A Friend Sold. Granddads Tale
He understood me!
It wasnt fun at all, and I realised what a daft idea it was.
I sold him. He thought it was a game, but then he knewId really sold him.
Times are always different for everyone. Some folks might grumble if their holiday isnt fancy enough, while others are happy just to have a bit of good bread and sausage.
We each lived our lives in our own way. Sometimes it was better, sometimes worse.
I was only a small lad then. My uncle, Uncle PeterMums brothergave me a German Shepherd pup, and I was over the moon. The pup took to me straightaway, understood every word, watched my eyes for every signal, always waiting, just waiting for me to give the word.
Down! Id command after a pause, and down hed flop, gazing up at me with those loyal eyes, ready to lay down his life at a nod from me.
Sit! Id say, and hed scramble to his stocky paws, standing rigid, trying not to drool, waiting for his rewarda tasty morsel or two.
But there was nothing to give him, not even a scrap. We hardly had enough to feed ourselves.
Those were grim days.
My uncle, Uncle Peter, the one whod given me the pup, said one day, Come on, lad, dont be glum. Just look at himloyal as anything, devoted to you. Why not sell him off, and then call him back later? Hell run away, no onell know. Youll have a bit of cash, buy yourself and your mum some treatsand get a bone for him too. Trust your old uncleIm cleverer than I look.
The idea struck me as clever. I didnt think about how wrong it was. A grown-up had suggested it, so it must be a jest, and Id have treats on top.
I whispered into Braves warm, shaggy ear, telling him Id give him away, but then call him, and he was to come find me, run away from the strangers.
And he understood me! Gave a happy bark, he would do just that.
The next morning, I clipped his lead on and took him down to the station. Everyone sold things thereflowers, cucumbers, apples.
Once the train pulled in, the platform flooded with peoplehaggling and buying.
I stepped forward a bit, pulled Brave to my side. But no one came near.
The crowd thinned out, most had gone by, when one stern-looking man approached.
You there, lad, what are you standing about forwaiting for someone, or maybe looking to sell a dog? Strong puppy, Ill take him, alright. And he pressed some pounds into my palm.
I handed him the lead, Braves head darting about, sneezing with excitement.
Go on then, Brave, go, mate, go, I whispered, Ill call you, just wait. And off he went with the man. I kept out of sight, following to see where hed take my friend.
That evening, I came home with bread, sausages, and some sweets. Mum gave me a hard look.
Where did you pinch all that from?
No, Mum, I didnt steal! Carried someones bags down at the station, they gave me a few quid.
Thats my boy then. Go on, eat, you must be tired, then lets get you to bed.
She never even asked about Bravetruth is, she never paid him much mind.
Uncle Peter came round in the morning. I was meant to be getting ready for school, but all I wanted was to run to Brave, call him back.
Well? he chuckled, Sold your mate then? He cuffed my head, but I dodged away, saying nothing.
Id not slept a wink, and no food would go downbread or sausage, none of it.
It wasnt fun at all, and I knew what a foolish thing Id done.
No wonder Mum didnt care much for Uncle Peter.
Hes not right in the head, that onedont listen to your uncle, she always warned me.
I snatched my bag and ran.
It was three streets away, and I sprinted them without stopping.
Brave was behind a tall fence, tethered tight to a thick rope.
I called him, but he only gazed at me, head resting on his paws, tail giving a half-hearted thump, trying to bark but nothing came out.
Id sold him. He thought it was all a game, but then it hit himId given him up.
Then the man came out, glared sharply at Brave, who tucked his tail in fear, and I knew thenit was hopeless.
That evening, I hauled luggage at the station. They didnt pay much, but I earned what I needed. It was terrifying, but I went to that house and knocked on the gate. The man opened it, eyeing me.
Oh, ladwhatre you doing back then?
I I changed my mind, sir, I stammered, holding out the money hed given me. The man squinted and, without a word, took the notes back and untied Braves rope.
Here you are, take him then, he grunted. Hes been pining for younever make a guard dog, not this one. But mind, he may not forgive you.
Brave looked up at me, forlorn.
That game turned out to be a real test for both of us.
Then he nudged closer, licked my hand, and butted his nose into my belly.
So many years have passed since, but I learned from that day: never, even for a joke, do you sell a friend.
Mum was delighted then.
I was too tired last night, but later I wonderedwheres our dog? Got used to him by now, havent I, our own Brave!
Uncle Peter hardly came round after thathis jokes were never funny to us again.
