Date: 18/06/2026
All Rights Reserved by the Author
Every evening, commuters arriving at a small town bus stop noticed the same dog waiting nearby.
The animal belonged to an elderly man who lived a short distance away.
Years earlier, the dog had begun accompanying him on his evening walk.
Over time, a routine developed.
The dog would arrive at the bus stop before the man’s grandson returned from work.
As soon as the familiar bus appeared, the dog’s tail would begin to wag furiously.
Passengers smiled at the daily reunion.
Even those who did not know the family looked forward to witnessing it.
The ritual continued through summer heat, autumn rain and winter cold.
The dog never missed an evening.
Its loyalty became part of the community’s rhythm.
Animals rarely concern themselves with schedules, careers or achievements.
Yet they understand something profoundly important.
The joy of welcoming someone home.
And sometimes, at a quiet bus stop, that simple lesson is enough to brighten an entire day.
Rajat Chandra Sarmah
Guwahati, Assam, India
email: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
youtube: conversewithasmile
