Adam, I dont want to hurt you, sweetheart.
Adam sits on the windowsill, gazing out at the street below. Hes waiting for his father, lost in thought. Its been two years since his mother left them. Shes made a new life for herself, his father once said sadly. Why did she leave her own child behind? Nobody seems to know. For Adam, its still a mystery. Gradually, her memory starts to fade.
His father tries his best to do everything for Adam. The boy is ten now. He understands more than most and theres little left to hide from him. He has learned how to do the washing up and put things away on the shelves. He doesnt play with toys anymore.
Hes almost grown now. Still, Adam is terribly lonely. He longs for a dog, but his father always refuses.
And whos going to look after it? Im always at work, and youre at school youre still too young, Adam.
So instead of bringing home a dog, his father brought home a woman. Her name is Margaret. She moved in with them. Adam tries his best not to speak with her; he feels she doesnt belong in his world. But his father calls her his wife now, and says he wants Adam to have a mother.
I dont need her, Adam says firmly. And thats how things remain. Adam watches his father and Margaret together. Theyre kind to one another, laughing and hugging. Meanwhile, Adam still nurses a strange ache inside.
Dad, I want her to leave.
Adam, I want her to stay. Its hard for us to live without a womana wife, a mother.
Summer arrives and warm days fill the air. Adam runs around the garden with boys from the neighbourhood. His new friends tell him a rumour: his father and new mum might send him off to a childrens home.
The thought terrifies Adam. Why wouldnt they leave him behind? Perhaps they want another child and he is just in the way. He decides to be prepared for the worst.
One day, he overhears part of a conversation: Hell be well taken care of there. We should send him.
That does it. He lies awake all night, and in the morning decides to get rid of Margaret for good. He makes life awkward for herputs too much salt in her tea, leaves the hob on under an empty pan. Hes deliberately rude. Margaret soon realises whats happening, and one day she sits him down for a talk.
We need to chat. Youre upset.
Im not upset about anything, Adam mutters, trying to wriggle out of the conversation.
Adam, I dont want to hurt you, sweetheart…
Ive rented a cottage for the summer. We wanted it to be a surprise, but I think its time to be honest. Your father has found a puppy, and were going to collect it today. Would you like to come with us?
Youre not joking? Adam stares at her, hope flooding in. In a flash, hes hugging her as tightly as he can.
Margaret is on the verge of tears. Well, you should be happy. Everything will turn out fine. No need for tears now, she says, stroking his hair.
When his father gets home from work, the three of them go out to fetch the puppy. Adams anger finally melts away, and he sees Margaret not as an enemy but as a friend. The puppy falls asleep in Adams arms. At last, everyone is happy.
