By the time she turned thirty, Emma Clarkes past was a ledger of one scorching affair with James, a drab chapter with Kenneth, and three brief, equally futile episodes with Steven, Mark and Mitch. Oh, and there was also Thompsonjust a footnote in the local notice board. I didnt feel like rereading it.
Emma thought, It isnt meant to be. She sighed, decided to quit the literary scene, enrolled in a knitting class and headed for the animal shelter with a faithful companion in mind.
Do you know which one? they asked at the shelter. Take a look around, youll see straight away if the dogs yours or not. Emma walked past every pen and kennel. Her heart never skipped a beat.
Is anyone left? Whats behind that crate? she asked.
Thats our Bessie, the attendant said, but you wont take her anyway. Bessie, come here! Dont be shy! From behind the crate shuffled Bessie, a shaggy greybrown mutt with black spots, hunched and with a fierce snout that looked more terrifying than canine. She glanced at Emma and, lacking a wagging tail, gave a tentative wiggle of her rear.
Bessies a good girl, but lookshes been taken before, returned two days later, told it was shameful to go out on the street, that nobody wanted her. Shes our sad little outcast. Emma thought, Just like me, and said, Come on, Bessie, well sing a duet! Do I owe you anything?
A neighbour shrieked, Oh! Whos that? From the shelter? Were there any humantype dogs in there?
A boy from the flat above asked, Auntie Daffy, does she laugh? I watched a film where they howl at night! Mum, lets get a hyena too!
Life settled into a rhythm. In the mornings Emma walked Bessie, then went to work; in the evenings they lingered together on long strolls. The shelter hadnt liedterrifying Bessie turned out to be a surprisingly gentle and wellmannered creature. She didnt bother strangers, growled at intruders, and guarded Emma from any potential mischief.
One day, while arguing with Thompson about a broken pair of trousers, he nearly tore his own leg. Youre a fool, Emma, he snarled, and your dogs a fool tooboth of you are mad! he shouted, halfbitten.
At the knitting class the instructor said, Youve learned a lot. Show us what you can make. In a month I expect a finished pieceanything you like. If youre short on time, a tiny dolls dress will do. At the final session well all critique each other’s work, and whoevers knitting for someone else should present it too.
At first Emma tried to please herself, but the result was a lopsided mess. Then she decided to knit a little sweater for Bessie. Autumn was creeping in, the air growing chilly.
Alright, the teacher said, averting her eyes from Bessie, I see youve put effort in. Bessie, now clad in a pink cardigan, became the neighbourhoods little star; people stopped and stared, an old lady even crossed herself. Emma didnt mind the attentionBessie stayed warm.
She finished a violet sweater for Bessie and swapped it for a new one when the season changed.
One evening, after buying some dog food, Emma tied Bessie to the gate and stepped inside. She emerged to find a bloke examining Bessie with interest.
Excuse me, what breed is that? he asked.
Its just a dog! Emma barked back. If you dislike it, look away! You only care about looks, but you couldnt care less about a soul, whether human or canine!
The man replied, Youre complaining about looks? I actually like the dog. Fancy becoming friends, girl?
He reached out to pat Bessie.
Careful! Shell bite! She doesnt like strangers! Emma shouted.
Instead of snapping, Bessie nudged his hand with her head and gave a soft growl.
Good dog, good, the man said, smiling. Looks like well get along with the owner too.
Literature never left Emmas life. The fifth year rolled around, and she was still working on the fifth volume of her story.
