A Friend Sold. A Granddads Story
And he understood me!
It wasnt fun at allI soon realised what a foolish idea it was.
I sold him. At first, he thought it was some new game, but after a while, he realised that Id given him away.
Times were always different for everyone, really. To some, a fancy holiday might not mean much, while others would be content with a bit of fresh bread and sausage.
And so we lived, each of us in our own way.
I was just a lad back then. My uncle, Uncle Richardmy mums brothergave me a little German Shepherd pup, and I was over the moon. The pup grew close to me, understood me at just a word, looked up into my eyes, waiting for my next command.
Lie down, Id say after a moments pause, and hed drop to the floor, gazing up at me with such loyalty he looked as if hed do anything for me.
Serve, Id order, and the young dog would hurry onto his chunky little paws, standing still, gulping with anticipation. He waitedfor a treat, just a bite of something tasty.
But I had nothing to spoil him with. We were going hungry ourselves, truth be told.
Such were the times.
Uncle Richardwhod given me the puponce told me:
Dont worry, lad. Look how loyal he is, how true. You know, you could sell him, then call him backhell run straight back to you. No onell ever catch you at it. And youll have a bit of moneyget a treat for yourself, your mum, even the dog. Listen to me, lad, its not a bad idea.
I quite liked the sound of it. It never crossed my mind that it might not be right. After all, a grown-up said it, and it sounded like a gameand thered be a treat out of it.
I whispered in Maxs warm, shaggy ear that Id give him away, but then call him back, so as soon as he heard me, hed run home, away from any strangers.
And he understood me!
He barked, as if to say, Ill do just that.
The next day, I got the lead on him and walked him down to the train station. Everyone sold things there. Flowers, cucumbers, applesthe lot.
As soon as people poured off the train, the market buzzed with buyers and hagglers.
I stepped forward a bit with Max, pulling him up alongside. But nobody seemed interested.
Everyone had nearly drifted past when, suddenly, a rather stern-looking fellow came up to me.
So, lad, you waiting for someone, or are you trying to sell your dog? Nice strong pup, he isIll have him, why not. And with that, he pressed some money into my hand before I could say a word.
I passed over the lead, and Max swung his head, gave a happy sneeze.
Off you go, Max, my friend, I whispered. Ill call you back, so run to me, all right? He trotted off with the man, and I, keeping out of sight, tracked where they were headed.
That evening I brought home a loaf of bread, some sausage, and a bag of sweets. Mum eyed me sternly.
Whered you get all that, then? You havent nicked anything, have you?
No, Mum, course not! I helped folk with their bags at the station, they gave me something for it.
Well done then, son. Eat, and off to bedyou must be tired.
She didnt even ask after Max, and truth be told, she didnt care much about him.
Uncle Richard came by in the morning. I was off to school, but really, I just wanted to go and find Max, call him home.
Well then, he laughed, sold your mate, have you? He ruffled my hair, but I wriggled free and said nothing.
I hadnt slept all night, nor touched a bitecouldnt eat, truth be told.
It wasnt fun at allI soon realised what a foolish idea it was.
No wonder Mum never liked Uncle Richard.
Hes no good, that onedont pay him any mind, she always said.
I grabbed my satchel and dashed out.
It was three streets away, and I ran all the way there without stopping.
Max was behind a tall fence, tied to a thick rope.
I called out for him, but he just watched me sadly, his head resting on his paws. He wagged his tail, tried to bark, yet no sound came.
I had sold him. He thought it was a game at first, but now he knew that Id betrayed him.
The new owner came out and scolded Max. He tucked his tail, and I understood that things were grim.
That evening, I went down to the station again to help people with their bagsonly earned a little, but enough. It was frightening, but I made myself go back to that gate and knock. The same stern man opened up.
Oh, its you, lad. What are you doing here?
Sir, Ive, well…Ive changed my mind. I stammered, holding out the money hed given me for Max. He squinted at me, took it silently, and untied Max.
All right then, ladtake him. Hes pined for you, not much use as a guard dog, to be honest. But mind, maybe he wont forgive you.
Max gave me a long, sad look.
This game had turned into a real trial for us both.
Then he walked over, licked my hand, and nuzzled up against my stomach.
Many years have passed since then, but I learned that daynever, not for anything, do you sell a friend, not even as a joke.
As for Mum, she was relieved.
Last night, I was too tired, but then I thoughtwheres our dog? Cant believe how used to him Ive got. Hes ours, Max!
And Uncle Richard hardly ever came round after thatwed had enough of his kind of jokes.
