? Weve already paid for the tickets, the hotel, he pleaded, but Natalies reply was firm:
Ive always wanted a dog. Im not leaving him, whether you like it or not!
She named the pup Toby, after a favourite childhood book character. Toby turned out to be a lively lad. After a quick trim, wash and a decent bowl of kibble, he strutted around like a proper gentleman with a bright red collar. He obeyed commands sit, down, come and even offered both paws simultaneously, hopping up on his hind legs like a tiny bunny.
The day of the trip arrived. There was no one to look after Toby, so Natalie decided to take him along. She sorted the paperwork, bought a travel pet carrier and, with a grin, declared him ready for adventure.
The train to Edinburgh sped northward. In their compartment the mood was buoyant finally a Christmas break, and Toby was thrilled simply because he was with his people.
After a nights ride they arrived, checked into a cosy B&B and, after feeding Toby, set off for dinner.
Edinburgh dazzled Toby: the historic streets, the unfamiliar scents, the ringing bells, the towering fir trees bedecked with lights and ornaments. He was nervous and ecstatic in equal measure.
The holidays flew by in a blur of festive markets, hearty meals, guided tours and lazy evenings by the fireplace. The next morning they packed their bags and headed out for a final evening stroll, Toby pulling happily on his long leash. Along the route two mounted police officers on polished horses trotted by. One of the horses let out a startled whinny and reared its head.
Toby, never having seen such a massive creature, bolted. The leash slipped from Natalies hand, his collar popped loose and he vanished into the night.
The address tag fluttered uselessly in the wind.
Natalie and Oliver spent the rest of the night hunting for their lost friend through parks, streets and courtyards.
Its my fault! I should have kept him close, should have used a harness He was scared Toby! Natalie sobbed, her cheeks wet with tears.
Back at the B&B they sat in stunned silence. Oliver whispered, We have to leave. He didnt live with us long enough Ill buy you another dog, a better one, I promise. Natalie, staring out the window with reddened eyes, answered, Im not leaving him here. Ill stay and find Toby. I dont want another dog! You dont understand!
Olivers voice rose in desperate plea: Look, were almost broke. The house, the renovation, your new car We have an early train tomorrow, then work. Our visas run out in a few days. Please, think this through. He tried to calm himself, promising to call his boss, take a weeks leave, even ask for an advance. Ill get a cheap single room here and wait. Maybe hell come back. Im not abandoning him, period! Natalie pulled on her coat and declared, Ill keep looking.
She headed for the door, Oliver following, heavybreather, unsure how to stop her.
At the reception a young receptionist named Lucy, a brighteyed Englishwoman, spotted Natalies tearstained face and asked gently what was wrong.
Oliver tried to explain, but Natalie was too drained to speak; grief had stolen her voice. Lucy listened, asking for the essential details.
You need to call shelters and animal services. There are no stray dogs left in this town, she said, pulling a hefty phone directory from the shelf and dialing.
Natalie stood nearby, barely breathing, listening to the foreign Finnishaccented voices on the line. Lucy became her anchor, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
After a few more calls, Lucys tone brightened. Weve found a dog matching your description. He was taken to a shelter last night around eleven. Its about seventy miles from here, under four hours by train. Im not sure youll make it in time, she warned.
There was no time to think. They hailed a cab, and the decision was made in an instant: Natalie would drive to the shelter, Oliver would head to the station with the luggage and wait.
As the taxi raced down the empty road, Natalie whispered a mantra to herself: If only hes there if only I make it whatever happens to the train, I just have to get there The chill of the night seemed to melt away under her determination.
At the shelters gate Natalie handed over £10 and followed an employee inside. She was led to a modest room where a cage door stood ajar. Inside, curled in a ball, was Toby. Her heart hammered as if trying to escape her chest.
Toby!!! she cried, the words bursting from her lips.
The pup flew out, yipping with joy, and hurled himself into her arms, pressing his damp body against her as he whined with relief.
What followed felt like a dream. Natalie signed the paperwork, explained the situation, showed the collar with the address tag, never letting go of the trembling dogs leash.
Just as they were leaving, an elderly Scottish woman with a stern face approached, then softened and, in a thick Russian accent, threatened gently, Dont you go, Toby! before chuckling.
From the shelters doors, into the taxi, onto the train and back into another taxi, Toby never left Natalies side, nestling in her lap, his little body pressed against her.
Ill never leave you alone again, ever, she whispered, her face buried in his fur scented with the shelters cleaning solution.
When they finally got home, Toby carefully hopped onto the floor and ambled to the kitchen for a drink, behaving like a proper owner.
Time passed. They built a spacious house in the countryside, and to this day they live warm, together and happy: Oliver, Natalie and their faithful Toby, who at last found his true home.
