Harry perched on the windowsill, peering through the glass like a hopeful pigeon. He was waiting for his dad to come home. It had been two whole years since his mum had upped sticks and vanished into the sunset. Shed got herself a fancy new familyhis dad had let that one slip over a mug of tea, sounding heartbroken. Why shed left her own son was anyones guess. Harry tried not to think about it. He was starting to forget her face, anyway.
His dad did his best to make life alright for Harry. After all, Harry was nearly ten. Practically a grown-up, if you asked him. No sense in keeping secrets anymore. Hed learned to wash up and stack his jumpers neatly on shelves. Toy cars and Lego were gathering dustHarry was finding childhood a bit overrated. Only thing was, he was dreadfully lonely. He missed his dog. But the answer to his pleas for a new one was always:
Whos going to look after it? I have to work, and youre at school, plus youre still just a lad.
So, instead of a dog, Harrys dad brought home a woman. Her name was Susan. She moved in and started filling the house with her presencetea towels, laughter, slightly floral perfume. Harry was determined not to speak a word to her. She was surplus to requirements, he decided. But Dad called her his wife now, and wanted Harry to have a mum again.
I dont want her! Harry declared firmly and retreated to his windowsill. Life carried on. Harry saw how cheerful Dad was with Susan. They joked, swapped biscuits, hugged in the kitchen. Harry, meanwhile, stayed sullen as an English raincloud.
Dad, I want her gone.
Harry, you cant say that. Its jolly tough living without a womana wife and a mum.
Then the sun came out, as it sometimes does. Harry was out in the garden with new mates from down the road. They told him, solemn as judges, that if his dad and Susan had a baby, hed be shipped off to some dreadful orphanage.
Harrys stomach lurched. Why not? They could have a fresh child and hed just be clutter. So, Harry started plottingjust in case.
Once, he overheard the tail-end of a sentence: Hell be alright there, well send him
That was enough for Harry. He spent the night inventing ways to oust Susansalting her tea, leaving the oven on with nothing inside. He was a proper little hooligan. Susan soon cottoned on and called him in for a talk.
Harry, we need to have a word. Youre angry.
Im not angry about anything! Harry bluffed.
Harry, Im not here to hurt you, love
Im not your love!
Then she let him in on a secret. Weve rented a cottage in Cornwall for the summer. Wanted to surprise you, but I suppose honesty is best. Your dads found a puppy and were picking him up today. Would you like to come along?
No way? Harry was gobsmacked, ready to believe every word. He threw his arms around Susan, squeezing her as tightly as he could manage.
Susan nearly burst into tears. Well, arent you pleased? Now, no need to sob, everythings going to be fine, she said, mussing his hair.
Dad came home from work, and off they went to fetch the puppy. Harrys anger melted like ice in July, and Susan didnt seem like a villain anymore. They made up. The pup promptly fell asleep in Harrys arms, and everyone was as happy as larksat least for that moment.
