Tom's New Dog

Tom walks slowly through the park, his hands in the pockets of a long dark coat. He is thin and gangly with messy brown hair. He feels sad and lonely because his dad has gone to work far away. Yeah.

He sits on a bench and watches the pigeons peck at crumbs. The park is quiet and his smile feels small. He misses his dad very much.

Suddenly Tom hears a tiny whimper behind a bush. He looks and finds a small, scruffy dog with big, scared eyes and floppy ears. The dog is thin and shivers.

Tom kneels down and speaks in a soft voice so the dog will not be afraid. He offers a piece of his sandwich and the dog gently takes it. The dog's tail gives a tiny wag.

Tom wraps the dog in the warm lining of his long coat and holds him close. The dog snuggles into Tom's chest and stops shivering. Tom decides he cannot leave the dog alone.

At home Tom and his mom give the dog a warm towel, a bowl of water, and a cozy blanket. The dog licks Tom's hand and licks his cheek like a little thank you. Tom's heart feels lighter.

Tom asks his mom if the dog can stay. She smiles and says, 'Yes, if you will care for him.' They choose a name together: Patch.

That night Patch sleeps at the end of Tom's bed and keeps him company. Tom reads a book and feels safe, not so lonely anymore. He closes his eyes and dreams of playing in the park with Patch and of his dad coming home.