The waiting for test results that they were doing to Derek, was prolonged. Time seemed to have stopped . Sam realized he had to put more coins in the parking meter.

- I should put more coins in the meter . I didn´t expect this would take so long -said Sam with annoyance .

- Let me, dad. I will go .

Samuel walked into the parking brisk . When he got there, searched his father's car . There it was ! When he was already coming, heard the plaintive barking of a small dog.

-Get out of here, pooch !

There was a short, nasty guy who had kicked a stray dog to keep it away his car. The poor little dog limped away and complaining. Samuel was angry and addressed to him

-Hey ! You ! Anyone ever you said that you should not mistreat animals ?

-Leave me alone, idiot! I´ve also for you -said the little man meanwhile he turned to face Samuel.

When he turned around and saw front him a guy over six feet, and with broad shoulders, swallowed and was speechless.

-Start jackanapes!- Samuel challenged him with cold and dry tone.

- Well ... Uh ... we will not fight for a dirty dog...Come on, kid!

- You deserve a beating -Samuel replied with suppressed anger- but quiet... It wasn´t worth get dirty the hands with a wretched type as you.

The little man lacked time to get in your car and run. When he left, Samuel sought the puppy. the dog was crouching beside to a nearby car to Sam´s car , refugee behind a tire. The poor dog was quietly, complaining because it hurt a paw and trembling with fear . Samuel felt a great pity for this poor animal. He put coins in the parking meter of his father´s car, and then tried to approach the dog.

-Hello nice- Samuel said tenderly- What are you doing under there ?

The dog did not trust at all. Samuel realized it. He crouched near the car where the animal was hiding .He observed that this puppy had intelligent eyes amid a shaggy, small and funny face . Samuel smiled. He reached for the dog with the purpose that could sniff him .

- Quiet, lovely . I will not hurt you.

The dog began to discern something different in that giant with soft-spoken that was Samuel . He started get out slowly from under the car with caution. Despite how dirty it was , Samuel realized that was small breed dog , a white Maltese hyacinth probably of less than a year . He hadn´t collar or leash.

Carefully, he drew from his small backpack a sandwich of ham and cheese. The puppy, when saw it, started drooling and smacking.

- If you want it, you must to come for it.

All its doubts disappeared and the dog jumped into the arms of the "giant soft-spoken". Samuel smiled and sighed contentedly. While dog ate the sandwich, he inspected the hind paws. When the poor animal complained slightly at any given moment, he realized where it hurt. He touched carefully. There was nothing broken. Then he gave it a gentle massage on the affected area. The puppy must feel relief because licked his hands as he massaged it. Then Samuel pulled out a small bottle of water. Making his left hand a small makeshift vessel, gave it a drink.

The puppy was feeling much better. It was satisfied and seemed didn´t feel pain. Samuel walked back to the hospital, then he realized that dog was still looking him with funny little face and wagging tail. Samuel stopped and bowed to the animal with a smile, said:

-I´m sorry dude . But you cannot go in there. Is forbidden.

The puppy leaned head to one and another side, as Samuel spoke because dog didn´t understand what he was saying. However, barked and was placed in front of Samuel, ready to play with him. Samuel smiled tenderly . It was a beautiful dog. He didn´t know what to do. Certainly he would not like abandon it, but now he had to enter the hospital.

He was in these thoughts, when he saw his family leaving the building calling him. They came out smiling . Samuel took the puppy in his arms and approached them in a small race.

- We've come to see why you were taking so long time- Patrick said in his usual grumpy voice - Your father sent you to put some coins in the parking meter, and it seems you've gone to go around the world.

- Sorry, grandpa -Samuel apologized respectfully- .

- Has had it the guilt of your delay?- Patrick said pointing the dog.

- yes grandpa. It´s a story ... not very long.

- Well, I hope at least it will be a good story.

- I think it would be better to know what doctor has said about uncle Derek.-said Samuel-

- There are good news. According to tests, ganglia aren´t affected. The tumor is well localized. It would be neccesary a surgery and some radiotherapy sessions, but the forecast is good...- Diane explained in cheerful and happy tone after so much tension .

-That is fantastic news ! -Samuel exclaimed while watching the happy faces of the whole family.

Samuel realized that Derek, besides enjoying the moment, looked the dog continuously. Samuel approached him .

- Do you like it uncle Derek ? -Samuel asked- .

- Yeah it seems sympathetic- Derek said as he took the dog in his arms- Must be very loving...

-It is! And Samuel began to tell what had happened to the puppy while Derek stroked the animal before the shocked eyes of the entire family .

- I particularly would give him with a baseball bat in his legs to that bastard and see what seems him to hurt a puppy like this , -said Derek as he stroked dog´s head.

Sam and Patrick were shocked to contemplate the scene , while Diane and Tracy looked at funny .

Uncle Derek . Why you don´t take home the doogy?-

-Really? Do not you care ? Derek asked vehemently and surprise.

-Of course not ! I think you fall nicely mutually Samuel replied .

Derek was happy. First, the family gathering around him. After the pleasant surprise of testing. And now the dog…

- Thank you all for everything! -said Derek honestly- I don´t deserve, but I hope that in future, I may be worthy of you all...

He looked the dog and said with a smile: -... after a good swim, I think I'll called "Snow". Yes, it is a good name for it. Then looked at his father and asked permission to family: - if don´t mind , I´m going steal a silver-haired gentleman. Shall we go to my house, Dad?.

Patrick nodded. Father and son moved away ... and "Snow" with them.

Sam was silent thinking about everything. Something told him that this bitter experience was changing his older brother.

there is still a chapter to this story, very soon...