The city was a symphony of harsh sounds: the rumble of traffic, the blare of horns, the shouting voices that echoed through the concrete canyons. Amidst this cacophony, a small, scruffy dog moved cautiously, his nose twitching, his eyes darting from one passing foot to another. He was thin, his ribs showing beneath his matted fur, and his belly ached with a constant, gnawing hunger.
He wasn’t looking for trouble. He wasn’t barking or begging aggressively. He simply wanted a small kindness, a scrap of food to ease the emptiness in his stomach. He’d approach people tentatively, his tail tucked low, his eyes pleading. He’d offer a soft whimper, a gentle nudge of his nose against their hand, hoping for a sign of compassion.
But instead of kindness, he often met with harsh words, with curses that stung like stones. “Get away, you mutt!” they’d yell, their faces contorted with disgust. Some would even lash out, kicking him or hitting him with whatever they had in hand.
He didn’t understand. He wasn’t trying to cause any harm. He wasn’t trying to be a nuisance. He was simply hungry, desperately hungry. He just wanted a small piece of bread, a leftover scrap of meat, anything to quell the constant ache in his belly.
After each encounter, he’d retreat to a quiet corner, beneath a parked car or in a sheltered doorway, his body trembling, his heart sinking. He’d lick his wounds, both physical and emotional, a deep sadness settling over him.
He’d think, Why? Why are they so angry? Why do they hurt me? I just want a little food. I’m not hurting anyone. The questions echoed in his mind, a constant, nagging confusion. He couldn’t comprehend the cruelty, the lack of empathy.
He’d watch other dogs, dogs with collars and leashes, walking proudly beside their owners. He’d see the love and affection exchanged between them, the gentle touches, the loving words. He’d long for that same connection, that same feeling of belonging.
He’d think, What did I do wrong? Is it because I’m a stray? Is it because I’m dirty and thin? He’d look down at his paws, then back up at the passing people, his tail tucked low. He didn’t understand why his simple request for food was met with such hostility, such violence. He just wanted to survive, to ease the constant hunger that plagued him. He just wanted a little kindness, a little compassion, a little understanding. He just wanted to know why his simple plea for food was met with curses and beatings.
