The next day, Laura arrived early at the depot with a plan. She packed food, water, and an old blanket. When her bus reached the familiar stop, Max was there, as always, sitting tall and still. Laura smiled softly and whispered, “You really don’t give up, do you?” After her shift, she went back to the old house. Max was lying by the gate, his head resting on his paws. She placed the food and water a few feet away and sat down nearby. “It’s okay, boy. I’m not here to chase you off,” she said in a calm voice. Max sniffed the air but didn’t move closer. For several days, Laura came back, sitting with him, talking gently about her day. Little by little, he began to trust her—one cautious step at a time.
By the end of the week, the impossible happened. Max walked up to her and rested his head against her knee. Laura froze, tears spilling down her cheeks. “There you go,” she whispered. “You’re not alone anymore.” That moment changed everything. From then on, Max waited for her not just at the bus stop but near the depot too. When he saw her bus coming, his tail wagged wildly.
Continue reading on the next page to see how Laura’s kindness leads to an unforgettable ending.