A Chance Meeting

It was hotter than usual on the bakerloo line. The carriage, filled with early evening commuters was almost hazy as the deafening screech of metal on metal pierced through Ian’s ears.

He had noted the warmth of the train as he reached the platform at Elephant and Castle, having preemptively removed excess layers.

He was travelling alone today, making a change from the usual laughter with his regular travel buddy.

Intermittently a faint whimper could be heard above the din of the underground train. Ian was curious and glanced subtlety around, skimming the crowds of silent suited people. Nobody seemed to have noticed the sound.

At the next station stop the hoards dissipated opening up the field of vision…only to reveal a small furry bundle curled in the corner of a seating booth. Ian spotted it and quickly but gently moved over to take a closer look.

The fluff wouldn’t show its features but continued to cry softly.

Ian tentatively reached out to touch the glossy black fur, saying an encouraging and soothing “What’s this?….”

A little wet nose emerged and sniffed at Ian’s fingertips. Followed by a quick pink tongue

It was clear now that the mystery creature was a tiny puppy. It haltingly uncurled it’s tightly tucked body and steadied itself. Ian smelt trustworthy and safe, so the puppy tested a wag of its tail, bowing its head a little as it sidled towards his legs. By now the train was nearly at Paddington and Ian had a decision to make.

The puppy stared into his eyes hopefully, as a young lady approached and asked Ian “Is that your puppy? He’s adorable. May I stroke him?!”

Ian looked at her and smiled…

Ian couldn’t lie to the girl and claim ownership of the lost pup. “No, he’s not mine, I don’t know who he belongs to”.

He noticed that she had a folded Metro paper, left over from the morning, tucked under her arm. A circle had been drawn around an entry in the ‘Rush Hour Crush’ column. He was intrigued and held his glance a moment too long. She noticed, and was about to explain when the puppy made a little yelp and bounded up to the lady’s feet

“What will we do?” she asked Ian. Her concern shone through her bright blue eyes. She didn’t wait for an answer and scooped up the little lab. She had decided they were in this together. The train pulled into Paddington, this was where Ian would normally disembark. It appeared that she was planning to do the same, as she moved to the door of the carriage grabbing Ian’s arm.

She had an energy about her that felt adventurous, but who is she? He thought.

“I’m Ian by the way”

“Oh, hi, yeah. I’m April”

She smiled warmly.

“I’m not from around here, I’m visiting from New Zealand”

The train stopped sharply and the puppy wriggled in her firm but gentle hold. The doors opened and she jumped onto the platform before anything else could be said.

Paddington seemed busier than normal as Ian took extra long strides in an attempt to keep up with April’s surprisingly quick feet. She darted up the stairs, nimbly avoiding the weary commuters, still clutching the puppy in her arms. They emerged onto the station concourse (using the standard exit — April didn’t know the dubious ‘short cut’). She stopped suddenly in her tracks. Ian drew level and tried to follow her gaze.

April span around to face Ian and gently passed the black bundle over to him. The puppy was alert now and excitedly lurched towards Ian’s face to give it a good licking.

“I have to go, but I’ll see you again. You’ll know how to find me”, said April softly glancing briefly at the Metro (now stuffed into her bag) with a smile.

She stood on her tip toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek, before disappearing into the crowd.

The puppy let out a little whine, snapping Ian back into action. What to do now? Take him home with me? Thought Ian, scouring the station for signs of help. The next train to Reading was due to leave and he could just make it.

The morning commute to Aldgate had almost become a pleasure now that Ian had a companion to share his journey with.

He’d settled into his new job better than he could have imagined and was overjoyed to discover that Baker (named after the beloved underground line that united them both) was allowed in the office with him.

The pup had grown quickly to the rubbery limbed phase, taking an interest in all the new discoveries his life was presenting him with. Despite his curiosity Ian was drilling in firm training, rewarded with love, fussing, long walks and good food. He was learning fast and proving to be a model student.

Baker was surprisingly comfortable travelling into London, despite his traumatic abandonment on the Underground. He would sit quietly resting against Ian’s leg and observe the human forest towering over him, taking in the morning scents and admiring glances, even accepting a head ruffle from passing hands.

On this particular morning, as the tube train became quieter, Ian idly picked up a discarded Metro from the vacant seat beside him. He flicked straight to Rush Hour Crush and scanned the hopeful heartfelt snippets.

He froze, his heart seeming to skip a beat and then pound a little harder. He read again:

“To the big friendly giant. It’s been a while, but I wondered how our lost pup is? I’d love a longer adventure next time. April”.

Ian stood under the departure boards at Paddington. It was quieter than during the weekday frenzy of stern faced suited workers. Families chattered and friends laughed and hugged their hellos and goodbyes.
It wasn’t time yet, but Ian had allowed plenty of time for his journey. He casually glanced around the station in anticipation. Baker sat silently by his feet, sensing his owner’s fluttering excitement.

As if from nowhere there was a determined tap on Ian’s shoulder. He span around, jerking Baker with him, and was met by the wide smile he had seen months ago. It was her. She gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
“It is you! I wasn’t sure that it would be” she said. “Did you bring the compass?”
Ian had sourced one, knowing that his phone could not be trusted.

She stopped in her tracks and knelt down to give a proper greeting to the loyal companion who had been tentatively spectating with softly wagging tail.
She let him sniff the back of her hand, but Baker went in for a full hello of licks and nuzzling.
“You kept him! He’s grown so much”
“Meet Baker!” Ian said proudly.
She smiled wide again, standing and retrieving something from her cloak pocket.
She thrust an envelope into Ian’s hand. The neat writing on the front read — ‘Let the adventure begin’. Ian opened it and pulled out a small card, he read the first clue.

“This way…. I think” said Ian with a laugh.
It turned out that his long strides had thrown off the carefully calculated route, which had led them into a small cobbled mews. April didn’t want to redirect his path and was giggling softly, secretly enjoying this unforeseen detour. She walked alongside with a skip in her step, wondering if they would actually make it to their first destination.

As they walked she pretended to consult the compass, really only requesting it because she had never used one and thought it would add some drama to their navigation of a city unfamiliar to her.
On reaching the dead end she confessed to the slight misstep with a cheeky smile.
Back on route they found themselves in Hyde Park. Autumn had taken hold and the copper leaves almost sparkled against the clear blue sky. April ruffled Baker’s head, whispering a “good boy”, as she pulled her cloak a little tighter around and linked her arm through Ian’s.
They chatted, only loosely following the mapped out steps. But April knew where she was steering them.

They people watched and commented on the happenings in the park. Baker stretched his legs, exploring the sniffs and ‘come find me’ scents, in between retrieving sticks and dropping them hopefully at the foot of the pair, who took it in turns to throw it.

They arrived at the edge to the Serpentine lake and watched the rowing boats and pedalos skimming over the glassy water’s surface.

April turned to Ian with a growing smile. “You can row, right?!”

The pedalos would have been an easier option, but Ian and April were feeling brave. So they found themselves edging away from the pontoon in a small green rowing boat strictly made for two. April had insisted that Baker come with them and sweetly charmed the boat keeper into allowing their well behaved hound to join in the voyage.
Ian took command of the oars and deftly had the boat skimming smoothly out into the centre of the lake. April took this opportunity to proudly produce a captain’s cap, which she placed on Ian’s head. To Ian’s surprise she also dug out a blue skipper’s hat with white trim, which she put jauntily on her own head, nestling it amongst the glossy dark hair. And not wanting to forget Baker, she tied a nautical neckerchief around his neck.

She laughed at herself and sighed contentedly.

The lake was peaceful and still as they floated closer to a small island, where a coot was busily pecking at grasses. As they edged closer they could hear rustling in the undergrowth, which peaked Baker’s interest. He watched alertly, head slightly cocked and ears pricked up causing his forehead to furrow further with each noise.
The locals decided that the boat had arrived at the bankside in order to offer a bread feast and before the trio had time to realise their error they were surrounded by frantic squabbling ducks. The excitement was too much for (the usually composed) Baker to take as he retaliated with excited yelps and foot stamping.

The boat rocked precariously as Ian calmed his companion. April was beaming and fighting the urge to giggle. But she hadn’t foreseen where the lurching would lead.
Baker was overboard!
Thankfully the water was only shallow, so he could stand up safely. The ducks, realising that lunch was not served, had retreated to their safe undergrowth hideaways, just in time for Baker to wade up onto the island and give his coat a thorough shaking. With a little coaxing he leapt back into the small vessel.

The humans gave him a fussing, as the boat keeper swiftly made his way in their direction.

“Everything okay over here? How’s that well behaved dog doing?” He said with a wink.

Now feeling slightly like naughty children Ian and April decided to make their way back to dry land, and towel off their damp doggy.

“You’ll love what’s up next” said April, eyes glinting.

Back on firm ground and all dried off (soggy neckerchief having been removed from Baker’s neck), April dug out a slightly crumpled envelope from her pocket. The second part of the adventure!
She handed it to Ian, who carefully opened up the clue. It was suspiciously water themed, which was slightly concerning given the lake shenanigans.
A signpost nearby signalled the way to a lido, heading South.
“A lido?” questioned Ian.
“Let’s see” responded April brightly.

They walked in the suggested direction, Baker looking longingly back towards the lake, specifically at the gathering of ducks on the island, who were braving the open water once more.
They arrived at the Hyde Park lido.
Surely not, thought Ian, it’s autumn and I haven’t come prepared.
“Wait here! I’ll just be a second”
April disappeared into the lido cafe, leaving Ian and his canine companion looking back over the (now) peaceful park.

When she reappeared April had a basket looped over her arm.
“Surprise! We’re not really going swimming — I’ve got us a picnic, I think we could do with a feed after that excitement”.
Phew.
They found a quiet spot in the nearby garden, which had a lazy river water feature. Baker paddled and lapped up the water while the picnic was being laid out, complete with checked picnic blanket.
A banquet of tiger bread and jalapeño houmous, olives and mixed antipasti, washed down with a couple of beers. She’d done well.

The pair watched the changing clouds formations, picking out shapes and exchanging stories of their travels and love of New Zealand.

Baker, having amused himself quite adequately for a while, decided that picnic time was over. He bounded over with violently wagging tail, asking for a game. This signalled the start of the stroll back through the park towards Paddington. The light was starting to fade, as the days were drawing in. Baker happily greeted passers by and initiated his favourite stick fetching chasing game.

The pair had to go their separate ways for a second time at Paddington, but now they had shared more than a fleeting encounter.
April gave Ian an enormous hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Come find me!”