This morning, Michael James wasnt doing well at all. He could barely breathe.
Nicholas, I dont want anything. None of your tablets, nothing. Justpleaselet me say goodbye to Buddy, he whispered, glancing at his IV drips. Please. Just take all this off me
He nodded, eyes pleading. I just cant go like this. Can you understand? A tear rolled down his cheek. I knew if I disconnected everything, he might not make it as far as the front door.
All the chaps from the ward gathered round us.
Nicholas, surely something can be done? He shouldnt have to go like this.
I know, mate But its a hospital, everything has to be sterile
Oh, sod it, someone said. The man cant even say his goodbyes!
I knew they were right. What could I do? As I stood up, I realised I could do anything. To hell with this argument, to hell with Dads company. Let them fire me if they want. I turned abruptly and met Annes gazeshe looked at me with unmistakable admiration.
I rushed outside.
Buddy, come here, quietly now. Maybe nobody will notice. Come on, lets go to your master.
Id just opened the door when someone blocked the wayEmma Edwards stood in front of me.
Whats all this, then?
Please, Miss Edwards. Just five minutes. Let them say their goodbyes. I know the rules. Fire me if you have to.
She was silent for a momentwhat went through her mind, I cant saybut then she stepped aside.
All right. Theyll have to sack me as well, then.
Come on, Buddy!
I sprinted down the hospital corridor, Buddy right beside me. Ahead, Anne held open the ward door. As if he sensed something, the dog leapt ahead, bounding to Michaels bedsidestanding with his paws on the edge of the bed. The room was deathly silent. Michael opened his eyes, tried to lift his hand, but the lines held him back. With his other hand, he simply tore the IVs out.
Buddy! Youve come
The dog rested his head on Michaels chest. Gently, Michael stroked Buddy once, twice, and then smileda smile that stayed frozen on his lips. His hand slipped away. Someone whispered,
The dogs crying
I approached the bed. Buddy really was crying.
Its done. Come on lets go
***
I sat on the low stone wall outside, Buddy curled up in the bushes nearby. One of the lads from the wardthe first one whod given up his sausage and mashjoined me, offering me a pack of cigarettes. I looked at him, about to say I didnt smoke, and then just shrugged, taking one and lighting up.
Anne sat down beside meher eyes red, nose puffy.
Anne Im leaving today.
Why?
I started here as punishment. Then I wanted to prove to Dad I was capable. He was meant to hand over the business to me. But thats not the point. I cant do this anymore. Ill go home. Tell him straighthis son is useless. Im sorry, Anne
I left. Handed in my notice, packed my bag. Anne watched from the window as I pulled up to the entrance in my Mercedes, got out, and headed towards the bushes. I spoke quietly to Buddy, then walked to the car and leaned against it to wait. Five minutes later, Buddy came over, looked me straight in the eye for ages, then leaped into the car.
Anne was crying again.
Youre not useless! Youre the best!
***
A few days later, Anne spotted a man walking with the head doctor, looking very much like me. She flew down the stairs and ran outside.
Youre Nicholass father?
The head doctor looked at her, bemused.
Anne, whats happening?
Wait a moment, Dr. Nicholas, sack me later if you have to! Is it you?
David Oliver looked at the small girl with adorable freckles, just as surprised.
Yes.
You mustntdo you hear me?mustnt ever think Nicholas is useless! Hes the best of us! Hes the only one who dared to let someone say goodbye to his friend at the end. Nicholas has a heart and a soul!
Anne turned and strode back into the building. David Oliver smiled.
Quite a one, isnt she?
Dr. Nicholas replied, Whats one supposed to do with her? Lovely girl, but she insists on the truth every time!
Is that so bad?
It isnt always easy
***
Three years later.
A whole family walked out from the gates of a lovely house. Nicholas was pushing the pram, and Anne held the lead of a grand, well-groomed dog. They wandered down to the river, and Anne let the dog go.
Buddy, dont go too far!
Buddy bounded off towards the water. Minutes later, the baby in the pram began to cry. Just as swiftly, Buddy came charging back to the pram.
Anne laughed.
Nicholas, it looks like we wont be needing a nanny after all. Why are you fussing? Sophies just lost her dummy.
The baby drifted back to sleep, Buddy checked once more that everything was in order, and then set off again chasing butterflies.
