**October 23rd, 1987**
Last night, my own son threw me out of the housethe very home Id lived in for forty years. The bitter autumn wind cut through my threadbare coat, and I could no longer feel my fingers or toes. A light dusting of snow settled on my shoulders as I sat on a bench in Hyde Park, my breath shallow, my mind numb.
Emily and I just dont have the room, Dad. And looking after you its a lot to handle. You understand, dont you? James had said, avoiding my eyes. I muttered that I did, though nothing inside me agreed. How could my own boy, the one Id raised and loved, shut the door on me like that?
The memory burnedmy old duffel bag, the weight of shame bowing my head, the tears I couldnt hold back. No one on the street met my gaze. The thought of ending up in some care home terrified me. London, once familiar, now felt alien and cruel.
Leaning against the bench, I thought of Margaretmy wife, my love. Wed built that house together, raised James together, dreamed of growing old side by side. When were grey, she used to say, well sit by the fire and remember the good years. But she was gone now. Two years since the cancer took her, and since then, James and Emily had treated me like a burden.
As the cold seeped deeper, my thoughts blurred. Is this how it ends? I wondered. Thensomething warm and gentle brushed my cheek. I forced my eyes open and froze.
There stood old Bella, the stray terrier Id fed scraps to for years near our house. Her kind, worried eyes locked onto mine as she licked my hand and whined softly, nudging me to get up.
You came, girl? I whispered, my voice cracking.
She wagged her tail and pressed against my legs, as if trying to share her warmth. Tears spilled down my face. No one else remembered me. No one but this scruffy little dog.
With great effort, I hauled myself up, leaning on the bench. Bella trotted ahead, glancing back as if saying, *Follow me.*
Where to, love? I asked weakly.
She led me through empty streets until we reached an old storage shed, long abandoned. With a push of her nose, the door creaked open. Inside, the air smelled musty, but the straw on the floor was better than nothing. I sank down, pulling Bella close, stroking her matted fur.
Thank you, I murmured. At least you didnt leave me.
I closed my eyes, her warmth the only comfort as the past faded. Maybe God hadnt forgotten me after all.
The next morning, a passerby found me shivering on the sheds steps, Bella curled tight against me. Shed kept me alive through the night. An ambulance took me to hospital, and when I woke, the first thing I asked was, Wheres my dog?
The nurse smiled. Waiting by the door. Hasnt moved an inch.
That day, I learned loyalty isnt bound by blood. Those closest to you can betray you, while the ones you barely notice become your truest friends.
I never went back. James sold the house soon after. I live in a shelter now, cared for, but most importantlyBellas still with me. That scruffy little terrier, the one who found me when I was ready to give up, never left my side.
Some bonds run deeper than family. And sometimes, all it takes is one faithful soul to remind you youre not alone.
