Jan shivered as he huddled under a cardboard box, the wind whipping through the alleyways of the city. It was his birthday, a day that most dogs celebrated with their loving families, but for Jan, it was just another day of solitude.
He had been a stray for as long as he could remember. His days were spent scavenging for scraps, avoiding angry drivers, and seeking shelter from the elements. Jan longed for a warm bed, a belly rub, and a loving companion. He had watched other dogs being walked on leashes, their tails wagging with joy. He couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever experience that kind of happiness.
As the sun began to set, Jan’s stomach rumbled. He searched the trash cans for anything edible, but they were mostly empty. Disheartened, he curled up in his cardboard box and tried to sleep. But the cold and loneliness kept him awake. He closed his eyes and imagined a family playing with him in a grassy yard, a bowl of food always waiting for him.
As Jan drifted off to sleep, a small ray of hope flickered in his heart. Perhaps one day, someone would see him and offer him a home. Until then, he would continue to search for scraps, dream of a better life, and hope that his birthday wish would come true.
