Chapter 29: A Visit, A Letter, and A Howl
It was one of those crisp mornings where everything felt possible—the kind of late-autumn day when the leaves crunched underfoot and the air smelled of woodsmoke and earth.
Jonas, Lina, and Samba made their way along a narrow woodland path that curved gently uphill toward a charming old cottage with ivy-covered walls and blue shutters.
The cottage belonged to Karl and Edit, a kind-hearted couple they had met during dog training classes.
Their majestic poodle, Tango, had become inseparable from Samba—despite the difference in coat, temperament, and general coordination.
"They've been whining for each other every day," Lina laughed, holding Samba's leash as the energetic pup bounced forward. "I think this might be love."
"They drool enough for it," Jonas added, wiping his jeans from another affectionate headbutt.
As they reached the house, the door opened before they could knock.
"You're early," Karl greeted with a warm smile and arms outstretched. "Or perhaps we're just slower these days."
Edit emerged behind him, beaming. "Come in, come in. We just brewed some fresh tea."
But before they even stepped inside, a sudden shout from the road caught everyone's attention.
"Post!"
A cheerful postman came running up the path, waving an envelope.
"Special delivery. Looks like it's from Switzerland."
Karl frowned, took the letter, and opened it with trembling fingers.
Edit peeked over his shoulder, her hand rising to her mouth. "They accepted us.
Karl… They have a spot. For your treatment."
Tears sprang into Karl's eyes. He held the paper tightly as if it might float away. "It's happening."
Lina stepped closer. "That's wonderful!"
But as their joy settled in, so did the weight of the decision.
"But we'll have to leave soon," Edit whispered. "And we can't take Tango with us. He needs more than a kennel stay…"
Before she could finish, Samba let out a whine and leaned against Tango's fluffy shoulder.
"Or he'll die of heartbreak," Jonas muttered.
Lina stepped forward without hesitation. "He stays with us. For however long you need.
He already acts like he owns our couch."
Karl looked at her, a bit stunned. "You'd really take him in?"
"Of course," she said. "And I promise to send weekly photos of him snoring upside down."
Edit wiped away a tear. "You don't know what this means to us."
As if on cue, Tango let out a high-pitched howl of joy—then immediately knocked over a flowerpot in his enthusiasm.
"Guess that's a yes," Jonas said, dodging the flying petals.
Back at home, with two dogs tangled around their legs and furniture already being claimed, Lina sat on the rug, watching the chaos unfold.
"This isn't exactly what I expected when I said I like big dogs," she mused.
Jonas handed her a mug of tea. "Well, now we've got two. That's… almost a pack."
She smiled, glancing between Samba and Tango—one massive, one even fluffier, both now part of their odd little family.