Then, one month later, something strange happened.
I was sorting through the mail one evening when I found an envelope in the box. There was no stamp, no return address. Just three words written in neat handwriting:
From your old friend.
Curious, I opened it. Inside was a folded sheet of lined paper. My hands shook a little as I unfolded it.
It wasn’t addressed to me. It was written to Daisy.
“My sweet girl,
If you’re reading this, then you’re safe and cared for. I want you to know I never gave you up because I stopped loving you—I gave you up because I loved you too much to let you suffer with me.
When I found you as a tiny pup, abandoned by the train tracks, I promised you I’d never let you feel alone again. And you saved me more times than I can count. You gave me joy when life was dark, warmth when nights were cold, and love when I thought I didn’t deserve it.
I couldn’t keep that promise forever, but I hope your new family can. Please, forgive me. I’ll never forget you.
With love,
Your Old Friend.”
I sat at the kitchen table with tears running down my face. Liam peeked over my shoulder, reading along. “Mom,” he whispered, “it’s from Daisy’s first dad.”
We both hugged Daisy tight that night. She wagged her tail, not understanding the words but sensing our emotions. I tucked the letter into a drawer, but the words stayed with me.
The next day, I couldn’t stop thinking about the man. How had he gotten the letter to us? Was he nearby, watching from a distance just to make sure Daisy was safe?
I asked around the neighborhood, but no one had seen him. The grocery store clerk remembered him sitting outside sometimes but said he hadn’t been around lately. I even drove around town, scanning parks and shelters, hoping to spot his worn blanket or tired face. Nothing.
