LOOKING DOWN

Lynne Dellow

        Hello.  I have a story to tell so, if you're sitting comfortably, I’ll begin.

Bill, an elderly man, is sitting in his old armchair, smoking his pipe and gazing into a blazing log fire. It’s the anniversary of his late wife Mary's birthday and memories come flooding back of their long and happy marriage. He retired they moved to North Wales, where they’d spent many happy holidays, and bought an old stone cottage which they renovated.

Although situated in a remote spot, it was only several miles from a tiny village, which consisted of a General Store/cum Post Office, a few cottages and a very old Pub.  Bill joined the Chess Club, which took place once a week in the snug and had made friends with Ian the Vet, the landlord and a few locals.

He then began to think of Chris, their only son. Although a loving child, he’d got involved with a violent crowd at Senior School and his personality completely changed. They’d tried so hard to help, but eventually Chris ended up in prison and wouldn't allow them to visit. Then they moved to Wales Mary sent their new address to the Prison Governor and both were overcome when they received birthday and Christmas cards.

Tears came into Bill's eyes when he thought of his dear wife's passing and of seeing Chris standing at the back of the tiny Chapel, accompanied by a Police Officer. Chris shook as he embraced his dad and kept apologising for all the pain his actions had caused. He then added that at last he'd come to his senses.

"Dad I've been on a chef’s course and when I’m released they’re gonna try and find me a job and I promise I won’t let you down again.”

He gave Bill another hug and the Police Officer, who also looked upset, told Chris it was time to go. As they left, Bill waved until they were out of sight then, looking upwards, said a prayer of thanks to Mary.

    Chapter 2

Bill sat up with a jolt. Knowing a mist would soon be forming, he decided it was time to take his afternoon walk. He wrapped up warm, striding along the deserted lane. After a mile or so it began to get misty, so he thought it was time to return home.      As he was about to turn, something caught his eye.

Near a ditch, he noticed a bundle of old black rags.

"What lowlife's left their dirty old rubbish" he muttered, so decided to take a closer look. As he poked the rags with his stick, he saw something move. Thinking it could be a rat, he carefully lifted the top layer and, to his surprise, found a very frightened border collie staring back at him. Its body shook and its eyes had a look of terror.  Bill then noticed two rows of long misshapen teats and knew why she^’d been dumped. He gently lifted her, wrapping his overcoat around her, not knowing, or even caring, if she would nip him, then whispered

^“There, there, my lovely, you’re quite safe now.

No one's ever going to hurt you again."

All the way back to the cottage he spoke softly and, on entering, found an old duvet and he laid her on it, near the fire.  Bill warmed her some milk but seeing she was too weak to lap, put some on his fingers and watched her try to lick.

He thought for a few minutes then rang Ian who promised to come over straight away. He arrived about ten minutes later and, after checking her over angrily said

"Bastards: You know she’s off a Puppy Farm, after they breed from those poor bitches for a few years they’re dumped. That’s what I’d do to them.  Leave them somewhere to rot, with no food or clothes.”

 

Bill had never seen Ian so wound up but totally with all his comments.

Ian then said

"Healthwise she's not too bad. Just needs a feed, lots of love and tomorrow a good bath. If you like I can take her back with me, but she^’ll have to stay in one of my large housing until she recovers, then I’ll try and rehome her soon, but that won’t be easy as she must be at least five or maybe even six.”

Bill quickly interrupted

   “No need, No: She's been through so much already. She’s going to spend the rest of her days with me. I’d be grateful though Ian if you could get me some dog food and any medication she may need. Also please send me your bill.”

Ian chuckled

 “I knew you'd keep her, fee is zero. Just pay for any medication, dog food, etc.”

After they'd had a cup of tea, Bill thanked Ian for coming out on such an awful night and his friend left, promising to send a nurse over the following day to bath her and supply any medication needed.

Later that evening Bill warmed some milk and added some minced chicken and was pleased when she managed to eat and keep it digested. He then made up the fire, put on some music, threw a wrap around himself and settled in his old armchair. It was to be a long night.

Next morning the nurse arrived and, after checking her over, washed her down, asking Bill what he was going to call her. He thought for a moment then said

   “l think the name Misty suits her, when I think of how I found her.”

The nurse smiled

 “Well, she certainly loves you. She hasn't stopped following you around with her eyes all the time I’ve been here.”

And so a new companion entered Bill^’s life. Each day she became stronger and followed him everywhere, even to the bathroom. They went to Chess nights together, where they all made a big fuss of her. On other evenings they sat and lay by the fire, Bill smoking his pipe and playing classical music. He would tell her of his love for Mary and Chris and when he looked sad Misty would gently give him a lick.

 

Chapter 3

One afternoon, as they were sitting by the fire, Bill noticed Misty's ears shoot up. Then she barked and ran to the kitchen door. Imagine Bill s surprise when, looking through the window, he saw Chris with a lady standing alongside.      He told Misty who they were and invited them in.  After several hugs, he made them some coffee and Chris then introduced Jenny, his fiancé. Misty realised everything was okay and let them stroke her.  Bill insisted they stay for lunch, during which Chris explained why they were in Wales. Ted, the Police Officer, had a brother called Dave who owned a restaurant in Balla, a Market Town about ten miles away. After Mary’s funeral, they'd paid him a visit. Ted was full of praise for Chris and wondered if, when he was released from prison, his brother could take him on temporarily to give him some experience and a reference, Dave informed then that his chef was retiring in a couple of years time, so they'd give him a try. Then he did come out Chris started working for Dave and both he and his chef were so impressed he was offered a permanent job. That was a few months ago and the only reason he hadn^’t visited his dad was that he wanted to make sure of everything first.  He’d also met Jenny and they were looking for somewhere to live, close enough to be able to see his dad.

Bill wiped the tears from his eyes and hugged his son again. He insisted they stay with him until they found somewhere although, he added, if they could put up with ^‘one Man and his Dog^’ he’d love them to live permanently with him. That was about three years ago. Chris and Jenny got married and

bought a cottage in the village.

As at the beginning of this story, Bill is sitting by the fire, this time though with his faithful companion. He looks up at Mary's picture and thinks life would be perfect if she was here.

“Now you may wonder how I know so much about Bill. Well my name’s Mary, need I say more?”                                        

The End

Copyright Lynne Dellow