Adder
Mum Emily uttered the word with such uncanny wisdom, just after a hefty volume of Shakespeare had come tumbling down onto her head, that even Adder, her mischievous black cat, froze a moment on the bookshelf above her bed, eyeing his mistress with curiosity, before sauntering off along the row of battered novels.
The book, a beloved relic from Emilys grandmother, now lay sprawled across the floor, its pages fluttering in the gentle draft, seemingly offended by such disrespectful treatment.
Brilliant idea, putting a shelf over the bed And, of course, Mum warned me, Emily muttered, rubbing her forehead and anticipating a fine bump where the spine had landed. But why is it that the penny only drops after you get walloped? Why cant a lesson hit home without all the bruises and misadventure?
Adder, listening to Emilys complaints, perched on the edge of the shelf and gave an exaggerated scratch behind his ear with a ridiculously long back leg, before springing down and landing squarely on Emilys stomach.
Only Emilys pride kept her from shrieking. What sort of cat owner would she be if her own cat could drive her to hysterics in three minutes flat? And Adder usually managed it even quicker.
She scooped up the self-satisfied feline, squinting into his green eyes as she tugged gently on one velvet ear. Im due in for my second lecture today, you little menace! And what on earth made you go for Grannys book? Did you think walloping me with the voice of English poetry would make me cleverer? Not likely! That ship has sailed. Right, Im sulking now. No more bedtime stories for you!
Adder put on a look of great surprise, then flicked his rough pink tongue over Emilys hand reassuringly.
Oh, dont try to sweet-talk your way back! Off with you! If Im up, we may as well have a stroll to the coffee shop. Were out of coffee again, thanks to me not making the shop yesterday.
Adder, who Emily gently evicted from the bed, sprawled regally on the faded rug and batted at the precious old book hed sent crashing down.
Dont you dare! Emily scolded, swatting the offending paw and retrieving her darling volume. Its my favourite! Gran used to read it to me nearly every day as a child. Still, what am I even explaining this for? As if a cat would care about English literature!
Adder looked suitably miffed, and Emilys heart twinged with guilt for her unruly companion.
Right, fine! I know you like stories too. Especially ones about cats. Stop looking so wrongedit wasnt me who woke you up!
Adder had arrived in Emilys life as a gift from her mother. When she knew for certain that her girl would soon be on her own, shed asked the next-door neighbour to fetch a kitten from the shelter and presented the scruffy bundle to her daughter.
You can pick his name yourself.
Mum! You always said you hated pets in the house.
Well, now Im entirely for them! Look at him, hes delightfuland so sociable! He serenaded me and Sarah while you were out! You wont be lonely any more
Mum!
No fussing, Emily. Its how it needs to be!
Together, theyd puzzled for hours over what to call that black and scrawny little villain who proceeded to turn everyday life inside out for Emily, her mum, and even the neighboursthough they never complained, even when the energetic feline put on his midnight stampedes.
Only later did Emily fully appreciate what her mother had done. Adder really was sociable. He never let her be, always insisting on affection and attention. Emily had wiped away tears just to watch her black troublemaker leap across the room, dangle from curtains, and then crawl into her arms, chattering in his own peculiar feline language.
Now, as she wrestled herself into jeans, a t-shirt, and faded trainers, Adder twined around her ankles, making dressing a challenge. No need to worry about fashionEmily only bothered when forced to, as for her cousins wedding just the day before.
Thinking of the weekend made Emily grimace.
Time to think about family, love! she intoned, mimicking her Aunt Annas nasal drone. Look at my Beatricesmart and gorgeous! Always does the right thing, but you Emily, its just not on! I promised your mother Id sort you out
Emily hurled her blanket onto the bed and flopped down after it.
Sick of it! Always dragging Mum into things. As if marriage is the only goal in life!
Adder cocked his huge ears to one side and sneezed suddenly.
See? Even you agree with me! Im not making this up!
Emily cheered up a bit, but frowned again at Adder, now posing like the Sphinx at her feet.
If you werent a cat, Id say you were mocking me!
Adder offered a cryptic purr and began prancing around the room.
Oh, do settle down! Youve already gone above and beyond today, Emily scolded, returning the book to its shelf and reaching for Adders lead. Come here!
Adder knew exactly what was coming and dutifully let himself be caught, slipping his front legs through the harness with practiced ease. Emily walked him often enough that the neighbours had long since given up being surprised at the sight of a dishevelled student with a skinny black cat strutting beside her. Even kindly Aunt Sarah had stopped tut-tutting at the sight of Adder.
Why is he so skinny, Emily? You do feed him, dont you?
Aunt Sarah, he eats like a horse! Its just his breed. Like Mum said, it doesnt show on him.
Just like you! All elegant and sharp-boned! Aunt Sarah would lean down to scratch Adders absurd ears, smiling. Look at those ears!
What, do I have matching ones? Emily would tug her own ear with a laugh, waving off her neighbours attention. Aunt Sarah!
Nothing wrong with them! Lovely ears, both of you. Come round later, Im baking pies and Sophies got an essay. Help her, will you?
Of course! Let her write, Ill check it over.
Emily often helped Aunt Sarahs granddaughter with her homework. Orphaned, Sophie had lived with her grandmother for years and looked up to Emily as a big sister.
Youre alone and so am I Emily, can we be together?
Sophie, who had understood early just how unkind the world can be, never wanted to talk about sad things with her gran.
Because she cries then, and looks so old.
No, Sophie, your granny is still young at heart!
But I worry she doesnt want to go on. Sometimes Im so scared. What if something happens to her too? Will they put me in care?
Dont be daft, nothing will happen to your gran! We dont need to borrow trouble.
But what if? Sophies look was so serious it gave Emily a chill.
Emily knew all too well Sophies historyhow the poor girl had spent over two days cooped up in a flat with her parents bodies. Emily and her mum had been the first to learn the truth, and it was they who rotated hospital visits while Aunt Sarah sorted guardianship. Sophie stayed with her gran, and a rather shaggy little tail followed Emily ever after.
Am I in your way? Sophie would whisper, leaning into Emilys shoulder when left for a night shift. Can I sit with you?
Emily would wrap her in a blanket, hold her close, and keep on reciting history or geometry aloud until Sophie nodded off so deeply that, many a time, Sarah just left her sleeping soundly on Emilys big old sofa.
I cant bear to wake her
Please dont! Let her rest. Ill take her to school in the morning. Get some rest, Aunt Sarah.
Later, Sarah would say it was thanks to Emily that Sophie clawed her way out of her nightmares. She sleeps like a log with you, Emily. I think youre her anchor, her neighbour would sigh one night.
Her anchor?
You make her feel safe. I should do it myself but for some reason, Sophies chosen you. How can I ever thank you?
Just let Sophie feel better. Thats all.
Sarah got her chance to repay the favour all too soon. When Emilys mum was taken ill, the girl was at a loss.
Dont fret, Emily! Im here! Sarah, a scrub nurse at the local hospital, was invaluable as they juggled everything together. Just keep studying! Its all your mother asks. Make her proudthats the best medicine! She needs hope right now.
Emily did more than that: she got into university and finished the first year with top marks before the illness finally claimed her mum.
Sarah was still there, helping Emily through paperwork and the business of funerals, holding her hand as she faced the world.
Im with you, love. Well get through this!
When Emilys Aunt Anna got news, she called politely to say she couldnt make it to the funeral, only showing up on the ninth day after the burial.
Emily, swollen-eyed from crying, struggled to understand her aunts intentions.
Youll stay with us a bit. Spare rooms empty. Might do you good to get away from herethe place is so bleak! Could use a refurb.
We couldnt do it, had to spend so much on Mums care
I know, Emily. Thats why I saycome live with us. We’re your only family.
Thank you, Aunt Anna, but I want to stay home.
As you wish. But I wont be able to visit much. Youre young; people take advantage. Just think about it.
Emily refused outright, and later realised it was for the best. She wouldnt have spotted Aunt Annas plans for her flat, but Sarah had instincts sharper than any nineteen-year-old.
Emily, dont you dare! Dont let anyone in, or youll have no home left!
But why?
Just trust me. You dont want to risk it. Time will make things clear.
Sarah was right. It was less than six months before Aunt Anna turned up, asking if Beatrice, her daughter, could move in.
Youre both girls, both at uni, itd be easier. Big flatno trouble.
Sarah, popping in to ask Emily to watch Sophie, jumped in quickly. Emily, you didnt tell your aunt youre getting married! Living here with two girlswont your fiancé mind? Oh, Anna, Douglas is a lovely boy! From a good family! Im so pleased for Emily! Her mum would be chuffed
Emily stared, speechless, as Sarah dabbed her eyes.
Shes shy, thats all. Shes been so focused on studies and now work as well! All on her own. Such a good girl! Her mum would be ever so proud.
Aunt Anna huffed, bid goodbye, and left, while Emily turned to Sarah in confusion.
What was that about, Sarah?
Sometimes you have to play the game, love.
Whos Douglas, anyway? Emily could barely stop from laughing at Sarahs guilty look.
Search me! Just the first name that came to mind.
Thanks
Oh, Emily. You girls really miss your mums. I can only do so much, but Ill always try.
To Emilys surprise, the coffee shop was closed.
Oh, marvellous! What are we supposed to do for breakfast? she asked Adder, who gazed up at her with expectation. No coffee here. Well have to find another spot. Aunt Sarahs probably at work Oh, no, waittonights her night shift. Funny, why didnt she bring Sophie round?
Emily didnt finish the thought. Adder suddenly darted off, pulling on the lead, and Emily had to spin around.
What she saw made her heart stop.
Aunt Sarah, in tears and slippers, ran down the pavement towards them, shouting Emilys name.
Thank heavens I found you! Its Sophie, Emilyshes missing!
Emily felt her breath vanish. She tried to inhale, to keep her heart from stopping, but couldnt. Adder bit her sharply on the ankle, right where her sock ended, and the pain snapped her out of it.
What do you mean, missing?!
I got home after my shiftshe was gone! Didnt sleep in her bed, her schoolbags gone! Emily, she wouldnt just go! Never! Dear God, what do I dowheres my child?!
Sarah was on the edge of hysteria, and Emily had no choice but to give her a slap, then pull her into a tight hug.
Aunt Sarah! Well find her! Right now, we need the police. And Ill think of something! Come on!
She scooped Adder into her arms and hurried down the street, thrusting the cat into Sarahs hands.
Hold tight! Or hell boltthen well have two to search for! I need to make a call!
Sarah clung to Adder as though he were the only thing keeping her afloat. Adder meowed in protest, but then wrapped his long legs around Sarahs neck and held on.
Within the hour, outside the police station, a small crowd had gatheredEmilys uni mates, students from other courses, even some lecturers. Whoever they could gather on short notice.
A wiry lad screeched to a halt on his bike, secured it to the railings, pulled out a sheaf of photocopied flyers bearing Sophies school portrait.
Come grab one! There might not be enough for all, but you should pair up. Ill assign areaskeep your phones on for updates from me, Emily, or Peter. Peter! There you arecome here so they know you.
A tall, shambling boy appeared beside him.
Check all likely hiding placesattics, garages, cellars. Shout, ask the dog walkers. Its early, most folks are home. Rememberthis depends on our speed and sharp eyes! Were not trained volunteers, but nobody starts out knowing what to do. We can help. Sophie might be scared or hurt. To be clear, there were no family argumentseverythings fine at home. Lets go, folks. Good luck
Sarah, looking suddenly older, sagged onto the station steps, supported by Emily.
My legs have given out
Emily knelt and put an arm around her. We need to go home, Aunt Sarah.
No! What for? How can I go home without Sophie?
But what if she comes home? Finds no-one there? Wed be better off waiting for her.
Sarah looked at Emily, then tucked Adder under her arm and struggled upright.
Youre right! Lets go! What if shes there already, and Im sat here? Shell be hungry!
Emily nodded to the others, then gently helped her neighbour up.
Thats itlittle by little! Adder! Here, boy!
Adder paid her no mind, limp in Sarahs arms, his great ears swivelling.
Oh, whatever suits you, Emily sighed, checking the time.
Sophie had been gone too long. Even if shed stayed at a friends, theyd have heard by now. Emily had already called the schoolSophie definitely wasnt there.
At the crossroads, Emily suddenly turned, leading Sarah in another direction.
Where are you going, Emily? We should head home!
We are, but lets cut past the schoolmaybe someone saw her. Or, you go home, Ill pop round and ask
No! Im coming! Sarah shifted Adder. Quick now!
But quick was wishful thinking; Sarahs legs barely obeyed, everything spinning. Adder seemed twice his weight. She paused to hand the cat to Emily, but suddenly he sprang free, shot under the building-site fencing, and vanished.
Adder! Stop! Emily tore after him, grappling for the trailing lead.
He darted through a gap in the fence and was gone.
Aunt Sarah!
I dont know how he got loose! Emily, over thererun for the gate! Sarah pointed toward the sites entrance, clutching her chest.
I wont leave you! Come, lets sit down on that benchdo you have your nitroglycerin?
Pocket yes
Emily sat Sarah down and pulled out her phone.
Shall I call an ambulance?
Dont you dare! We have to find Sophie! Ill be alright, just need a moment. You go for the cat. Bring him back and well carry on!
Emily knew Sarah was trying to comfort her, even now. That was just the sort of woman Sarah was. Heart racing, barely able to stand, yet thinking of how Emily would feel if she lost her late mothers final gift.
Ill ask the security guard to keep watch. Ill leave my mobilebe right back, that alright?
Sarah nodded, slumping as nagging doubts caught up. How could she have left Sophie alone? She knew better; all these years working nights, secretly fearing something would go wrong. Perhaps she should have switched to a simpler job, paid less, but let her watch over Sophie. Why did she listen when Sophie insisted she was grown enough?
Gran! What could happen? Ill do my homework and go straight to bed!
But Ill worry! Cant you stay with Emily, like usual?
Shell never get married at this rate, gran! No private lifeshes not my nanny!
Thats not very kind.
Sorry, I didnt mean it, but she is grown up, isnt she? Let her have her own life! She helps me enough as it is. Im not a baby!
But you are! And Ill always worry! You know you cant reach me when Im in theatre.
No need to bother you! Were both adults, arent we? Stop fussing! Im responsible, you know!
Sarah couldnt contradict her. Sophie was remarkably mature, going to music lessons herself, giving her gran no reason to blush at parents evenings.
Dear God, why did she say yes? Where was her girl now?
Tears ran down Sarahs cheeks, unnoticed, as Emily finished talking to the security manand then, suddenly, bolted off. The guard quickly dashed after her, and all fell silent.
Sarah wiped her tears, aching at the timing of her breakdown. She forced herself up, but collapsed back onto the bench when she sawcoming from the sitethe guard, carrying Sophie in his arms.
Emily ran ahead and caught Sarah as she started to faint.
Ambulance! Sophie, sweetheart! Gran will be alrightdont be scared!
The paramedics soon revived Sarah, racked with joy and relief, and took Sophie to hospital with a fractured leg.
Later, at home, stroking Adder as he curled beside her, Sophie told her grandmother how shed ended up at the building site.
We were walking home after school, and some lads were chucking stones at a dog with puppies. She lives there, gran! Wed all bring her scraps from breakfastshes a mum, after all, she needs her strength! But those boys One puppy ran away. We were looking for him, and then I fell in that what did you call it, Emily?
A trench.
Yesa trench! I didnt see it, it was getting dark. I shouted and shouted, but no one heard. Its a derelict sitejust the night watchman. The mother dog came and howled and howled all night for help. Then Adder heard her, and brought Emilyshowed her exactly where I was. Hes so brave, gran! Not afraid of the dog pack, and they could have hurt him!
I dont understandwhere was the guard? Why didnt he find you sooner?
I dont know. I was all alone. Gran, please dont be angry?
Oh, Sophie. Ill never leave you alone again! Youll be on a lead like Addersafe and sound!
Alright! I dont want to be aloneI was so frightened
Emily had already thanked everyone who helped, even shyly passing her number to Peter. She left Adder with the neighbours, went home, while Sarah sat by Sophies hospital bed, stroking her hair and whispering gentle stories. Sophie slept soundly, watched over by the cat with the curious name, Adder.
Does it matter what youre called, if you can do what only angels do? Wings may not be your lot, but you have legs for running, claws for fighting off dangers, ears tuned for the faintest help. And in the end, the ones who love you are safe and near, thanks to you.
