Daisy
Shed been following Victoria from the moment they left the High Street market. Daisy didnt dare come too close, always keeping a cautious gap between them.
Of course, what chance did a scruffy, balding, filthy little mongrel like her have, with her matted belly fur and uneven hobble, compared to this elegant, poised young woman? Victoria moved with the purposeful ease of someone untroubled by lifeneat hair, tasteful makeup, brisk steps, a leather satchel riding snugly on one shoulder.
Daisy couldnt see Victorias face from the back, but she was certain it was a kind one, gentle and proper, with carefully arched brows and a fresh hint of lipstick. Her eyes, Daisy just knew, would be twinklingjust like No, not her. That memory was too sharp, too raw still.
Victorias scent reached Daisy, wafts of coffee, vanilla perfume, warm leather. Not surprisingit was autumn, everyone was wrapped up in leather jackets lately. The boutiques on Annabel Lane and Peter Street had big sale signs in the windowsso shed heardand people bustled in and out with seasonal bargains.
Daisy never learned to read, but she remembered how her old owner had squealed at such window displays, dragging Daisy inside with her, chatting and laughing with the shopkeepers while she tried on this and that. Daisy would curl up on the polished shop floor, snowy head resting on her paws, content to watch her person bustle around.
Oh, what lovely little socks she has on! the shop assistants would coo.
Oh, her? Yes, yes her owner would say, waving a hand dismissively before vanishing into the changing rooms.
They could spend hours shoppingwell, only in the places that welcomed pets. If not, Daisys owner would tie her lead to the railings outside and tell her to wait.
She would have waited anyway. Where would she go? Daisy loved her owner. Thats all there was to it.
Why? Because she was hers. Because thats just what happens.
And then, one day
Daisy sneezed, yelped at a passing car, and froze as Victoria swung suddenly roundher large handbag swinging dangerously.
Daisy trembled. Bags hurt, not as much as brollies or a boot, but there were sharp buckles on this one
Victoria shot a disapproving look at the scruffy dog. Daisy pretended to be very interested in the contents of a bin nearby.
The woman started walking again, and Daisy followed, struggling to keep up on aching paws, yipping inadvertently, which startled her as much as anyone else.
Again, Victoria turned around, this time frowning coldly.
What on earth is it with you? Are you hungry? I havent got anything! she called defensively, rattling her bag. Just smells like the sandwich I had for lunch, but its gone now. Off with yougo! She waved vaguely towards the main road.
But Daisy ignored her, plopping her bony bottom on the pavement, hind legs trembling shamefully.
Suit yourself Im off home! Victoria shrugged and strode ahead. Daisy let her get a head start, then hurried after her.
Vicky! Vic! someone called from above up the block of flats. Oi, whats that mongrel after you for? Want me to tell Kev to come down with his stick? We dont need any strays in this building!
Both Victoria and Daisy looked up, chins tilted. Well, Daisy didnt have a chin exactlya snout, morebut she made the effort.
On the fifth floor balcony, a plump woman in a garish dressing gown, hair tightly wound in curlers, held a steaming mug in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
Evening, Mrs Harris! Victoria nodded politely. Shes just been trailing after me, bless herthink shes hungry. But shes quiet, not a bother.
Victoria gestured to the dog, who twitched her head, glancing sidelong with cautious eyebrows raised.
Stray, is she? Or some pedigree? Not that I know the difference Mrs Harris leaned over, accidentally sloshing tea onto the pavement and grumbled. Hang on, Ill come downcant see properly from here.
She disappeared back into her flat.
Thats our building maam, Mrs Harris, Victoria explained unnecessarily to Daisy. Shes strict, but you neednt be afraid. Are you a girl, then? Looks like it. Im a girl, too
Victoria sighed, and Daisy felt a surge of pity for hercouldnt say why, but she wanted to whimper and nuzzle those unfamiliar hands, to curl in her lap and warm her belly there as shed done so many years before, until
Until she grew old. And then they took her awaynot to anywhere, just away. Her owner and a man slipped her collar off, opened the car door, then stayed put inside as they pushed Daisy out, right into a cold, soggy field streaked with the first October frost.
Yes, that year the snow came early, like nature hurrying to cover up the wasted season.
Go on! Off you go! the woman had shouted, and the man
He fired something, and Daisy had run as shed never run before
At the memory, Daisy whined.
Are you alright? Dont be scared! Victoria shook her head. Mrs Harris only looks fearsome. When I was little she scared me too, but now
Victoria knelt and reached to pet Daisy, but at that moment Mrs Harris burst out the door, shrieking:
What are you doing, have you lost your mind, Vicky? Move away! Now! What if it bites? What if its rabid? I got bit by a squirrel in the woods, had jabs right in the stomach! Well shoo it off with a stick and call the animal control
She found a hefty stick in the grass, weighed it, changed her mind.
No, better notmight finish it off. Vicky, just step back. Get inside. Go home, dog! Go on! Mrs Harris flapped her hands in Daisys direction.
Home But where was home for Daisy now? Her blanket and bowl had been skipped already, and that house was no longer hers.
Hold on, Mrs Harris! Let me at least feed her, then Ill call the rescue or something. Poor things so sad, Victoria insisted, quickly stroking Daisy.
Daisy froze, eyes squeezed shut with dreadsurely this was a trick? Shed been promised things before, kissed on the nose, then dumped like rubbish
She snarled, showing her teeth.
Oh dear, I have no idea how to handle dogs. Do you? Victoria looked up at Mrs Harris.
Who was now frantically pulling curlers from her hair.
You could have told me my hair looked like a fright! she hissed at Victoria. As for dogs, well, we had them in the village with Grahams mum. Alright This ragamuffins chosen you, it seems. Take her home, but I mean itno dog smells on my landing! I cant abide the pong. Ill nip out and get dog food. Lord save us! Mrs Harris scowled. Will someone help me get these blasted rollers out?!
Victoria helped, gingerly unwinding each stubborn curler, revealing a thick, glossy mane that refused to take a curl. Still, Mrs Harris was determined, arranging her hair carefully and giving it a generous spray.
Her hairdo was the source of many hallway legendssome even whispered it was a wigbut Mrs Harris paid absolutely no heed, always aiming to look her best.
There, better. Oh, heavens, my dressing-gown! Ill go mad with you lot! If youve still not changed your mind about keeping that waif, Vicky, get on with it. But rememberI want this block spotless! she wagged a plump finger and lumbered off to change. She really was going out to get Daisy food.
So many kids had wanted a dog growing up, begging Father Christmas, pestering their parents, envying the lucky ones with dogs of their owndreaming how, when they grew up, theyd finally have a pup.
Victoria had been one of those dreamers. Only, her parents forbade it, then she had her studies and work, and thered have been no one to walk the poor creature. Then her mother fell ill, her father passed, and then Grandma slipped away, too.
Victoria learned to give injections, to measure medicines by eye, to know which pharmacy stocked what. She could have passed nurses exams with flying colours
But as for dogs, shed never learned a bit.
Shall we, then? Victoria coaxed the stray. Daisy turned away indifferently. Come homeyou can rest at least.
Daisy shuddered. Home Was this a joke? She watched, heart pounding, as Victoria reached the blocks entrance, stepped inside, disappeared into the dark corridor. Daisy scurried after her, limping, until all four paws had crossed the threshold.
They rode the lift to the tenth floor, sizing each other up. Daisy sniffed the air, Victoria just wrinkled her nose, as she always did when nervous.
Here we are, out you hop. Mind the doormat, Samuelll have a fit Victoria trailed offSamuel had left, likely wouldnt come back except for his things. Now shed decide who could step on the doormat or not.
It was a pristine beige mat, with the questionable words Welcome, Home!a gift from Samuels mates when they first moved in together. Placed to one side so shoes wouldnt trample too much dirt in.
Nowwell, let the mud come. Samuel had found it unbearable here now. Hed ended things.
Come on, Daisy, dont be afraid. Nothingll happen! Victoria assured herself, stepping both feet onto the mat, wiping her trainers.
Daisy sat aside, watching uncertainly. The flat smelt lovely and clean, it was warm and welcoming. Shed figure out the rules about mats soon enoughif she wasnt sent packing again.
Ill just get you a drink, hang on! Victoria dashed to the kitchen, grabbed a glass, scolded herself, fetched a bowl instead and filled it with water.
Daisy drank greedily, lapping and lapping like a starved cat, her tummy rumbling.
Lost, arent you, girl? Surely youre pedigree? Or not? Victoria stroked her gently, sympathy in her voice.
And in that moment, Daisy somehow understood: Victoria was her person now. Something in her heart clicked. They belonged together.
Bathing her was dauntingVictoria knew some people made a living from washing dogs properly, with the right shampoos and all that. But Daisy sorted it herself. Once shed thawed out and the snow clumped between her toes began to melt, she tottered into the bathroom after Victoria, and with surprising agility, managed to leap into the tub.
Victoria was nonplussed.
How on earth did you manage that?! Its tall for a little thing like you! But Daisy clearly meant to be washed, and so, between them, they managed. Under the bright bathroom light, white, blue-tinged fur appeared, with inky spots like little socks.
Daisy didnt flinch from the water. It felt blissful against her skin, even if the occasional scratch stung. But it was hot and Victorias hands were soft and gentle in her coat
At one point, Mrs Harris reappeared.
Daisy shuffled to the far end of the tub, wet and bony, wary of the scent of curlers and menace.
Bath time, then? Whys the bathroom door flapping open, Vicky? Expecting Samuel? Thats rightlet them always think were waiting, and make a fuss when they show up, filthy and tired. Right, dog? she winked. Ive brought you a care parcel, anyway.
Mrs Harris handed over a bag, which Victoria accepted awkwardly.
Youre at a loss, arent you? Its easyclip out the knots, give her a proper wash, and feed her. What did you name the poor dear? Mrs Harris paused, scissors poised.
Havent, yet, Victoria admitted. And Samuel wont be back. Weve split.
Mrs Harris whistled, pursing her lips, then confidently gripped Daisy by the scruff and snipped away.
Daisy watched Victoria anxiously, but she seemed calm enough. Victoria had dreamed her whole life of bringing home an abandoned pup, washing it, feeding it, settling it with a blanket in a warm box.
Samuel will be back! Dont fret, love. Now then, what will we call her? Not just Missy! How about Spotty? Shes got ink-splashed paws
Daisy. Ill call her Daisy, Victoria said suddenly.
Why Daisy? Mrs Harris was taken aback.
When I was a child, I wished for a puppy for Christmas. They brought me a giant doll called Daisy instead. Revenge? I think shell be Daisy, Victoria grinned at the dog, who wagged the little stub of her tail.
Oh, bless her! Not much of a tail leftcant wag properly! And you, Vicky, youre all skin and bone too. No wonder Samuel complained theres nothing to hold! Dont mind me, love. Feed her gently, just a littleshes starved. Otherwise youll have a poorly pup! Mrs Harris left the food behind and shuffled out.
Thank you, Mrs Harris! Victoria called after her
They sat in the kitchen, eyeing each other.
Daisys new bowl was filled with food, and Victoria picked at a plate of pasta.
Go on, eatits good for you. Or are you poorly? At least show me where Victoria cajoled.
Daisy, warm and clean and woozy from her bath, was far too sleepy to eat. All she wanted now, after so many nights dozing under hedges or behind skips, was to rest. She hadnt dared truly sleep; that was risky, and besides, she was always so lonely.
Nowshe had no choice. Sleep dragged her down.
Tired, arent you? Victoria sat beside her. Im tired, too Im just hopeless, Daisy, honestly. We were alright, Samuel and me, then I started getting on his nerves. I mixed upI dont know whatscrews, nails, wall plugshe explained them a hundred times, I kept getting them wrong. He snapped and called me thick. The whole drive home, not a word, just me apologising again and again. I was always apologising. For everything. The wrong cup, the wrong time, the wrong tea towel. Was it really about the cup? Id get up and serve him though I was shattered. Im a conservator; I restore old murals, and Im so tired at the end of the day. But I kept trying. And hed still find fault. Now look at me, moaning to a dog.
Daisy listened, head on paws, ears twitching, remembering how her old owner had always grown annoyed by a thumping tail or a grateful nose, sometimes cuffing her sharply. Victoria, though, stroked softly, comforting in her sadness
A real perfectionist, Samuel. Not a sock out of place! Me, I dont always manage. He said I was letting myself go, getting sloppy. I never noticed. I was just so tired and started eating more. He hated that, too. Oh, why are you whimpering? Do you feel sorry for me?
Daisy understood more than Victoria knew. Life with humans ended in words and doors closing; for animals, it was cold fields and being left behind. She wasnt stupid. She just didnt have another chance.
They dozed together on the sofafirst Victoria, softly crying in her sleep, hand trailing down to brush Daisys side; then Daisy climbed up beside her, pressing her skinny frame to Victorias jumper.
Later that night, Daisy woke howling, thrashing in terror, waking Victoria in panic. It was just a nightmare, about the field and the bang behind her. When someone you trust throws you away, it freezes your blood. Thats betrayala scent Daisy now associated with the first snow and wet earth. Since then, shed hated autumn walks.
They woke with a jolt, first unsure of who they were or how theyd got here. Then they both turned.
Samuel stood in the doorway.
Vic, whyd you bring that mutt in? Mrs Harris told me. Are you mad? He shook the soiled doormat. Shes made a mess! We rowed and now youre getting revenge by picking up strays? Get up, its seven already. Im showering, you make breakfast. Then well take this thing to the pound. Enoughs enough. And whats this with my trousers? The ones on the chair! Dogs ruined them!
He raised a hand at Daisy, and she bared her teeth, barking sharp and shrill.
Victoria, whod just been apologising for the trousers, the mat, and everything else, suddenly fell silent. Then, gripping Samuels arm, she said quietly, You know what, why dont you leave? We played at family lifeenough. If YOU, and I mean YOU, dont like it, then go. Ill compensate for the mat. You havent even checked on me. You didnt message, you didnt ring. Dont pretend youre bothered. I tried calling five times! Never mind. Im walking the dog. Daisy, ready? Samuel, please pack up while Im out. Its for the best.
What? Where am I supposed to go? Vicky, Ive done everything for you! You always made things difficult! Im tired of teaching you how to be normal. Youre just hopeless. Like this silly mutt Victoria dodged his hand as it swung. What? Afraid now? Good! No matter, I forgive you. Now, breakfast! As for this dogshe goes.
Victoria couldn’t explain later where her courage or strength came from, but she stood her ground, shoving Samuel away from Daisy, overturning her mums vasethe golden wedding presentand cutting her own hands on the shards, but she would not let Daisy go.
Mrs Harris saved them all. Bursting in wearing her fiery red dressing gown and curlers, she planted herself at the landing, out of breath, blocking Samuels path as bits of the argument spilled from behind the door.
Whats going on up here? Disturbance on the whole floor! Absolutely not acceptable, Mrs Harris thundered. Vicky, stop walloping him, for goodness sake! No murders! Samuel, out! Youre not wanted here.
Pardon?
You heard me. Ive never liked you, Samuel. When you moved in, you seemed nice, but now Vicky, enough tears. Fetch your dog before she chews everything!
Mind your own business! Samuel puffed his chest. Its private! Family!
Family, my dear Samuel, is the foundation of society. I, madam, am society! she declared. Enough. Youre not even registered here. Off to work with you. Vicky, Ill get dressed and help you walk that gem. You dont know the first thing about it.
Samuel glared, stomped on his precious mat, and left, muttering something about collecting his things later.
After calming Daisy, washing her bleeding hands, and knocking back some instant coffee, Victoria grabbed her jacket, tied her trainers, and remembered shed no lead. But kind Mrs Harris had already got one yesterday.
They strolled politely along the streetMrs Harris, Victoria, and Daisy now, stub tail wagging. The rain had stopped, the sky was clearing, and suddenly the sunlight burst through, dazzling and welcome as a promise.
Look at her, shes alive again! Mrs Harris beamed. Vets tomorrow, love, check shes alright. Oh, Vickyjust look at the autumn! The rowan berries after a frosthave you tasted them? No? Ill bring you some at the weekend. My niece makes a cordial from them, marvellous! Oh, whos that? Graham! Darling, over here!
Her husband waved, Daisy hesitated at first, then bounced across, greeting him like an old friend.
Whos this noise maker, then? Graham rumbled.
This is Daisy. She lives with Victoria now, Mrs Harris replied.
And Samuel?
Not anymore. Autumns for new beginnings, Mrs Harris shrugged.
But Victoria barely heard, breathing deep of the cold, snowy airlike rowan berries after the first frost: bitter at first, then gradually sweet and intoxicating.
The taste of a new life. One with Daisy, Mrs Harris, her curlers, old murals to restore, knitting, crumbles, pies andperhaps, one more person. For now, Victoria told only Daisy.
In the evenings, they would curl up together, Daisy pressed against her side like a puppy, paws around her arm, content to just listen as Victoria shared her quiet hopes.
Daisy would sigh, amazed at how content life could be.
It could. And with the right company, it could be goodin every season.
