He Had No Home, No Family—except for the
The First Meeting
Outside a 24-hour laundromat, I first saw him — sleeping on a worn mat with an orange cat curled across his chest.
Her name was Hazel. “She chose me. That’s all that matters,” he told me later.
I brought them food from the café. He never asked, always thanked me, and Hazel always ate first.
“As long as she’s okay, I’m okay,” he once whispered. Then, one day, they were gone.
Hazel Returns
Days later, Hazel appeared alone. I took her in and searched everywhere for him.
Finally, a hospital confirmed: his name was Martin. He was in a coma with pneumonia, unknown and alone.
A New Beginning
When he woke, his first word was “Hazel.” She curled beside him, and he healed. With help, he moved into housing that allowed pets.
“This is more than I thought I’d ever have again,” he said. Now, Martin volunteers, and Hazel rules the home — a reminder of how love, loyalty, and one small kindness can change everything.
