The sky was thick with gray clouds and icy wind as John sped down a deserted mountain road, heading back to the city after
an urgent call. His German Shepherd, Barbara, dozed in the passenger seat. Then, through the mist, John spotted a
slow-moving car ahead. Suddenly, its rear door cracked open—and something was thrown out.
John pulled over, heart pounding. What looked like a garbage bag lay motionless—until it moved. Wrapped in a dirty
blanket and tied with blue rope was a freezing two-year-old boy, whimpering. John scooped him up, wrapped him in
his coat, and rushed him into the car. Barbara gently licked the boy’s cheek as sirens approached.
Paramedics said the boy had hypothermia but would survive. Police believed he was a missing child from a foster
facility. That night, staring out the window with Barbara at his feet, John knew one thing for sure: he was meant to be there.
