Thank You for My Father
What did the police say? whispered Lucy, as her mother set the telephone on the table.
Nothing good at all, replied Margaret Turner, taking a glass of water, sipping it with trembling hands. They said its too soon to panic. We must wait at least twenty-four hours. But I know I feel it in my bones that somethings wrong!
*****
Mum, hello! Is Dad still here? Lucy called as she burst into the flat, a Victoria sponge cake in her arms.
Hello, dearest. Hes already gone. Didnt I tell you? Todays his final day at workbig send-off for his retirement and his fiftieth birthday. The whole office will be there. Of course, he couldnt not go.
Oh, such a shame, Lucy sighed.
But he promised to be home for lunch.
Thats fine. Thats when Tom should be here, too. The whole family together! Lucy smiled. Shall we get the table ready?
Absolutely. Help me with the cookingI worry I cant manage on my own these days. But first, lets have some tea. The kettles just boiled. Andyour favourite éclairs are here. Will you have one?
With pleasure!
So mother and daughter sat at the kitchen table, drinking tea, enjoying éclairs, chatting about the autumn weather, the changing leaves in the park, and of course, about Peter Turner, whose birthday it was.
All seemed well, only
Margaret noticed something was weighing on Lucy, as though she wanted to share something but didnt quite know how.
An unease crept into Margarets heart.
Lucy, is everything alright?
Oh, is it that obvious? Lucy attempted a smile.
I can tell Is there something you want to tell me?
There is. But dont worry, Mum. Its good news.
Oh? Then lets hear it.
Well, Tom and I have decided to give you the allotment plot we bought last year.
What do you mean, give it?
We mean it as a real gift. Tom just fixed up the cottage there, so you can stay comfortably the whole summer.
But what about you two?
Oh, well just come visit when we fancy. You see, wed hoped to look after the allotment ourselves, but now we simply wont have the time Lucy paused, a mysterious smile spreading across her face.
And whys that?
Because soon, you and Dad will be grandparentsin about eight months!
Truly?
Its true!
Oh, Lucy! Im over the moon! Can you imagine your fathers face when he hears?
Her mother jumped up, hugged Lucy tightly, and kissed both her cheeks in delight.
Id wanted you both to hear at once, but I didnt think Dad would leave so early.
No matter, hell be home soon and you can tell him. For now, my dear Margaret glanced at the clock. Lets get to the cooking.
Lets!
At once, the clatter of pans and the chop of knives filled the kitchen. They say two cooks in one kitchen never works, but truly, Margaret and Lucy were one and the sameas if of one mind. They laid out a magnificent spread: roast chicken, fishcakes, mashed potatoes, and three kinds of salad.
Margaret sat down and looked at the clock. Weve finished early, even.
Well, we had four hands working! Lucy laughed. Perhaps ring Dad and find out when hell be back?
Good idea.
Ill ring Tom and see when hes coming.
Lucy walked down the hall to fetch her handbag.
Margaret picked up the phone and dialed. She listened to the endless ringing, clicked off, then tried again. The same resultPeter didnt answer. She checked the time, one question clouding her mind: Why isnt he picking up?
Only then did she remember Peter had promised to ring when he arrived at work, but he never had. A chill ran down her spine.
Mum, Tom says hell be here in an hour! Lucy returned to the kitchen, cheerful. And Dad?
Hes not answering
Really? Thats odd.
Very strange, Lucy. Ive called his mobile several times. It rings, but he doesnt answer.
Mum, perhaps, knowing what today is, theyre all celebrating. Hes bound to be busy.
No, Lucy. He promised hed be home by now. If your father says hell be here, he always keeps his wordand he didnt even call to say he arrived at work. Thats not like him at all. Why isnt he answering?
Should we ring his boss? Maybe get them to send the birthday boy home? His family is waiting!
Yes, Ill try.
Margaret was no alarmist by nature, but a terrible sense of foreboding gripped her. Peter always answered her calls. Always. Even when he was busy. He often said there was nothing more important than her, and that he never wanted her fretting.
Then again, thought Margaret, theyre giving him his retirement send-offits a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Peter gave a quarter-century to that job. Leaving cant be easy
Hello? A mans voice broke her reverie.
Hello, Mr. Harrison? Its Margaret, Peters wife. Im wondering when youll let my husband come home? Weve all been waiting, especially our daughterand son-in-law, too.
Hello, Mrs. Turner. To be honest, Im not sure what to say.
I beg your pardon?
The thing is, were waiting for him as well. Called him a few times. He hasnt answered.
Wait You mean Peter didnt come in?! Margaret was shaken.
No, he never showed up. But were still expecting him. As soon as hes in touch, please remind him were waiting. Its tradition, after allwe must give him the proper send-off!
Yes, of course And please, let me know the moment he arrives, will you?
Margaret set the phone down, hands trembling, and looked at her daughter.
Lucy, he never turned up at work and hes not answering. Where could he be?
Alright, Mum, calm yourself. Lets both try calling him.
*****
Peter left their block of flats, smiling at the crisp morning, greeting the grandmas on the bench by the gate, heading for the bus stop as he had for twenty-five years. The day should have felt specialhe wasnt going to work as usual, but to collect his paperwork and say farewell to his mates.
Hed seen off many other retirees; now his turn had come. It should have been simple, but Peter felt on edge. Hed slept badly, tossing and turning, taking his medicine, but morning brought a brave face for his beloved Maggie.
Peter hadnt mentioned feeling unwell; best not to worry her. This wasnt the first time after allit usually passed in time. So he left early to hide his discomfort, not wanting to spoil the day. Maggie would have scrapped the whole event if shed known.
Itll pass, Peter reassured himself, hand pressed to his chest.
Waiting for a packed bus, Peter pressed his fist to his chest as he watched another crowded number 22 rattle by. No way he could manage with all those people. Better to walk and enjoy the brisk air. Besides, there was plenty of time.
He resolved to call his wife when he got in to work, just as they agreed. But Peter never arrived. He didnt make it.
His route took him through the little park behind the shopspeaceful on a weekday morning. There, suddenly, his chest tightened sharply. He sat heavily on a bench, loosened his collar and tie, gulped the cold autumn air. How long he sat is unclearhe only knew nothing improved. In fact, he felt steadily worse.
At last, resigned, he fetched his phoneor tried to. His hands shook badly, and the phone slipped to the pavement, bouncing beneath the bench.
Peter tried to stand to reach it, but couldnt. His chest hurt with a crushing pain, making every breath a struggle, and his eyes slowly clouded. He managed only to lie down on the bench, bitterness creeping in.
So much for a birthday. So much for retirement, he thought sadly.
Most of all, he grieved that he could not see his wife and daughter once more. Not even say goodbye.
*****
Margaret quickly took her heart drops, then tried Peters number again. Only the endless ring, no answer. Lucy tried too, a dozen times, with no success.
Then Tom arrived, and the three of them sat at the party table, staring quietly, waiting.
What are we waiting for? Margaret suddenly burst out. We must ring the police. They might help us find him!
Lucy and Tom agreed. They all knew something serious must have happenedPeter had worked for the emergency services, coping with crisis for decades. If he wasnt answering his mobile, the reasons had to be grave.
What did the police say? Lucy whispered after Margaret ended the call.
Nothing good, Margaret replied, letting the water in her glass steady her nerves. They said its too soon for alarmwait twenty-four hours. But I know I know somethings happened!
Then well search ourselves! declared Lucy, all at once determined.
Youre right, darling. He takes the bus. Theres a stop near herewell go now, ask everyone, and the drivers, too. Maybe one saw him this morning.
Mum, Tom and I will go. You stay here in case Dad returnsand call the hospitals. Not to worry you, but just in case.
Yes, alright
Lucy and Tom quickly threw on coats, left the flat, and began searching for Peter.
Margaret, closing the front door, picked up her phone and began the slow, exhausting ring-round to every nearby hospital, whispering prayers: Let him be safe. Please, God, let nothing dreadful have happened. She crossed herself in silent hope.
*****
Peter remained conscious, but every moment made it harder to move. Speech escaped him; only jumbled sounds came as his mind slipped.
Help he finally managed, hand stretched out to two women passing the bench.
They gave him a quick, disdainful glance and looked away.
Another drunk! one tutted.
Yes, you can tellclearly started early! Just collapsed on the bench, not a care!
Peter heard their words. Tears forced their way down his face. He, who had once saved countless liveshad even rescued animalswas now helpless, unable even to call for help.
Why today, of all days?
The clack of their shoes on the path faded. He closed his eyes, already resigned to no aid comingwhen, suddenly
A loud, sharp bark came at his ear, astonishingly close.
He felt paws on his chest, a warm tongue licking his chin.
A dog! A dog! joy flickered through Peters fading mind. Where theres a dog, maybe theres a person near to help.
He forced his eyes open, saw a small, aging terrier. Strangely familiar. But where had he seen the dog before?
Cascades of memory ran through him: a burning cottage, firelight flickering, his team carrying out a couple, the echo of barking through a broken window.
Was there a dog in the house? Peter asked the man by the ambulance.
Yes! There was a dogwe didnt manage to get her. Just no time, you understand
Why didnt you say sooner? Peter roared, then, disregarding warnings, ran into the blazing home.
They yelled after him that the roof might fall, but he didnt care. Not even commanding officers could stop him.
He emerged ten minutes later, spluttering, coughing, the little dog in his arms. He handed her to her owner, but lingered, locking eyes with the rescued animal.
He saw a deep, human gratitude there. The dog thanked him, truly thanked him, with her gaze.
Visions faded, darkness closed in. Cold.
Woof! Woof! barked the dog, licking Peters hand urgently.
He knew the dog. She had come for him. Now, she wanted to help.
If you can Peter whispered, bring someone. Anyone. Please.
And he lost consciousness.
But the terrier, understanding each word, darted away from the bench, into the park to seek people.
The dog pestered a lad outside a sandwich kiosk, then a woman crossing with her child, another man buying a newspaper. None paid him heed, each shooed him away, muttering about dangerous dogs. And all the while, he was only asking for help.
*****
At the bus stop, Lucy and Tom found nothing; none had seen the face in the photograph Lucy clutched from the family album. Time was short. Together, they raced through the shops, cut through every courtyard and terrace nearbyno sign of Peter, his phone still silent. Where are you, Daddy? Where?
Passing the park, Lucy was stopped by insistent barking. She turned, spotting a small, weathered terrier, yapping at the passing strangers, darting away from anyone who tried to swat him with a stick.
Get gone! a pensioner shouted, stick waving. Menace, these animals areno peace nowadays!
Lucy, what is it? Tom asked, as his wife stopped abruptlythey had meant to check the taxi rank.
I dont know That dogs not barking idly. Its as if he wants to tell us something. I just feel it
The dogs eyes met hers, full of not just request but desperation.
Lucy, where are you going? Tom called, as she advanced toward the terrier.
He neednt have asked. The dog barked, danced a circle, then sped off towards the park. Lucy, compelled by instinct, followed at a run, Tom close behind.
Within minutes, they found the bench. Peter lay unconscious, but breathing.
He was alive!
Dad! Lucy cried frantically, lifting his head and searching for any response. Tom, call an ambulance!
*****
The ambulance came swiftly; Peter was rushed to the nearest hospital with a cardiac unit.
Lucy took the terrier with her; as Tom drove, she rang her mum, explaining quickly and promising to call back as soon as she learned anything.
You know, your fathers lucky the doctor said later, emerging from the intensive care unit, Lucky you found him just in time. Any later, and thered have been nothing we could do.
Hell live? Lucy asked, still weeping.
He will.
Lucy stepped outside, found Tom waiting by the car with the terrier, and knelt to embrace the dog.
Thank you Thank you for saving my Dad.
Hows your father? Tom asked.
Hes going to be fine. Lucy managed a tired, grateful smile. All thanks to him, she gestured at the dog.
He has a collarhes someones pet.
Yes. But I think we should keep him, for now, at least until we find his owners. After all, he saved my fathers life. I cant just send him back out on the street.
Of course, darling.
*****
Margaret, Tom, and Barrythe dogs name engraved on his medallionstood outside the hospital, scanning the doors.
After some minutes, Lucy emerged with Peter, unsteady but walking, by her side.
Barry at once leapt for joy, barking, tail wagging uncontrollably as he raced to Peters side, eyes alight with happiness.
Here he is, Dad! Heres the one who saved you. He gave you the greatest birthday present of alllife itself.
Thank you, old chap, Peter smiled, stooping (as carefully as possible) to stroke Barrys head. Lucy, where are his people? I know he must have an owner.
We tried so hard. Posted notices, asked around, but through your whole time in hospital, nobody came.
Margaret came to Peter, tears streaming but smiling: Thank you, Peter, for surviving.
Forgive me, Maggie. I should have told you I felt unwell. I thought it would pass. Clearly, it didnt.
I forgive you. Shall we go home, celebrate your second birthday together? she asked, wiping her face.
Lets.
*****
As for Barry, Peter worked hard to find his home. He even called in at the house that had burned the year before. But it was long empty; neighbours said the owners had moved north, leaving the dog behindwhether from sorrow, or from haste, none could say.
So Barry found a home with Peter. And he was happy. So was Peter.
Together, man and dog fetched Peters paperwork from his office, and enjoyed many calm days at the allotment. Together, with Tom, he carried his daughter from the maternity ward.
Congratulations, Dad! grinned Lucy, cradling her newborn. Youre a granddad twice overtwo little girls now!
I cant remember being this happy, love!
Woof! Woof! barked Barry, equally delighted with his dear peoples joy.
So Peters life found a bright new rhythm. Days shone more clearly, filled with meaning. And for the rest of his days, Peter never stopped thanking Barry, the loyal friend whod given him back his life.
