By morning, Michael Gregorys breathing had grown ragged. He struggled for each breath.
Nick, I dont need anything. None of your medicines, nothing. Just please. Let me say goodbye to Buddy. Im asking you. Take all this off me
He motioned to the tangle of IV drips.
I cant go like this. Do you understand? I just cant
A single tear slid down his cheek. Nick knew that if he disconnected all the drips, Michael might not make it even out the door.
The other men from the ward gathered, sensing the weight in the air.
Nick, surely theres something you can do? A man shouldnt go like this
I know but this is a hospital. Everythings got to be sterile.
To hell with that. Look at him, he cant even say goodbye.
Nick understood, more than he could say. But what could he do? Nick stood up stiffly. He could do anything. Damn this useless argument. Damn his fathers company. If it came to that, let them sack him for this. He spun on his heel and caught sight of Anna watching himall admiration in her watery blue eyes.
Nick ducked outside.
Come here, Buddy. Quickly, be quiet now. Maybe nobody will notice. Lets go, come on, its time to see your master.
He had just opened the doors when someone blocked his path. Standing before him, arms crossed, was Mrs. Emma Edwards.
And just whats this about, then?
Mrs. Edwards please, Im begging you. Five minutes. Let them say goodbye. Ill take whatever comesI understand. Sack me if you must.
She stared at him for a long pause. Who could tell what was going through her mind? Then, with a resolute sigh, she stepped aside.
Alright. Well, sack me too.
Buddy, with me!
Nick tore down the hospital hallway, Buddy racing beside him. Ahead, Anna held open the door. The dog, sensing some deeper call, bounded down the wardone, two leaps, and Buddy was balanced on his hind legs at Michael Gregorys bedside, forepaws resting gently on the blankets. A hush fell. Michael opened his eyes, struggled to lift his arm, but the drips tangled him. With his other hand, he just ripped them out.
Buddy! You came
Buddy laid his head softly on Michaels chest. Michael stroked him once. Twice. He smiledthe smile fixed on his lips, his hand sliding, lifeless, to the sheet.
Someone whispered,
The dogs crying
Nick came to the bed. Buddy really was crying.
Thats it, lets go Lets go
***
Nick slumped onto the low brick wall outside; Buddy vanished into the hedges and curled up. One of the men from the wardthe one whod shared his dinner firstambled over and wordlessly handed him a pack of cigarettes. Nick shook his head, ready to refuse, then just shrugged and lit up.
Anna sat next to him, eyes swollen red, nose pink.
Anna Todays my last day.
Why?
At first, I was sent here as punishment. Later, I wanted to prove to my father that I could do something. He was meant to give me the company. But its not about the business. I just cant. Im going home. Ill tell him straightyour sons a failure. Im sorry, Anna
Nick left. He wrote his resignation, packed his things. Through the window, Anna watched him pull up outside in his old Mercedes, step out, open the passenger door, and head into the shrubbery. He spoke quietly to Buddy, then walked to the car, leaned against it and waited.
Five minutes later, Buddy came padding over, looked Nick straight in the eyes, then hopped into the car.
Anna stifled a sob.
Youre not a failure. Youre the best.
***
A couple days later, Anna spotted a man walking with the hospital directorhe looked so much like Nick. She flew down the stairs and burst out the door.
Are you Nicks father?
The director blinked at her, surprised.
Anna, what on earth is going on?
Wait, Mr. Sterling, you can fire me if you want! Pleaseare you?
Mr. William Gregory raised his brows at the small, freckled girl.
I am.
Well, you listen, you dont get to think Nicks a failure! Hes the only one who wasnt afraid to help a man say goodbye to his own friend before he died. Nicks got more heart and soul than anyone!
Anna turned and marched inside.
William Gregory chuckled.
See that?
Mr. Sterling sighed, And what are we to do with her? Shes sweet, but always demanding the truth.
Is that bad?
Its not always good
***
Three years whisked by.
From the front of a lovely English house, a whole family spilled out into the sunshineNick pushed a pram, and Anna strolled along with a large, gleaming Labrador at her side. They strolled down to the river. Anna unclipped Buddys lead.
Buddy, dont go far!
Buddy bounded in great leaps to the water. After a few minutes, the baby in the pram squeaked. At once, Buddy darted back, peering into the pram.
Anna laughed.
Nick, I dont think were going to need a nanny. Whats up with you, Buddy? Sophie just dropped her dummy.
The baby settled back to sleep; Buddy, after checking all was well, dashed off to chase butterflies by the riverside.
