Dan and Beadie
Dan, Dan, please just eat a little bit, love! And you havent touched your water either Havent you had even a sip? What am I supposed to do with you?
Clara sat down on the step beside her dog. The large German Shepherd lifted his head for a moment, then let it fall onto his paws with a sigh.
I know you miss him I do too! If only you could realise just how much I miss him Clara choked up and sniffed, but quickly pulled herself together.
Dan always seemed to pick up on her moods. Since hed come to live with them seven years ago, there was no one Clara trusted more with her troubles. He never asked silly questions or pressed her for details, or gave her advice she didnt need. He simply sat by her, licked her tears away, and when shed calmed down hed bring her his favourite toy and leash. Theyd head off on a long walkDad always called it getting some fresh air.
In fact, it had been her dad who brought home the clumsy, big-eared pup back in the day.
A pleasure to introduceDan! His official names a tongue-twister, but I think Dan suits him.
Mum was horrified, but Clara just giggled watching Dan spinning in circles in the hallway, trying to figure out where hed landed.
Well never have a moments peace now Mum sighed, hunting for a cloth, while Dad just winked at Clara.
Hes a goodun, isnt he?
Hes perfect! But why, Dad?
The doctor recommended itsaid I needed more long walks and things to keep my spirits up. So I decided to kill two birds with one stone. You know, I always dreamed of having a dog.
I know, Dad.
Theres a time for dreams to come true, pet. I reckon that time is now.
Looking back, Clara had no doubts it was Dan who kept her dad going as long as he did. The doctors hadnt given him a year. Hed always been fit and hearty, so he was shocked when the cardiologist shook his head after the test results.
Theres really nothing good I can say, Im afraid the doctor had told him.
Her father hadnt wasted time dwelling on how little he might have left. Sure, he quit smoking and gave up his cherished steam room, but otherwise carried on as beforepottering about in the garden, planting his favourite roses and tending to the apple trees, enjoying long walks and throwing himself into Dans training.
A dog shouldnt just be spoiledit ought to be clever and well-trained.
Clara sighed. Dad had made sure Dan was ready for anything, except losing him. The night her father passed away, Clara woke to a strange, hollow sound. Half-awake, it took her a moment to realise it was Dan howling. Shed never heard such a mournful sound before or since. She knew straight away what had happened. She ran to her parents bedroom, and her mum, eyes so much darker than usual, simply asked:
Clara, love, could you take the dog away
Dan fell silent. He looked intently at Mum, then came and laid beside Dads bed.
Hes not leaving, Mum. Dont send him out. He loved Dad too
The next few days blurred by in a kind of nightmaresometimes racing so quickly Clara couldnt even make sense of it, sometimes dragging out so endlessly she wanted to scream and beg for it all to be over.
They stayed at the cottage instead of heading back to their city flat.
I cant bear it yet, Clara. I need to stay here. Feels like hes still close by
Mum Clara hugged her, genuinely worried for her. Mums headaches had come back with a vengeance; she lay in the dark for hours, gritting her teeth so Clara wouldnt hear her moan. Mum had always suffered from migraines, but when Dad was ill, she wouldnt let herself give in. Now all that pain thatd built up over the years seemed to come crashing down at once, leaving her breathless and unable to lift her head from the pillow.
Clara worried and fussed nearby, not knowing how to help.
Its alright, darling. Itll get better in time.
When?! Clara wanted to shout, but she just noddedher mother had enough to handle as it was.
All this while, Dan barely came inside, spending his days on the porch or in the garden. Suddenly, he came in and settled next to Mums bed. Nothing Clara did could shift him. For four days he stayed by her side, refusing food. Just water, from the dog bowl that Dad had bought for him, and only occasionally.
On the fifth day, Mum woke up surprisedher head didnt ache and, more importantly, shed slept nearly the whole night. Carefully swinging her feet out of bed, she jolted as they touched something soft and warm.
Dan! You gave me a fright! What are you doing here?
The dog lifted his head, watching her with those soulful brown eyes. Mum stroked his broad head gently.
Thank you, lad.
Mum shuffled off to the kitchen. Clara found her later on the step outside, munching on a sandwich. The bread was hard as a brick and all there was to top it was a bit of mustard, but Mum swore shed never tasted anything so good.
Mum
Clara, what a mess were living in. Theres nothing in for tea! Howve you been managingwhat about Dan? Hes starving!
He wont eat, Mum. Ive tried everything
Dan grumbled from his spot next to Mum and squeezed his eyes shut.
Just like always.
Your dad would have something to say about this Get him some water and see if theres any meat I can turn into some fresh porridge for him.
Now, mother and daughter teamed up to fuss over Dan, but it did little good. Eventually, Dan got up with slow, heavy steps and headed for the garden. Clara and her mum exchanged worried glances.
Weve got to take him to the vet. Were losing the dog, Mum said firmly. Pull the car out, Ill be quick.
While Clara worked at the gate, Mum got herself ready and called into the garden.
Dan! Dan, come here, lad!
Silence. She walked the paths Dad had so carefully laid, past the apple trees, heavy with almost-ripe fruita bumper year, Dad had been so proud.
There was a rustle in the raspberry bushes. Dan stood by the little fence there, growling at something.
What is it, Dan? A rat? Or a hedgehog?
Dan gave a warning bark. Mum squinted through the leaves and saw something moving, but couldnt quite make it out.
Oh great, what now! She stepped over the low fence and parted the grass.
What she picked up was a tiny kitteneyes barely open, curled into her palm. Its cry was so frail Mum knew why she hadnt heard it before. Dan stepped back in surprise as Mum brought the little scrap up to his nose.
What is it, Dan, are you scared? This little thing isnt going to eat you! But what do we do with it? Its practically blind
Dan sniffed the kitten, who, desperate for warmth, headbutted the dog in the nose, freezing Dan on the spot. Mum laughed at his bewildered look and offered the kitten again.
What do you reckon?
Dan sniffed again, then, to Mums surprise, gave the kitten a quick, gentle lick.
Alright thenlets see what Clara thinks!
Clara stared, gobsmacked, at Mum approaching the house followed by Dan.
Mum, youve been ages. Whats that?
Dans found us a problem, Mum said as she placed the kitten on the top step; Dan settled in immediately beside it, licking and warming the tiny thing.
Well, thats something! So, what do we do now?
We work out what to feed herI think Dans keen to babysit.
That kitten turned out to be the miracle they all needed. Dan perked up, and after being given a serious talking to by Clara, even started eating again.
If you expect to be a father, youve got to eat, mate! Clara scolded, pushing the bowl under his snout. Cant be a parent on an empty stomach, can you?
Dan stood, shuffling guiltily from paw to paw, and gave a warning little growl as the kitten crawled over. Aha, the parentings started! Clara grinned as she saw Dan finally tucking into his food. Truth be told, without that little furry bundle, they might have lost him. A stubborn lot, their family.
At night, Mum took charge of feeding the kitten, insisting Clara needed her sleep for uni.
Youve got exams to finish and your dissertation to writeleave the baby, even if its a feline one, to me.
The kitten grew, and it was soon clear she was a girl.
What should we call her? Mum asked, bottle-feeding the kitten and batting Dan away as he tried to gather up his daughter. Dan! Behave! Let her eat!
Hmmm Clara fiddled with the little bracelet Dad had once given hera string of small turquoise beads; nothing fancy, but shed worn it every day since he died. Suddenly, the string snapped and beads rolled everywhere. Oh no! Clara was on her knees collecting the runaway beads, close to tears.
Dont cry! Well re-thread them, but this time with stronger thread. Wait! Ive got ita name! Beadie! Perfect name for a cat, right?
Dan, seeing mealtime was over, scooped up his adoptive daughter and trotted off to his bed, beginning the serious business of washing her.
Never thought Id see the day when Dan, the grumpy old soul, would be so fatherly, Clara laughed as she picked up the last bead.
Before she could finish, Dan darted out to the garden.
Whats up, Dan? Clara, dont go by yourself! Mum hurried after her.
Dans barking led them to the biggest apple tree, where a group of boys sat, hugging their knees, wide-eyed with terror.
Dan leapt below, trying to reach the tree-climbers.
Dan! Here. Sit! Clara snapped.
The boys gasped as the dog obeyed, sitting quietly by her.
Blimey, hes clever the scruffiest boy said.
He is, and now, what exactly do you think youre doing in our tree?
They stared at their shoes, shifting. Finally, the boy mumbled, Your apples are so tasty!
Theyre still green!
Tastes best with a sprinkle of salt
Clara grinned. And you werent worried about the dog?
Nah He hasnt barked in ages, just lies there all the time
So you were spying on us? Clara frowned.
Not youjust the dog. Whats his name?
Hes Dan. Are you coming down?
The would-be apple thieves nodded.
He wont touch you unless I say, and Im holding him.
Come on down, Mum called. Its not time for apples, but there are some lovely buns and jam in the kitchen. Fancy some?
With that, the boys tumbled down and Dan, when presented with grubby hands, swapped growling for wagging.
Can I stroke him?
Not scared anymore? Clara smiled. Go ahead.
The boys demolished all of Mums precious raspberry jam, spreading it thickly on her freshly-baked rolls. That years berry crop had been poor and shed barely enough jam for winter, but she just smiled, moving jars closer and pouring more tea.
Tuck in, lads!
The lead boy, Matt, eyed Beadie curled between Dans paws. Whats that?
Dan found himself a daughter.
Pretty! She looks like Mrs Rayners cat.
Mum nodded. Ah, that explains where she came from thenMrs Rayners our neighbour.
But her mum wont take her back now. She smells of dog! Matt declared, expertly. And anyway, Dan wont give her up, will you, mate?
Stomachs full, the boys were already planning their return.
Can we come back? they chorused.
Of course, Mum laughed. Theres no more jam, though!
But your buns are brilliant! Matt grinned, giving Dan another pat as he dashed away. Were off to the river!
Its freezing!
Not for us! Were toughright, boys?
Clara and Mum watched the rowdy bunch hurtle out the gate. Next morning, Mum was woken by the distant sound of boys shrieking outside. She poked her head out to see the whole gang, led by Matt, pulling up weeds between the paving stoneswork her husband once kept on top of, but she and Clara had let slide.
Morning, Mrs Rayner! Will there be buns? Matt beamed.
With sultanas, for such hard work!
From then on, the boys became regulars at Olivias cottage. School started again, Clara began staying in town more, to be closer to her uni, and Mum fell into the rhythm of baking in the morning and waiting for her helpers in the afternoon. Theyd lend a hand in the garden, then linger over tea.
When Mum heard Matt was struggling in school, she offered to tutor him.
Ive been a teacher long enough to help, surely?
Oh Liv, I cant pay for tutors Matts mum, Sue, was embarrassed.
Who mentioned money? After all the help Matts given me lately, I should be paying *him*!
Matt, at first, was none too keenuntil his first gold star for spelling. After that, he stopped grumbling.
As Beadie grew into a beautiful, fluffy cat, she was soon racing around the house and garden. Dan, though slower these days, was thoroughly devoted to her. Even let her eat from his bowl. Watching the two of them curled up together, Clara would often say:
Its almost like she turned up precisely when we needed her, Muma guardian angel in feline form.
Autumn settled in, and with the rain setting in daily, Mum started thinking about moving back to town. Clara, though, blushed and finally shared her newsTom, her old flame from school, had finally managed to propose.
You know, Clara, its just as well Dad finished everything here. The flat is yoursmove in and enjoy, and Ill stay here with Dan. Everyone will be happy!
But Mum, wont you be lonely?
Not a bit. This isnt just a holiday villageyou know how many of neighbours stay year round! And were only a short drive from town. You and Tom are only ever a phone call awaydont go borrowing trouble!
Clara and Tom had a quiet wedding at the end of November, and by Christmas, Mum learned she was going to be a granny. She bustled about, humming as she prepared for dinner and waited for her daughter and son-in-law.
Dan, take Beadie with you, before I tread on her again! Out you go, both of you!
Mum opened the door, shooed the animals out and paused, taking in the crisp winter air. The first snow had fallen, making the garden look like a scene from a Christmas card. She watched Beadie darting through the drift and laughed.
Dan, keep an eye on her, or well be out searching in the dark!
She glanced at the clockchildren arriving any moment, and nothing ready yet. She slid the duck into the oven and began making the little pies Tom loved.
Shed always had a soft spot for Tom, orphaned young and raised by his Granny next door. Mum had watched him grow, always amazed by his thoughtful gentleness. When Clara announced, aged ten, she was sitting only with Tom now, Mum was secretly delighted. Later, when Toms gran passed, he clung to Mum even more closelyshed become a real guiding force for the boy.
Mum couldnt help comparing Matt to Tomthe same good heart, if a bit rougher around the edges now.
Youll shape up into a fine man, Matt, if you keep it up.
Really? Matt beamed, tongue sticking out in concentration from his spelling homework.
Im sure of it, love. Now lets read over what youve written.
Mum always enjoyed reading Matts schoolworkso much sharp thinking packed into that wild hair of his. If the ideas sometimes tumbled all over each other, she always encouraged him.
That bits great! In fact, its brilliant! Well done, you!
She popped the tray of pies into the oven, just as Dan started barking furiouslylouder and deeper than usual, as if hed spotted a stranger. Mum hurried to the door, pulling on her wellies and tossing her shawl around her shoulders.
Dan was at the gate, frantic. To Mums horror, he was aloneno sign of Beadie.
She flung open the gate and froze.
Earlier that autumn, Tom and Matt had shored up the fence so Beadie couldnt slip out where stray dogs sometimes roamed. But cunning as ever, Beadie had found a shortcutan overhanging apple tree whose branches reached across and onto the road. This morning, shed darted along the trunk, intending only to perch on the high branch, when snow fell suddenly from above and swept her onto the lane outside.
Mum barely managed to seize Dans collar in time to stop her from leaping to Beadies rescue, while the little cat crouched against the fence, surrounded by stray dogs, arching her back and hissing.
Leave it, Dan! Theyd tear you apart, Mum gasped, holding tight as Dan strained.
Suddenly, a snowball sailed over from next door and hit the ringleader dog square on the nose. With two, then three more snowballs pelting in, the pack looked around in confusion, then began to retreat amid the attack. More clatter followedfireworks!and as the nearest bang rang out, the dogs bolted.
Matt scrambled up onto the fence, rolling a final snowball in his hands.
Oi, leave our Beadie alone! he called after the retreating pack.
Oh, thank goodness, Matt! What are you doing out here?
Fireworks, Mrs Raynerits New Years, right? Just dont tell Mum or shell kill me!
Further up the street, a car appeared. Matt grinned slyly.
Im offClaras coming with Tom. Mrs Rayner, will there be buns tomorrow?
Well have cake and whatever you want! Bring the lads roundlets see in the New Year together! Ohand Matt?
Yes? poised to jump down.
Thank you, love.
He nodded and disappeared. Mum watched as Dan carefully dragged Beadie back through the gate by the scruff, shaking her head.
Im buying your daughter a lead, Dan! Clearly you need help with this fatherhood lark.
That night, the shaken cat stuck to Dan like glue, ignoring even Clara. Finally, near dawn, when Clara lay exhausted in bed, Beadie tiptoed up and curled tight against her, pressing her little nose to Claras belly. Clara stroked her husband with one arm and the cat with the other, drifting into sleep, not noticing as Dan silently padded in and curled on the rug beside them.
Two years later, Mum set a big pot of jam on the cooker and looked out into the garden, where Clara and Matt were picking apples.
Is she still asleep? Mum asked, stirring the jam.
Fast asleep.
Shall I have a look?
No, Mumboth nannies are on duty.
Clara reached for another apple, and Mum, lowering the heat, stepped out to the porch. Her baby granddaughter was fast asleep in her pram, arms thrown wide, with Beadie curled beside her, purring softly, and Dan stretched out on the warm wooden boards. He lifted his head, questioning.
Alls well. Let her sleep, Mum said, tousling his ears and stroking Beadie as she adjusted the little blanket over her granddaughterand smiled.
