— Michael, it’s time. I’d strongly suggest visiting your doctor to get your heart checked. — What’s wrong with my heart? — Frankly, I’m not sure you have one!

Michael, I think its time. You really ought to see a doctor and get your heart checked.
And whats wrong with my heart?
Its justI honestly dont think youve got one at all!

Charlie simply couldnt understand why the front door of the flat, the very same door he and his owner had returned through a hundred times from long leisurely strolls, was now locked tight.

He sat patiently before its battered brown frame.

Maybe Ive made a mistake after all, he thought, frowning. No! Definitely not! he insisted to himself. The smells all told himthis was the place.

I just have to wait a bit longer and my owner will remember he drove me far out in the car, left me in that cold forest, and this whole thing must be a game! But I found my way home. Now Im waiting!

Snow had started falling. Charlies paws grew colder by the minute. His small body trembled in betrayal; even his thick fur did little to ease the chill.

Dont even think about being hungry, he told himself. Any minute, theyll see me, be overjoyed, and bring me a huge, tasty bone

The little trembling dog hunched over a pile of snow and began to eat it. The icy crunch melted in his mouth, easing his thirst, but making the cold so much worse. Still, how could it get colder than this?

Soon theyll let me in and Ill curl up beside the big white radiator. But first, the bone. And some soup. Then Ill grumble at them all, just to keep them on their toes. I understandits all just a game. Part of the training.

But I searched for our courtyard for so many nights. Yesterday I slipped through the door when someone left it cracked open, just for a bit of warmth. I woke this morning to a kick in the ribs from the caretaker. I whimpereddidnt have the strength even to bite him.

People are strange. With my owner and a lead, nearly everyone on the street smiles and says hello. But alone, they glare at me with loathing; some even kick. My side still aches.

For hours Charlie stared unmoving at the door. No one went in. No one came out. He began to whimper softly, imagining himself back inside, warm and well fed.

I only have to wait a little longer. Just a little

A blizzard had set in. Charlie could barely feel his paws anymore. He curled into a tight ball as his awareness started to slip away. He had done his jobyes, it was hard, but hed found his way home. He was a clever boy. Now, perhaps, just sleep

Victor Hughes was at home alone. His schedule for the day was jam-packed: watch a bit of telly, have a nice cup of tea, more telly, another cuppa, a nap, a little more telly, and then yet another cup of tea

Nothing more to do today. In fact, the routine hadnt changed for ten years. Not like before.

Back then hed been a train driver, bringing people in from the suburbs right into the heart of London. He had been a vital part of the citys great beating heart. Above all, he had mattered.

Ah well, he consoled himself, spring will be here soon. Ill plant some tomatoes. Wont be long then until its time for the allotment. Just a bit longer, and Ill get through the winter.

He shuffled into the kitchen to put the kettle on. He used to chat to someone while the kettle boiled, muttering about this and that. Now, he felt as if hed been cheated, hurried along, left behind by everyone else.

The kettle whistled. Victor opened the cupboard to fetch his tea tin, but it was empty. The box was thereno tea inside.

Bugger. Thats the end of that. Need to pop down to the shops, he thought, surprisingly cheered by the prospect. He quickly threw on his coat and stepped outside.

It was dark in the communal hallwaybulb must have gone again, or maybe nicked. Must get another one, on the way back, he resolved.

Pushing open the main door, Victor took a few steps forward and nearly tripped on something solid.

For heavens sake! he grumbled. It was a dog, covered with a dusting of snow. The snow didnt even melt on him.

Charlie! Victor recognized the neighbours dog instantly.

Charlie, whats happened to you, lad? Hang on, Ill ring your owners flat. He dashed to the entryphone and called the number. No reply. He tried another neighbour; this time, someone answered.

Its your neighbour here. Dyou know where the folks from 64 have gone? Their dogs nearly frozen to death outside!

Oh, theyve moved outdivorced, I think. Flats up for sale now.

Bloody hell. Thanks.

Victor shrugged off his thick coat and laid it beside the dog. Gently, he brushed the snow away with his gloved hand and lifted Charlie onto the coat. The dog wasnt even breathing.

Oh, for pitys sake, Charlie! Dont you dare give up now!

He hauled the dog indoors, straight to the radiator. Victor stroked the frozen, matted fur, then knocked on the first door he found. Nina, his neighbour, opened up.

What is it, Victor?

Nina, the dogplease! Get on your phone, find the nearest vet, and ring for a cab.

Hello, Helen?

Yes, who is this?

Its your neighbourVictor Hughes, from number seventy-two. Nina gave me your number.

Oh, right. Hello, Mr. Hughes.

Its about Charlie.

You want my ex-husband, not me. I never wanted that daft animal.

Um well, were off to the vet nowjust thought you should know

Honestly, Mr. Hughes, he never earned enough for a mortgage then he brings home a dog! I carried that family for years. Told him to get rid of the muttcouldnt even manage that! Goodbye.

Hello, Michael? Its Victor Hughes. Ex-neighbour. Charlie found his way back!

Youre mistaken. Our Charlie got lost in the woods.

Im sure its him!

No, it simply cant be.

Right You shouldnt treat them like that.

I dont follow?

You know exactly what I mean. Im glad I didnt end up with neighbours like you.

Months later, Charlie was settled into his new home. The tips of his ears were gone, and two paws still ached in the cold, but hed adapted.

He realised, now, it hadnt been a gamenot really. Rather, it was a cruel contest between two grown-ups, one that nearly cost Charlie his life.

He understood he had a new master. They went for three walks a day. The old man, Victor, was no spring chicken, and Charlie made sure he got his exercise, dragging him into the park for a run.

People really are odd, Charlie mused. Some smiled, but nearly killed me. This one grumbles all the time, but hes got a warm heart. I can tell the differencethose, Id rather bite. This one, Ill love forever.

There was a knock on Victors door.

Victor, its Michael. Im living with my new partner nowher daughter wants a dog. Look, can I have Charlie back? Sorry about everything. How much do I owe you for the vet bills?

I dont think you understand, Michael.

Its just things got tough, I barely made any money

A dog doesnt care how much you earn Charlie got lost in the woods.

But hes lying right there on your blanket!

Thats Norris. You lost Charlie.

Charlie, come here!

The dog didnt move. He just bared his teeth and stayed on his blanket.

Michael, its time. I really think you should see a doctorget your heart checked.

And whats wrong with my heart?

To be quite honest, I dont think youve got one at all.Michael hesitated, his bravado draining away in the quiet warmth of Victors living room. He glanced at Charliethe dogs brown eyes cool, unwavering, and very much not his. For a moment, Michaels lips trembled, but he only shrugged and backed toward the door.

Victor watched him go, his own heart pounding with anger and something like pity. He reached down and absently scratched Charlies ragged ear. The dog pressed his head closer, sighinga sound halfway between contentment and relief.

Outside, the streetlights flickered into life, painting golden stripes across the frosted windows. Victor fetched two mugs. Well, Charlie, he said, filling one with tea and the other with a generous helping of leftover stew, looks like its just you and me then, lad.

Charlies tail thumped softly. Victor eased into his old armchair and Charlie hopped up beside him, laying his battered head in the crook of Victors elbow. They sat in companionable silencethe lonely old man, the abandoned old dog, two unwanted souls whod found exactly what they needed in each other.

And outside, the last of the snow fell, covering Charlies old pawprints, and erasing, bit by bit, the hardness left behind by those whod never really known how to love at all.