The dog refused to leave the morgues doorstep, as if sensing that behind those doors, someone was trying to bring its owner back to life. And that someone was no ordinary doctor.
Semyonka, just hold on a little longer, Ill be done soon, Vasily Andreyevich said into the phone, forcing his voice to sound as gentle and warm as possible. Youre not too bored without me, are you?
He carefully set the receiver down and smiled. Though his sharp features and heavy gaze might have made him appear stern, inside, he was quite different. He knew his grandson was perfectly capable on his own. Semyonka had already learned to watch movies, read books, and even cook simple mealsnavy-style pasta or an omelette. Still, sometimes he called, saying he missed him And though Vasily understood it was just a childs way of expressing affection, his heart still softened at those words. He played his partcomforting, reassuring, encouraging him not to be sad.
Two years had passed since Semyonka came to live with his grandfather. Two long years of grief, loss, and slowly rebuilding life.
He remembered the day he brought the boy home. Back then, it felt like the world had shattered. Vasily himself could barely stand, as if he had died and resurrected several times to start anew. But there was no other choice. The only thing left from the tragedy was a six-year-old boy with empty eyes, lost in his own thoughts.
The tragedy happened that cursed night when Semyonkas parentsVasilys son, Misha, and his young wifewere returning from a visit. They had called a taxi, just wanting to get home. But right at their doorstep, another car collided with theirs at breakneck speed, driven by a drunk youth. The impact was horrific. Of the three, only Semyonka survivedsmall, fragile as a broken toy. How? A miracle. The paramedics, who had seen it all, just shook their heads. A guardian angel shielded him, they murmured. The car was torn to shreds, yet the boy walked away with barely a scratchmaybe a few scrapes from being pulled from the wreckage.
Vasilys wife had passed long ago, when Misha was sixteen. Then he became Mishas guardian, and later, Semyonkas. Time moved on, but the pain never faded. After his son and daughter-in-law died, Vasily nearly lost the will to live. His thoughts spiraled: *Why us? What did we do to deserve this?* But one day, he looked into his grandsons eyesempty as a winter sky over an abandoned parkand realized: if he gave up now, Semyonka would be utterly alone. And that was unthinkable.
Months passed. Only after half a year did Semyon begin acting like a child againquiet, thoughtful, but slowly resembling himself. Vasily returned to work. For the first few days, their neighbor Nina Petrovna watched over the boya kind woman with a motherly heart. She helped, supported, made sure he was never alone. Once Semyon grew more independent, she only dropped by occasionallyto feed him, check in.
Nina Petrovna was wonderful, but she had one habit that drove Vasily madher relentless matchmaking. She constantly introduced women, dropping subtle hints. At first, he didnt understand the sudden influx of ladies around him.
Well, Vasyuk, not a single one caught your eye? she once asked.
Then he realized the joke and laughed.
Nina Petrovna, are you trying to marry me off?
Her expression darkened.
Whats so funny? Youre young, healthy, yet unmarried Its not proper! You could make someone happyor at least not die alone!
To stop her pestering, Vasily had to promise hed consider the ladies. But Nina wasnt the only one who noticed him. Other women began flirting, irritating him so much that he left his hospital jobmoving to the forensic morgue. Maybe he shouldve done it sooner. After his familys death, female attention only grated on him.
He was only fifty. Hed fathered his son at eighteen, his grandson at thirty-nine. He was still in shapeexercised, had steady hands, drank only on rare occasions.
His shift was ending. The afternoon team had taken over. Vasily stepped out for a smoke. Spring was just awakening, the air crisp with freshness and hope.
A massive dog sat by the door, gazing so sorrowfully it made his chest tighten.
Whats wrong? Did they bring someone from your family? Dont fret, old boy Go home, itll be fine.
The dog sighed like a human, took two steps, then sat back down.
An hour later, Vasily left againtime to go home. The dog still hadnt moved, whimpering softly as if begging to be let in. Strange behavior. Dogs sensed death. Why was this one so restless?
Kolia! Who did they bring? Whose dog is this?
A young medica med-school hopefulanswered immediately:
They found a woman on the street. No ID. Probably took the dog for a walk and
Where is she?
Over there. They havent moved her yet. Pertovich will come, examine her, decide.
PertovichVasilys replacementalways started his day with a cup of hot tea.
Lets take a look, Vasily suggested.
The woman appeared to be in her forties, her face unmarked by injury, yet she didnt look like a corpse. He grabbed her wristthen froze.
What?! Shes alive!
Medic Igor nearly fainted.
Stretchernow! Call Pertovich!
Vasily tossed his bag, shed his coat. Her pulse was weak, but present!
Pertovich rushed in, immediately assessing:
Well, well, a surprise guest! Hold on, well bring you back! What were you thinking, hm?
Minutes later, an ambulance arrivedthe same paramedics as before, their faces stunned.
How is this possible?! Her pressure was zero!
They hooked her to IVs and monitors. Vasily and Pertovich walked them out. The dog bounded joyfully around them.
When the ambulance left, Vasily sat beside the dog.
Good jobyou mightve saved her life. Now, she just needs to recover. But what to do with you?
The dog studied him, tilting its head. Then, unexpectedly, Vasily said:
Want to come with me? Ive got a grandsonSemyonkawho adores dogs. When your owner recovers, you can go back.
The dog wagged its tail and barkedagreement.
*Alright*, Vasily thought. *Smart, but not that smart.* Turned outyes, *that* smart.
He lived nearbyfifteen minutes walk. The dog stayed close, barely glancing around.
Semyonka! Im homeand not alone!
His grandson rushed out, eyes lighting up at the sight of the dog.
Grandpa!
Meet my new friend. Dont know his name yet, but hes sharp.
Whered you get him?
Semyonka wrapped his arms around the dogs neck. Vasily tensedstill a strange animal. But the dog licked the boys face, tail wagging.
Whole story later. Lets eat and feed him. Bet hes hungry.
The dog ate, drank, then looked at Vasily expectantly.
He wants something
Think hes asking where to sleep!
Wow!
Vasily folded a blanket, placing it by the armchair. The dog lay down, resting its muzzle on its paws.
Hes sad
Cant blame him. Almost lost his owner.
He told his grandson everything. Semyonka sat beside the dog.
Dont worry. Shell get better!
The dog sighedjust like a humanand rested its head on the boys lap.
The next morning, Vasily went joggingbringing the dog.
What to call you? Just Friend?
The dog gave a quiet barksensing not to wake Semyonka.
He stopped at a storebuying a leash, food, bowls. At noon, at Semyonkas request, he called a doctor friend. Within half an hour, he knew where the woman was.
Vasily! Heard about your heroics!
What heroics? The medics did the work.
Listen, this is rare! Sugar crashed to zero, plus a heart attack. No signs of life
How is she now?
You know meI love tough cases! Shell pull through! Conscious, on IVs, but out of danger. By the waywhat about the dog? She keeps whispering, Friend Friend Shes frantic.
Tell her not to worry. Friends with me. When she recAnd as Marina recovered, the four of themVasily, Semyonka, Marina, and Friendbecame a family, healing each others wounds with love.
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