Stolen Friendship

The story is about Mark Tyler, an old man with silver-grey hair.
He was living in his nephew´s house. He was very grateful for the shelter that his nephew
John and his nephew’s wife Lucy gave him. The couple had no children, they were
constantly busy. So, Mark would always help them.
That was how he came to know the setter. It belonged to the Wilsons, who had recently
moved into the colonial house across the street. The dog was really lonely when the
Wilson´s children weren´t in home.
Mark trough that the dog was lonesome just like him. He learned that the dog was called
“Ricky”. And since he had never seen the dog enjoying a bone, he made it a point one
day to ask Mrs Wilson if she minded if he brought one to Ricky. She absolutely negated,
she didn´t like the dog either. When she was gone Mark gave the bone to the setter
anyway.
The following day the setter came closer. As time went by, the setter began watching
Mark, his tail wagging, his eyes expectant. One morning as Mark set forth on his walk he
found Ricky close behind him. After that, they shared a daily excursion. Eventually, the
setter began coming into the yard when Mark was working in the garden.
Their friendship grew inevitably into love.

It had never occurred to Mark that Ricky might be taken away from him. The news came
with stunning sadness. The Wilsons´ house was sold and then, the moving van came.
Two weeks later, an evening when Lucy and John were out the soft, familiar scratching
came again to the door and with a sudden trembling joy he opened.
Ricky was weary and travel-worn. Mark was really happy but he knew this was not right.
When Mr. Wilson arrived, Ricky still lay outside Mark´s door.
Mark had never talked to Mr. Wilson before. Then, “that a fine dog and requires part of
you too, not just for the children. Take care of them it like heaven for a dog.” Mark said.
Mr. Wilson listened, he had obviously been angry at having to make the long trip into
town. “You´re right , Mr. Tyler”.