— Button? Oh, I called her Holly. She was running around here all morning—could tell right away she …

Button? I actually named her Holly. She spent the whole morning scampering about out here. You could just telllost as anything. Then she curled up at my feet, so I popped her in the van so the poor thing wouldnt freeze, the man grinned.

Emma, can you really be this unlucky? How many times have I said itTom just isnt right for you! Emmas mum was giving her the telling-off of the century.

Emma stood there, head drooping. Shed only just turned thirty-seven, but felt more like a schoolgirl whod been sent home for a talking-to after failing her maths exam.

On top of everything else, she was feeling heartbreakingly bitterat her failed marriage, her little girl, and the mess of it all. Right before Christmas, too. Hows that for timing? Now it was just the three of them, no father in sight.

Im leaving you, Tom had announced that evening with all the care of someone ordering a pizza. Emma hadnt even registered what he meant at first.

Leaving where? shed managed to ask, plonking a hot plate of stew in front of him.

Typical, Em. Head in the clouds. You dont get how serious this is! Honestly, how did I stick it out so long? Tom rolled his eyes as if performing on stage.

Before Emma could dig deeper, Tom launched into his monologue: I cant live like this anymore! And that infernal yapping dog of yours. The childs always ill. Theres no romance left, Emma. Have you seen yourself lately? What have you become? He ended, arms flailing.

Emma tried to check her reflection in the cabinet, but she could hardly see from the tears swimming in her eyes. There she stood, alone in the kitchen, sniffling.

Tom couldnt handle tears. He glanced at the stew, sighed, then buggered off to pack.

Button the dog, sensing disaster (and the lack of snacks), hovered at Emmas feet, whining and offering a friendly lick.

Finally, Ill get a decent nights sleep without that mutt screaming, Tom called from the doorway, his bag slung over his shoulder.

But Tom, what about Lily? Emma whispered, picturing their five-year-old daughter fast asleep in the next room.

Oh, youll work it out. Youre her mum, arent you? Tom retorted, then, to Buttons bonus howling soundtrack, left the flat.

Emma spent the night hugging Button in the kitchen, her tearful comfort. Button carried on licking Emmas hand as if to say, There, there, its not the end of the world.

For several days, Emma didnt know how to break the news to her mother, who kept phoning up with awkwardly chipper inquiries. Emma replied hastily, Fine, fine! and hung up.

So, found any work yet? I keep telling you, that Tom of yours is useless. What if he buggers off and youve got nothing to live on? her mother pressed, popping over with her usual dire predictions.

At that, Emma finally cracked, sobbing and babbling how job interviews werent exactly rolling in, and Tom had left days ago.

Her mum clucked disapprovinglyshe could have won gold in the I told you so Olympics. I always saw this coming. Five years together, a child, and he never proposed. Not a word about marriage! Shameless.

She loved her daughter and granddaughter, truly, but what a pickle.

So what now? she asked at last.

Emma shrugged. Ill think of something. Ive applied to help out at Lilys nursery, she said, with all the spirit of a limp tea bag.

Not exactly a whopping salary for a nursery assistant And youve got a dog to feed! her mum quipped, never one to keep her animal grievances a secret. She barely tolerated Button, Emmas fluffy little charity-case, much less loved her.

She was about to continue, but bit her tongue seeing Emmas watery eyes.

Oh, stop. Ill help out. If you need, Ill look after Lily, she relented, offering a rare olive branch.

And so another week passed.

Emma officially became a nursery assistantsame hours as Lily, who was delighted. Mum, maybe Button can come work with us, too! Grannys always grumbling about walking her. Button could help you with the dishes and guard us at nap time! Lily chattered, grinning from ear to ear.

Emma laughed and hugged her daughter, though it stung to hear: Mummy, when will Daddy come back? Will he make it for Christmas?

Emma couldnt bear to tell Lily the truth. Instead, she spun a tale about a last-minute business trip. She rang Tom, pleading for a visit, but he muttered, Cant talk, arranging my love life. Tell Lily Im a top-secret agent on a critical mission. I wont be back soon. Then, as if remembering the real hardship: By the way, have you seen my tie? Ive got nothing to wear for New Years.

Emma sat, staring into space, dreading the coming holidays. How was she supposed to explain this to Lily?

But sometimes, life serves up a surprise even when you think the years run out of them. Lily was recovering from a cold, her granny taking her to the GP, when Tom rounded the corner smack into them.

Daddy! Youre back! Lily squealed, dashing over.

Tom flinched, then gave a forced smile and mumbled something about how he and Mummy werent going to live together anymore. Then he hurried away.

I might pop by if I get a chance, he called over his shoulder.

Lily stood, stone-faced. Please dont pop by any more, she whispered.

Her temperature shot up that evening, and by the second day, the GP was making house calls again.

No one could coax a word out of Lily. She wouldnt eat. Wouldnt drink. It could be the shock, the doctor shrugged, hearing the story.

Emma blamed herself. Should have just explained it to Lily properly. Shes a clever girl, shed have understood, she fretted to her mother, who only shook her head.

And then, as if the universe was running some cruel test, something else happened. Granny, hurrying out with Button for a walk (off the leadclassic), watched as Button, fed up with Grannys nagging, dashed off in the opposite direction.

Well, suit yourself! Stay out and freeze for all I care, see how quickly you come crawling back! Granny huffed, already halfway home to deliver Lilys medicine.

But Lily, on hearing Button was missing, stopped eating altogether. Emmas promises to find their fluffy friend meant nothing.

When Button comes home, Ill eat. Not before, Lily muttered, turning her face to the wall.

Its your fault, Emma. Youve spoilt her rotten. No discipline! Granny started up again.

Maybe you shouldve kept an eye on Button instead of lecturing me, Mum, Emma snapped, for once outspoken.

Well, really! I do everything for you! muttered Granny, sweeping out in a huff.

And there Emma was, alone again. That evening, she wandered the neighbourhood, searching hither and thither, hoping Button would reappear. Shivering, thoroughly miserable, she eventually stumbled back in and fell into a restless sleep.

Lily woke first, brimming with excitement. Mummy, I dreamed about a Christmas tree! We decorated it and found Button!

Emma managed a sad smile. There stood their little plastic tree on the tableabout as festive as a cup of lukewarm tea. No wonder Lily wanted a real one.

But it has to be a proper one, a big one! Thats what will help Button come backjust like in my dream! Lily sobbed.

Emma sighed. A real Christmas tree was about as affordable as a trip to the Bahamas right now. She called her mum, only to get: That dog always comes before your own mother! Honestly! No Granny for Christmas, then.

By the evening, Lily grew ever more despondent: Theres still no tree, and Button isnt coming home. Neither is Dad

Emma stroked Lilys hair, doing her best not to cry. She asked her lovely neighbour, Mrs. Smythe, to keep an eye on Lily and dashed out.

The cold nipped at her face, snowflakes spinning in a mad waltz. Everyone she passed was cheeryof course they were, it was almost Christmasbut Emma barely noticed. All she wanted was Button.

Where did you go, you silly pup? she muttered, traipsing along familiar streets.

Rounding a corner, she stumbled upon a tiny Christmas tree stand. A burly man in a duffel coat was shifting from foot to foot, only a couple of scraggly trees left. Emma froze.

Tree for you, madam? Just a couple left and Ill knock a few quid offgo on, treat yourself! the seller called, eager to finish up and head home.

She imagined his wife setting the table, kids peering out for dad

A happy couple nearby snapped up one tree, and the man grinned, Well, what about you? Last one left. Delivery included!

Emma looked away, heart sinking. She didnt have enough pounds in her pursebarely had enough coins rattling at home, never mind for a luxury like this.

Embarrassed, she spotted some tree branches tossed in the back of the van. Would you mind if I, er, took a few of those spare branches? she stammered.

He sized her up, noticed her watery eyes, and sighed. Take what you want. Let me give you a hand, he said, passing her a whole bunch.

Emma thanked him, starting to explain herself. You see, my daughters sick dreaming of a Christmas tree our dogs missing Christmas has just been a disaster.

For once, he listened. His wife had left him recently too, and he also dreaded being alone at Christmas.

Suddenly, another man arrived, peering at the last tree. Still got that one? How much?

Sorry, mate, all gone. Check with the other stall down the street, the seller called, then turned back to Emma.

Come on, lets get your tree home, he said kindly.

But I havent any money, honestly, she blushed.

I know, he replied softly.

And then, magicreal Christmas magichappened. The salesman opened the van. Curled up on the passenger seat in a big wool jumper was Button herself, snoring away.

How did youwhere didButton?! Emma could hardly get the words out, so thick were her tears.

Button? I named her Holly. Been scampering around all morning, clearly lost. She curled up at my feet, so I took her for a ride so she wouldnt freeze, poor thing, the man replied, grinning.

His name was Paul. He loved animals and children, it turned out.

And so, Emmas flat filled with warmth and something that had been missing for a very long time. Perhaps it was just the enchantment of Christmas, or maybe it was fate giving them all a nudge in the right direction.

No one knows for sure. But whats certain is, this new family is happy now. And from time to time, Button still gets called Hollyjust in case she fancies a new start, too.