From the day Alfie lost what meant most to him, he never set foot in his kennel again. He took to sleeping straight on the cold, hard earth. He barely touched his food. Even his only remaining friend, Simon, couldnt get so much as a wag from him
November rolled in once more. Day by day, the cold crept in deepergrey clouds sagged across the sky, and people shuffled about wrapped up in thick woollen coats and scarves. You could practically taste winter in the air, and Alfie knew for certain that snow wouldnt be far away.
Wonder when theyll stuff my kennel with warm straw? Ive enough fur to keep from keeling over, but the night chills starting to seep right into my bones Alfie mused to himself, sprawled out on the damp patch of ground.
He lazily watched the porters shuffling back and forthhoisting boxes and loading them into massive lorries that reeked of exhaust and stale coffee. Not a soul paid any attention to the ageing guard dog.
What are you loafing about for, then? came a gruff voice. A security bloke, whod popped out of the office for a smoke, strolled over. Youre meant to be keeping an eye on this warehouse, not lying about like a housepet. Useless thing.
He spat nastily nearby and stomped off. His name was Martin. For some reason, Martin had never liked Alfienot since he was a scruffy little pup, and no one really knew why.
A little later, a deep green estate car pulled up by the gates. Alfie was instantly on his feet.
Alright, mate? said the man in a cap, his cheeks rough with stubble. Brought something to help you warm up.
It was Simonthe kindest guard Alfie ever knew, and by far his favourite. Simon always had a kind word and a treat tucked in his pocket. Even on his day off, he hadnt forgotten Alfie: hed come round with a bale of straw to keep him from freezing.
Simon stuffed the kennel with fresh, sweet-smelling straw, then pulled a bowl of piping hot porridge and beef from his car. He watched while Alfie ate every drop, then took the empty dish to wash up before heading off again.
Alfie was alone once more. At least night soon would fall; when he was asleep, loneliness pinched a little less, though it had stuck to him like a shadow for as long as he could remember.
Once darkness settled in properly, Alfie headed for his kennel, almost slipping insidewhen he came to a sudden halt.
Nestled in the straw, two bright green orbs glowed back at him. A hissing sound split the air.
Alfie looked back mildly at the surprise visitor. In front of him, a scrawny black cat sat, eyes huge and unblinking, her gaze warning:
Touch me and youll regret it!
Despite her bristling stance, Alfie suddenly felt glad.
Its a bit tight in here, true, but theres space enough for two, he thought, always the optimist.
He took a step forwardand a sharp little paw, claws like tiny sabres, shot at him.
Hssssss! the cat replied to his peaceful intentions.
Alright then! Suppose Ill kip outside tonight, Alfie reasoned, unfussed, and settled himself in front of his own doorway.
He woke early the next morning, stomach rumbling for a breakfast he always looked forward to. He turned to peek at the kennel and saw the cat snoozing peacefully.
Shes really rather sweet! thought Alfie.
From the office, grumpy old Martin emerged, face like thunder. He chucked some scraps towards Alfie and strode off.
Proper rules said the dog should get decent food, but Martin never bothered. He just tossed whatever rubbish was to hand, and more often than not, it left Alfies tummy aching. But there was no one to complain to.
Alfie sniffed the abandoned foodand caught another scent.
It was her, the cat! She was nibbling away at the casing of a sausage as though this was the most ordinary thing in the world, not giving a jot about the massive dog beside her.
Alfie was pleased to share with herespecially as she looked so starved.
She tensed under his gaze, ready for a scrap, but Alfie just nibbled his crust of bread, watching in quiet fascination.
Whys she so annoyed? Maybe she fancies a bit of my crust? He felt awkward and laid his piece by her, just in case.
All day, the two kept a watchful eye on each other: the cat, wary and mistrustful; Alfie, curious and quietly hopeful.
That evening, as Martin finished his shift, he flung another pile of leftovers. The cat instantly darted in for her dinner.
Blimey! the security guard recoiled. Whatve we got here thena right little witch! Clear off, go on!
The cat darted behind Alfie for cover. At first, he was rather baffledbut then the penny dropped. He bared his teeth, fur bristled, stare steely.
Martin sneered, rolling his eyes, and stormed off. The new guard on the evening shift acted as if neither dog nor cat existed.
The cat shot Alfie a grateful, hesitant glance. Alfie mused:
Martin called her a witch Is that her name? Maybe thats what shes called
He decided: hed call her Witch.
Soon after, the freeze hit. Witch retreated to the warm straw. Alfie didnt like to disturb her, but one night he peeked in.
She met his apologetic eyes with something approaching confusionhow could a dog be so gentle? Still, she shifted aside, making space just for him.
That night, snuggled together, they slept the soundest they ever had.
After that, Alfie and Witch were inseparable. They ate together, slept together, and chatted in their own animal ways.
The first time Simon caught sight of Witch curled up with Alfie, he was gobsmacked. Such a tiny, fragile catunafraid of an old guard dog!
But Simon soon got it: the animals cared for each other. And love, he supposed, didnt care one bit about size.
From then on, Simon took care of Witch toodrove her to the vet, brushed out her matted coat, made sure she had good food. In just a couple of weeks, shed put on strength and looked positively sleek.
The only trouble was Martin. Hed convinced himself a black cat was bad luck, and started plotting to get rid of her.
One day he even tried to poison her, but Alfies sharp nose always caught a whiff of trouble, and he ruined Martins planshe was always on guard.
Then, one particularly bitter night, Alfie and Witch were huddled in their straw. He was gently licking one of her latest scratchesshe did love finding troublewhen both sniffed something odd.
Alfie dashed out and barked at the top of his lungs. Fire! The warehouse was ablaze!
Martin burst from the office, swearing and frantically rooting about for his phonemissing from his pockets, of course.
Witch gave a loud yowl. Martin spun roundthe cat was sitting next to his lost phone.
You little devil! he spat, shoving her aside as he snatched up the phone and dialled emergency services.
Alfie ran to Witch. Still limping from Martins shove, she hobbled away from the billowing smoke, Alfie close behind. They waited for the fire to die down from the safety of a bush.
When the flames were finally out, Martin stalked off, shooting Witch a look of pure loathing.
The next evening, Alfie overheard a conversation at the guard post:
Telling you, nothing but trouble, that one. Did you see those eyes? Proper witch, she is! Martin ranted.
So what are you going to do? came the flat reply.
Take her out to the woods and dump her. Thatll sort it.
Alfie froze. His heart twisted painfully. He pressed himself close to sleeping Witch.
Lost your mind, have you? Shell never survive out there! Simon protested.
Dont care! Had enoughfirst a fire, now this?
Suppose its true, black cats are unlucky someone else muttered.
No ones taking her anywhere. Pack it in, Simon snapped and left.
Morning arrived. Alfie stretched, yawned, and went to nose his sleeping friend as usual.
But Witch was gone.
He rifled through the strawnothing. He bolted out, searching, barking in rough, broken sounds.
He spotted a small patch of black near the officebut it was only a plastic bag twisting in the wind.
The door banged open.
Whats up, then? Looking for your girlfriend? Martin sneered. Shes not here. Gone off somewhere else. Mischief-maker.
Alfie stared up at him, desperate for a different meaning.
Or maybe She wont be up to anything else now. In a day or so, shell be dead out there. If not already.
Alfie uttered not a peep. Even his grief had no voice.
The first snow started falling, fat flakes landing gently on the motionless dog.
Since hed lost what mattered most, Alfie never returned to the kennel. He slept on the bare ground, barely ate, paid no mind even to Simon.
Alfie, shes somewhere really lovely now, I promise, Simon murmured one evening, sitting beside the dog and stroking him gently. Shes warm, safe. You trust me, dont you?
I want to go to that place too. I want to be with my Witch. Please
The morning before, Alfie had overheard a group of strangers chatting nearby. They spoke as though he wasnt even there, as if he were just an old piece of kit to be thrown out. They said he was too old, no use anymorethat what the warehouse needed was a young, spry guard, and Alfies time was up
What the rest of that chat was, Alfie couldnt recall. Not that it matterednothing did anymore, except the pain of loss.
Snow kept falling, layering thickly over his back, ears, and paws. Soon Alfie was half buried under a white blanket. He finally closed his eyes.
Maybe this time I wont have to open them again. I really dont want to drifted through his mind as he slipped into sleep, colder than ever.
The world was growing still and faint. Alfie could barely feel his body, couldnt sniff the air, nor sense the breeze. Then, through the gathering dark, a familiar voice cut through:
Come on, mate. Wake up. Lets get you up, youre coming with me.
Everything after was a blura warm car seat, the familiar hum of Simons music on the radio, the long, bumpy drive, strange but inviting new smells drifting through a cracked window.
Sadness had left Alfie weak, barely conscious. He drifted into a deep sleep in the back, cradled by kindly warmth
Hours later, they stopped. Simon helped Alfie out, supporting him as he staggered towards a cosy-looking cottage.
Youre living with me now, pal.
Alfie barely caredbut he didnt want to disappoint Simon. He mustered his best try at tail-wagging joy, though it came out rather wobbly. Not that Simon needed a showhe understood either way.
Never mind, lets get you indoors. Youll feel right as rain in no time, Simon said, opening the door with a wink.
As soon as they stepped inside, Alfie perked upbecause the smell hit him, familiar and unmistakable. The one smell in the world hed know anywhere.
A sleek black shadow leapt off the windowsill and hurried over. Before she even reached him, Alfie knewit was her. His Witch.
I told you she was somewhere safe, Simon said, smiling. Did you really think, you daft old boy, Id let those wretches dump your friend in the woods?
But at that moment, Alfie and Witch had no time for anyone elsethey had a world of catching up to do!
Once theyd chattered away in their secret tongue and curled up together by the fire, Alfie pondered what witch actually meant.
He nearly asked her, but then smiled to himself. Didnt matterWitch was his friend, and that was all that counted.
