
A Place to Belong
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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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, 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.
I’ve high hopes for Logan, Lotchie, he has a big heart. I’m glad you enjoyed the story, thanks for commenting.
You’re welcome, Linda.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWow! 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.
Hi Thompson, I’m glad you found my story interesting. The word ‘bedraggled’ dates back to the 18th century but fitted that wet, unkempt little dog perfectly. Thank you for your kind comments.
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.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Paul. Yes, although it is a happy outcome for Archie, this is really Logan’s story and I’m so glad the emotion comes through. I really appreciate your comments.
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.
That was exactly the emotion I was hoping for Carrie. Despite being dealt a bad hand in life, Logan remains selfless in his actions. I wanted the reader to feel compassion for him. I’m so glad you did, even though it made you sad!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleBy 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.
Thank you so much Fuji. Sad to think how many Logans there might be out there. I really appreciate your kind words.
Touched my heart. Beautiful.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThat really means a lot Piyali, thank you so much.
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 ????
Thank you Greene. Yes, that was exactly the reason Logan let Archie go.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleOh 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.
Thank you Alan. That’s an interesting question. I think with an additional word count, it would be interesting to learn Margaret’s point of view. My thoughts are that she didn’t take Archie lightly but that Logan put up a persuasive argument as he only wanted Archie to have a better life.
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.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Marianna. It’s not always easy putting others’ needs first. In Logan’s case, no one had ever put him first so it was indeed an extremely selfless act on his part.
Logan had such a kind heart to be able to give up his dog in order to give him a better home! Very uplifting.
Thank you Margarida. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI 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.
Logan didn’t have much of a childhood, Christer, so grew up fast. He saw something of himself in both Margaret and Archie. Thanks for your comments, which I always appreciate.
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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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Allan, I really appreciate your comments. And I hope to read a story or two of yours on this site sometime soon.