Childcare for My Son
She wore a hat, with a pug pup tucked under her arm. Yet, what stood out most to John was how both the woman and the pug seemed to smile at him in unison.
Caught off guard, he found himself smiling back.
“How old is our little one?” she asked without so much as a hello.
“Sorry, what?” John stumbled over his words.
“When we spoke over the phone, you didn’t mention your son’s age.”
“He’s three… Almost four…”
“Perfect…” she replied, placing the pug on the floor. “Go on, Daisy, make yourself at home.”
Daisy waddled away, padding humorously to explore her new surroundings.
“Will she… Daisy… is she friendly?” John asked, a little anxious.
But from his son’s room came delighted giggles…
As agreed, promptly at nine that evening, John returned. Unlocking the door, he was struck by the silence that greeted him. He tiptoed over to his son’s room, and in the dim light, he found little Charlie asleep, with Daisy nestled by his feet.
“You’re back?” came a whispered voice from behind him.
John turned to see the woman.
“As promised,” he whispered back, holding out some notes to her. “Thank you… But why is Charlie asleep already? He never goes down before ten.”
“He had a great time,” the woman said, wearied but content. “If you’ll allow me…” She moved to Charlie’s bed, scooped up Daisy, and carried her to the hallway.
“Let me call you a taxi,” John offered. “On me…”
“No need… Daisy still needs her evening walk before bed.”
“I insist,” John said firmly. “It’s terrible weather. Get home first, then walk her all you like.”
She relented, gave her address, and he dialed the cab operator. Hearing the fare, he slipped extra cash into her hand.
“Thank you,” the nanny nodded, “I’ll wait for the car outside.”
Once she’d left, John realized he had omitted one crucial thing – proper introductions. As he entered the bathroom, he was surprised to find the nanny had laundered a whole pile of Charlie’s clothes.
“This wasn’t in the arrangement!” he thought, feeling irked. But stepping into the kitchen, his frustration deepened as he spotted a pot on the stove with a note: “Breakfast for Charlie!”
His sister’s voice echoed in his mind, teasing him about settling down, and he resolved never to hire this nanny again.
The next morning was off to an energetic start as Charlie pounced into bed beside him.
“Dad, when is Aunt Lucy coming back?” his son asked joyfully.
“Aunt who?” John grumbled, barely awake. “Charlie, let me sleep.”
“Aunt Lucy, the nanny… From yesterday.”
Instantly awake, John replied, “She won’t be coming.” He stated firmly, “Ever.”
“B-but, Dad…” Charlie’s eyes welled with fear, much to John’s own alarm. “What about Daisy? Won’t she come back either?”
“No…” John answered softly at first, before quickly adding, “But I’ll get you a puppy myself! Today! A little one!”
Charlie pulled away abruptly and retreated to his room.
Breakfast was a quiet affair. Charlie stared blankly ahead.
“Come on, Charlie,” John coaxed gently. “What’s so special about Daisy? We managed without her, and we’ll be fine. Who’s closer to you, me or a little dog?”
“You,” Charlie replied in a hollow voice, rising only to head back to his room.
John lost his appetite. As he quietly approached Charlie’s closed door, he heard the soft sound of his son sobbing.
John returned to the kitchen, pondered for a moment, then reached for his mobile and dialed the nanny’s number.
The call rang for some time before a quiet voice finally answered:
“I’m listening…”
“This is John, Charlie’s dad, you know, from yesterday,” he began, but suddenly a drunken man’s voice barged in:
“Who’s that on the phone?!” Followed by a stream of profanity.
“What’s going on there?” John asked, worry creeping into his voice. “Who is with you?”
“Nothing…” the nanny responded, her voice strained. “It’s… my ex-husband. He won’t leave me alone… I’m sorry… I’ll call you back…”
“No, I’ll call you back!” the drunken voice yelled.
Quickly, a cacophony erupted: frantic barking, a woman’s frightened cry, and Daisy’s pitiful whimper.
The line went dead. John’s heart pounded in his chest. Something terrible was happening in the “lady with the dog”’s home.
Recollecting the address where he’d arranged her taxi the night before, he realized he didn’t know the apartment number, but he had to act…
Shouting to Charlie, “I’ll be back soon,” John dashed out. Moments later, he was starting his car, and within fifteen minutes, he arrived at her building.
“Excuse me,” he hurriedly approached an elderly lady. “Does a woman with a pug and a hat live here? Could you tell me which flat?”
A few minutes later, John stood on the fifth floor, before a door from which the drunken cries still emanated.
He pressed the buzzer, holding it until the door swung open, revealing a man inside.
“And who might you be?” the figure sneered, before crumpling from a swift punch…
Clenching his fists tightly, John stood by as the man, blood smeared across his face, struggled to rise from the hallway floor.
“If I ever see you here again, toss you out the window I will. Now—leave.” John gestured toward the door. “And don’t even think of trying anything…”
The man vanished. John walked into a dimly lit room, where the nanny sat in an armchair, tears like those of a child, cradling Daisy.
John felt a pang in his chest.
“Are you okay?” he asked her, clarifying upon seeing her confusion: “I mean, is Daisy alright? I heard her yelp…”
“She’s fine,” the nanny nodded wearily. Then she murmured, “I hate him so much…”
“He won’t bother you again. That’s something I promise.”
“He will…” she replied resignedly. “You don’t know him…”
“And you don’t know me!” He smiled, stepping forward, gently taking the shivering Daisy from her. He fumbled as he stroked the dog. “She’s so soft… That explains why Charlie’s so smitten. Let’s go, Lucy…”
“What?” she asked, bewildered. “Where?”
“To Charlie, of course… He’s been waiting for you and Daisy. Eagerly so.”
“Are you serious?” She regarded him intently.
“I am… No joke…” John replied, holding her gaze. He didn’t quite grasp how the situation spiraled, but he was certain he was doing the right thing.
“You can’t stay here anymore. Plus, Charlie won’t eat the breakfast you prepared without you there…”
Cradling Daisy, John turned and headed for the door.
“Catch up with me, Lucy. By the way, name’s John. I’ll wait by the car for you.”
“Okay…” she nodded, not yet rising. “Just need a moment… I’ll follow…”
