Life is savage.  The odd fairy tale may come along every so often but mostly, it’s pretty grim.  Well, that’s how my teenage years have been for me.

And it certainly was for the scrawny little fella that I stumbled across.  Tied to a post in a backyard, shivering in the rain, barely able to whimper let alone bark.

At least I’d been able to escape my abuse.  What chance did this poor little fella have?

 

Life on the street is not for the faint-hearted.  Never having a place to call home.  Not that I’d ever known what a real home was.  The fact I felt safer on the street was testament to that.

What are you thinking Logan?  I asked myself.  How do you expect to take care of a dog when you barely support yourself?

All I knew was that I’d never have slept that night if I hadn’t rescued that bedraggled little mutt now sharing my sleeping bag.  He’d wolfed down what little food I had and, as he snuggled his frail little body close to mine, we kept each other warm.

 

I named him Archie, after the arches at Waterloo Bridge we slept under.  But if I thought I’d be taking care of him, I was wrong, because the exact opposite happened.  Archie was like a magnet, attracting young and old alike.  I’d never sold so many copies of ‘The Big Issue’.

A regular customer was Margaret, an elderly widow.  She’d bring Archie little treats and stop and chat.  I learned you don’t have to be homeless to be lonely.  Archie would bark with excitement at the sight of her and her face would light up.

I think I knew then it wasn’t fair to keep him but it was hard letting him go.  He was a good friend… I didn’t have many of them.

 

Archie’s well looked after now, in his forever home with Margaret.

I miss him every day, but at least I still get to see him.  It feels good to know he’s found a place to belong.  I’m still searching for mine.

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    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Hello, Linda. Your story has given me joy and happiness, and it is also full of hope. I feel happy for Archie that he finally found his home with Margaret. I also hope that Logan can find his home as well. It is a nice read. Good job.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Linda Rock
    1 year ago

    You’re welcome, Linda.

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    1 year ago

    Wow! What an interesting story. I’m glad Archie finally found a home. Hopefully, one day soon Logan would find his. I learnt some new words like “bedraggled”. I also like that statement, “You don’t have to be homeless to be lonely”. Good write.

    Paul Lewthwaite
    Paul Lewthwaite(@paul-lewthwaite)
    1 year ago

    A really poignant story. Whilst I felt happy for Archie, I was still sad for Logan and your writing induced those emotions really well. Great read.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    This story has made me feel quite emotional, very bittersweet, happy that Logan found Archie and you feel they will get a happily ever after until a lonely old lady comes along. I have to applaud your protagonist’s choice, but it still made me want to cry.

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    1 year ago

    By the end of the story, any of us would give Logan a home! Like someone else said, the line “you don’t have to be homeless to be lonely” really touched me. Great writing,as always, Linda.

    Piyali Ganguli
    Piyali Ganguli(@piyali-ganguli)
    1 year ago

    Touched my heart. Beautiful.

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    1 year ago

    Loved this story, Linda! How hard for Logan to let Archie go. Sometimes, you show your love by just doing that and I guess that’s what happened. I hope one day, Logan will find his forever home as well ???? 

    Alan Kemister
    Alan Kemister(@alan-kemister)
    1 year ago

    Oh boy! this is some story. I can’t help but feel happy for the little Archie, but terribly sad for Logan. He’ll never find such a happy ending for himself. And what about Margaret? Does she realize what she has taken away from Logan? Thought provoking story, and that’s what a good story should be.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    Linda, what a selfless thing your protagonist did! This is a very touching story with a great message to put other’s needs first. I hope your protagonist will find where he belongs too! This was beautifully written.

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    Logan had such a kind heart to be able to give up his dog in order to give him a better home! Very uplifting.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    I like the mixed ingredients of poverty and loneliness versus generosity and friendship in your story, LInda. A small gesture can go a long way. Logan is showing a lot of maturity when he gives away his new friend, thereby helping both Margaret and Archie to a better life.

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    1 year ago

    Beautiful build up with a lovely twist in the tail, Linda Rock. You got me into the idea of trying my hand at flash fiction, but I’m going to have to go some to beat this story.

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