Love, Andy
A short story from my short story collection, Sandcastles.
If you follow me on Substack or social media you may know that I have published a number of books. It occurred to me that all you might be aware of are what the covers look like or maybe the genres I write in. When I do share my writing, chiefly on Instagram, it tends to be poetry. There are some stories on my website but it’s been some time since I shared any fiction.
This is everyone’s favourite story from Sandcastles … Love, Andy which was originally written for an online magazine.
I woke cold and wet, buried in a snow drift. I shook myself, attempting to defrost and escape my prison before the ice took hold and mummified me.
I was on the streets because I was no longer considered cute. My adopted family’s affection for me evaporated with the discovery that having brought home a puppy, they soon owned a dog.
After digging for a while it became easier, someone was helping me. A glove-wearing human was digging from the other side.
When my freedom was restored, the human reached out her hand and I sniffed it. She brushed my fur, removing the chunks of snow my shaking refused to shift. I was grateful for the warmth of her touch.
I don’t know how I ended up where I was. I had been wandering the streets taking shelter where I could find it for longer than I cared to think about.
‘My goodness it’s cold. You can’t stay out here on the streets, you’ll die. Where’s home?’
My rescuer’s voice was kind. Home? I wouldn’t call the last place I lived home. Not any more anyway.
‘You can’t tell me? Well, you better come home with me then. Some food and water and a roof over your head will be better than wandering about out here in this.’
She beckoned for me to follow her.
Home, food, water? I wanted all of those … I hesitated. I had trusted before, and it didn’t end well. Who was to say it wouldn’t happen again?
The chill in my bones and empty stomach fought with my wish not to rely on another human ever again.
‘I’m Olivia. What’s your name?’
My name? I couldn’t tell her. It was a long time since anyone had called me anything at all; well, nothing worth repeating in polite company. The dogs I met wore collars with name tags. My owners hadn’t stretched to that. The language barrier and the fact I’d lost my voice didn’t help matters.
Olivia’s eyes met mine.
‘Nothing to tell me? Well, my friend, I have to call you something. Let me see.’
Friend? That sounded good.
She paused to take me in, her furrowed brow and lip-biting told me she was thinking.
‘How about Andy? It is St Andrews Day, after all.’
I nodded. Wow, I wish I had my voice. I liked her choice. It sounded friendly, and at least I had a name.
***
Olivia’s home was warm. She gave me food and water before leaving me to lie in front of the fire. I must have fallen asleep. The next thing I knew it was dark.
I got to my feet and padded to the door, not wishing to outstay my welcome.
‘Andy, do you want to go out?’ Olivia came and opened the door. I lifted my paw, and she took it.
Out? Yes, please. I don’t want to be punished for making a mess on the floor.
Another goodbye. This one better than the last. At least I was fed and watered. Being warm and able to get some rest helped too. I was leaving with dignity on my own legs, not shoved out with harsh words ringing in my ears.
‘Don’t be too long. It’s cold out there and the sky is full of snow. Wouldn’t want you to get buried again, would we?’
Hang on a minute. What’s happening here?
Olivia stood in the doorway, arms crossed while I did what I had to do.
Unsure, I looked at her sideways waiting for her next move. Was she teasing me? I swished my tail. She opened the door wide.
‘Come on Andy, it’s freezing.’ She beckoned me over.
Come, Andy? Why? It is cold. She had that right. What was she going to do to me?
I crept toward the open door, expecting her to shut it in my face. She was letting me back inside?
I inched my way into the kitchen, alert and ready to run back out again. Had she gone to get something to hit me? I don’t think I did anything wrong. Humans are hard to read. I think I am being good, then they get angry. Her hands were empty, and she was smiling at me, a happy smile.
‘One step at a time Andy,’ the voice in my head cautioned.
She came over to me. Her voice had not lost its kindness. I am not sure I can trust Olivia although I haven’t made her mad yet.
‘That’s right, come back in the warm. I’ve borrowed food and treats for you from my neighbour. I hope you like them. I’ll get some more in a couple of days when the weather gets a bit better.’
Olivia held a box I didn’t recognise and pulled something out of it.
Warm? Yes, it was much nicer in the warm house. Treats? I had heard of those; my friends with the collars got them. I was lucky if my owners fed me.
She held out her hand, and I took the offering. It did taste good, and I was still hungry. I licked her hand to thank her, and she gave me another one. I was being thoroughly spoilt today.
‘Don’t get used to it,’ the voice inside my head warned me.
‘Andy, this is your cupboard.’ Olivia opened a door in her kitchen. ‘We’ll have to find out what food you like. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a canine friend. I think I can remember what’s good. This is your home now; I want you to be happy.’
Food? Friend? Home? Happy? I loved the sound of that.
She bent down and hugged me.
Home? I ran the word through my head to see if it fitted. It did feel safe here. Much better than the streets and I had nowhere else to go. It was worth sticking around a bit longer to give it a chance.
***
That was nine months ago.
I kept doubting. She won me round. She keeps saying she loves me; it’s like she knows I need to keep hearing it. I have a collar with my name on it and her phone number. ‘In case I get lost,’ she said.
I have my voice back now. I do my best to tell her I love her too.
We don’t speak the same language, but I think she knows.
If you enjoyed my story you might want to check out my book - https://mybook.to/Sandcastles
Happy reading whatever you’re reading.
Lily x