He was adopted from a childrens home when he was just two years old. Before that, hed ended up there after the police found him alone, bundled up and bawling, on a bench in a city parka spot where the local drunks gathered every day for their usual celebrations.
His adoptive parents doted on him, shielding him completely from the truth of his origins. To keep it secret, they moved to another cityManchesterhoping hed never discover he wasnt their biological son.
But at his new school someone found out and wasted no time spreading the word. Soon, kids called him a foundling, teased him mercilessly, mocked and pointed, sometimes even hitting him. He never understood why. Hed always been a quiet, gentle child.
When his father learned what was happening, his face grew dark, and he took him to train at a local boxing club, run by an old friend. There, the other lads didnt go easy on him, but he kept picking himself up, grinning through bloodied lips, and pressing on. After being tormented at school, the ring felt almost like a break.
He got tougher. Soon, he was not only fighting backhe was silencing the sneers of every tormentor. He became the schools force to be reckoned with.
He finished school and read Zoology at university. Once qualified, he joined a field expedition. When he returned, it was as a promising, determined researcher for a wildlife magazine and a staff member at both the university and the citys large zoo.
Everything seemed to be going well. Then his mother fell ill.
He left the university to care for her day and night, squeezing in articles for the magazine whenever he could. She fell ill after his father dieda sudden heart attack behind the wheel of his lorry.
When he buried his mum, he moved into her old flat. Everything there reminded him of the only people whod ever truly loved him.
It was then that he found his first tiny, scruffy kitten in the street.
Come on, little one, he told it. Dont cry now, youll be alright. I was a foundling once too.
That was the beginning. Soon, his modest two-bedroom was home to countless cats and dogs.
He did his bestchanging litter, taking the dogs for walks, running off to the vet. The years rolled by in a blur of caring for strays and juggling his work at the university and the magazine. His personal life, though, never seemed to take off.
He went on dates, certainly. But it always ended when he brought anyone home. Some men, people say, are almost too clever for their own good.
That was him. Try as he might, he could never keep the flat presentable. He put in the effort, but it never lasted. When women arrived, took in the clutter and the animal scents, and were greeted by barking and meowing, theyd wrinkle their noses and stop taking his calls afterward.
So, by the time he turned fifty he was alonegood salary, respectable job at the university, a loyal following for his magazine pieces, but nothing in the way of romance.
Hed arranged this particular date after seeing her photo online. She was stunninghe couldnt resist. Nerves kicked in as soon as he sat across from her in the little London bistro; she must have been about forty, all long legs, elegant dress, and a well-groomed face.
Lord, he thought, whats the point? Shes far too lovely and young for a scruffy, ageing bloke with a bunch of animals in a tiny flat.
They ate and sipped some winejust for show. She kept glancing at him, unsure why shed agreed to this. She certainly had better offers, but something about his gentle, childlike smile disarmed her.
An odd one, she thought. Why is he smiling like that? And why am I still here, listening to his travel stories?
Then he blurted out, Listen, I know Im not your match, and I dont expect you to take my calls after tonight. My flats a stateyoud probably choke from the smell. Plus, Ive too many cats and dogs.
He smiled again, this time awkwardly.
Dont fib, she retorted. Why lie? Suppose I stand up now and say were going to yours. Would you still insist on that story?
He blinked in surprise. Iwellno, its all true about the cats and dogs. Ill prove it if you want.
They paid the bill and left, squeezing into his battered Vauxhall.
Up the second flight, he opened the door. Immediately, four cats and three dogs rushed to greet him, then eyed her curiously.
Heavens! she exclaimed, hands pressed to her cheeks as seven pairs of eyes stared up at her. So you were being truthful?
Of course, he said. Every last one is a strayjust like me.
How do you mean? she asked, puzzled.
I was always called the foundling at school, he said with a wistful smile.
He swept up the rubbish from the table, offered her a seat, and hurried about fetching plates and bits from the fridge. Sitting opposite, he began to tell her his life story…
Her face became stony, eyes red with tears; finally, she asked if he might pour her something a bit stronger. He produced an old bottle of French winemoney wasnt a problem.
Not quite what I meant, she said, pour me some vodka.
After a hefty glass, she finally managed to fish a tissue from her bag, wiping the streaming tears.
My word, thats strong stuff, she murmured.
He sat back, continuing his storythe first time hed ever truly opened up.
She glanced down and saw all seven animals watching her with hope and wariness.
Well, arent you all precious, she said, turning to him. Sorry to interrupt, but actuallythis is urgentwould you happen to have a tracksuit?
He fetched a faded old trackie from the wardrobe. She changed in the bathroom and returned, sleeves rolled up.
Time to help me, she declared, starting with scooping all the litter trays.
When she headed out to bin the rubbish, every cat and dog lined up at the door, making it clear: she wasnt leaving without protest.
She burst out laughing. Honestly, I promise, Ill be right backscouts honour!
And at last, they made way.
When she returned, the first thing she asked was, Tell me honestly, did you even read my profile on the dating site?
He blushed, the shy smile reappearing. Truth is, I just liked your photo so much, I rang without reading the rest.
I see, she replied. Well, if you had, youd have seen Im a veterinary surgeon, lecturer, and owner of a rather large animal clinic.
Blimey, he breathed, impressed.
She smiled, leaned over, and kissed him gently. The dogs wagged their tails and yapped with excitement, while all the cats rubbed against her legs.
Come on then, she said. Lets get something ready for breakfast, I need to be up early.
From then on, his little flat was always tidy, warm, and filled with tempting aromas. The animals were plump and content. In a few months, they all moved together to a spacious, sunny flat in the heart of London.
He never quite understood why, or what hed done to deserve such happiness. But the animalsthey knew. They too could wish good fortune for their beloved humans, and sometimes, just sometimes, a cats angel might hear their prayers.
