Kate was roused from sleep by the wailing of her child. Little Emily hadnt slept a wink againthe poor thing was teething. And those nightmares It had been eight months since James was gone, yet in her dreams, he still came to her.
There, there, my darling, she whispered, lifting her daughter into her arms. Well manage, somehow.
She had to cope on her own. Her father-in-law had taken to drink after losing his son, and she hadnt heard from him in ages. Her mother lived far away in the countryside, unwell herself. As for friends Theyd helped at first, but gradually drifted away, their own lives and troubles taking over.
That morning, for the first time, Kate gathered her courage to take Emily down to the river. Novembers chill was mild this yearno frost, and sunlight poked through the bare branches.
Look, Emily, see how the sparrows dart about! Kate pointed them out to her child.
Thats when she noticed hima big, scruffy ginger dog, standing just off the path, watching them. Not threatening, just observing as if searching for something.
Look at that, some stray, Kate muttered, pulling the pram closer.
But the dog didnt move. Just gazed at her with his golden eyes.
The following day, he appeared again. And the day after that. Now he followed them, keeping a good twenty paces behind, never getting closer, never dropping back.
Whats all this then! Kate exclaimed one day, as old Mrs May from next door stopped her by the gate.
Kate, have you taken in that dog?
No, no, hes just appeared out of nowhere and wont leave us alone!
Mrs May just shook her head. Looks to me as though hes watching over you. See how he keeps his eyes all about.
And it really did seem sothe dog patrolled, as if on guard. When old drunken Tom approached the pram too closely, the dog growled a warning. When the crows cawed and startled Emily, he rushed at them and scattered the birds.
Gradually, Kate grew used to her silent companion. She even gave him a nameGinger. Seemed fitting for such a colour.
Would you like some bread? she offered once, holding out a crust.
Ginger took it delicately but didnt eat. He set it down carefully a little way off.
Far too proud, Kate chuckled.
Then, something happened that changed everything.
It was a damp December day. Snow and rain mingled in the air as Kate hurried home from the doctorEmily had a rattling cough.
There, there, little one, well be home soon, she soothed.
Suddenly, Ginger, as usual trailing behind, sprang forward. In that instant, a dreadful scraping sounded overhead. Kate looked up, her heart freezinga metal pipe from the roof was hurtling straight for the pram.
Ginger leapt just in time, pushing the pram out of harms way with all his might. The pipe crashed down, glancing the dogs back.
Heavens! Kates hands shook as she checked Emily overthankfully, unharmed, though the bang shocked her into silence. Ginger, lad, are you alright?
The dog was limping.
At the local vets, where Kate half-dragged the reluctant animal, the old vet examined him thoroughly.
My word I remember this one. This is Stormhe used to be a guard dog at the security firm. His ownera local gamekeepervanished in the woods over a year ago. Since then, the poor hounds gone wild, wont let anyone near.
Kate turned pale.
Vanished in the woods? Over a year ago?
Thats right, tragic storyhe was so young, left a wife expecting a child.
Kate sank onto a chair, her head swimming. Her husband had often spoken of his favourite dog, the clever one he trained for work. But shed never met him. Could it be?
James she whispered. That was my James.
The vet stared at her, then at the dog. Waityoure her?
Gingernow revealed as Stormpressed his face into her lap and let out a soft whine for the first time.
They walked home togetherKate, Emily, and Storm. He was their dog now.
You found us, didnt you, Kate murmured that night, stroking his big ginger head. You kept your promise. James asked you to, didnt he?
Storm just let out a deep sigh, his eyes fixed on Emilys cot.
Time passed. Emily learned to stand, clutching at Storms thick coat. She spoke her first wordsmummy and Shtorm (she couldnt quite manage the st). Kate returned to work, safe in the knowledge that her little girl was watched over by the most faithful of friends.
Neighbours gossiped: Have you seen Kates remarkable dog? Never lets that girl out of his sight! But only Kate knewhe guarded them not out of duty, but as kin. Storm was fulfilling his masters final wishto watch over his family.
Every memorial service, Kate and Emily made their way to church. Emily lit a candle for her father. Kate whispered:
Dont worry, love. Were protected. Safest we could ever be.
And somewhere above, James smiled down on themhis beloved wife, his little girl, and his loyal companion, who would never leave them.
