A Daydream Come True
David smiled warmly at the boy.
Hello there, Ive brought you a little angel, David said, anxiously studying the boys face. Would you mind if I gave you a gift?
Doctor Williams, theres a woman here whod like to see you, came his secretary Sarahs strained voice over the phone.
What does she want? David replied irritably, not expecting anything pleasant from women after the stormy end to his own marriage and his ex-wifes endless demands.
Her sons unwell, and itll take far too long to get a place for the surgery on the NHS
I see. David cut her off. Were not a charity. Tell her to try one of those.
He set the phone down and leaned back in his chair. It had only been a year since the divorce, when his wife had tried to take nearly everything from him despite never working a day in her life.
Too late, he realised who hed married.
David was a successful neurosurgeon, specialising in treating children. The private London clinic where he worked was the only one in the region undertaking the most complex operations. He had respect, professional satisfactioneverything, except for faith in family after such a bitter split. These days, only his two beloved dogs made up his family.
David gazed at the two photographs on his desk. The first was Daisy, his golden retriever, grinning slyly at him from the frame. The second was Robin, ever serious and thoughtful. David had rescued Robin, a stray, outside the hospital three years ago after a gruelling operation. His wife had complained endlessly about having a mutt in the house, but the little dog stayed with David.
That evening, David took his dogs for a walk in the local park. It was a warm July twilight; by the pond at the far end of the park, he let them off the lead and watched as Daisy and Robin dashed after a rubber bone, tails wagging, playfully wrestling. These moments brought David peace. He found a bench and sat, letting out a sigh of contentment.
His phone buzzed. Sarah messagedshe wouldnt be in tomorrow, as her daughter was unwell. As David slipped the phone away, his eyes swept the park for his dogs. To his relief, he spotted them: they were sitting quietly beside a small boy, who lovingly stroked Daisys back and patted Robin on the head, whispering secrets to them.
A broad smile spread across Davids face. His dogs had a knack for making new friends.
Not afraid of big dogs, are you? David called, settling on the grass beside Robin.
Hi! the boy beamed up at him. My gran says dogs are angels; they watch over us all our lives.
Thats very true, David replied, glancing at the boys pale features and the dark shadows beneath his eyes. This is Daisy, and this ones Robin.
Theyre very kind, said the boy, his hands moving gently along Daisys fur. You must be lucky to have two angels.
Would you like a dog of your own? David asked, noticing the telltale pinpricks of injections on the childs arm.
Mum and Gran wont let me said the boy sadly.
What about your dad? David was struck by the wisdom in the childs eyes, far beyond his years.
I dont have a dad. The boy met Davids gaze. Gran says hes a rascal
Youve slipped away from your mum? David guessed, scanning the park. Shell be worried, you know.
Theres a lump growing in my head, the boy said quietly, pointing a thin finger towards the sky. Mum cries every nightshes afraid of losing me. But I dont have an angel
What do the doctors say? David swallowed the tightness forming in his throat. Havent they recommended any treatment?
Theres a doctor here who could help, but we cant afford the bills, the child explained, holding Daisy tightly. Gran says hes no better than my dad since he refused to help us.
Your gran sounds a sharp woman, David chuckled, rather glad hed never met herher tongue was likely sharper than a scalpel. Whats your name, mate?
Oscar, the boy replied, meeting his eyes. Thank you.
What for? David asked, genuinely puzzled.
For your kind angels, Oscar replied, hugging Robin.
Oscar! Where are you? came a frantic womans shout nearby.
Thats Mum Oscar scrambled up and hurried off.
David watched the boy go, deep in thought. Daisy and Robin whined softly. Where Oscar had sat, a mobile phone lay forgotten on the ground.
*****
The next morning, David noticed Daisy had not come to wake him as usual. She lay quietly on the sofa, whimpering when he approached. Out on their walk, she showed little interest in playing. Concerned, David took her to the vets immediately.
She underwent tests and scans, and the diagnosis came the next day.
Im terribly sorry, Dr Williamstheres nothing we can do for Daisy, the vet said softly, handing over pain relief injections. This is all we can do to make her comfortable.
Surely theres someone who could try to remove the tumour? Davids voice was thick with desperation.
There is a specialist clinic in Edinburgh, but theyre booked months in advance, and Daisy needs help now, the vet replied, passing David a number scrawled on a scrap of paper. We called, but they said no.
Ill take the next available flight, declared David resolutely. Please keep her here under supervision until Im back.
There were no urgent cases at the clinic, so David took holiday leave and booked a ticket for the morning. He rang the Edinburgh clinic twice more, only to be told both times that the surgeon was fully booked. Bribes, pleas, generous offersnothing worked. Dejected, he returned home.
Just off the plane, he went straight to the vet cliniconly to be met with devastation.
Im so sorry. Her heart just couldnt take it The vet led him to where Daisys body lay.
Oh, my poor girl David wept, cradling her limp form, knowing she would never again look at him with those loving, faithful eyes.
*****
Daisy! David jolted awake, shouting her name. Beside him, Daisy and Robin lay guarding his bed, watchful after his outburst. Daisy licked his face consolingly, and David hugged her shaggy head in relief.
That vivid nightmare had brought crushing fear and helplessnessthe feeling hed lost Daisy forever. And Oscars thin, ailing face flashed through his memory, pale finger pointing upwards.
How must his mother feel, knowing help for her son is out of reach, even though it exists?
Youre luckyyouve got two angels! echoed Oscars words in Davids mind.
With sudden determination, David reached for his phone.
*****
David held a trembling golden retriever puppy in his arms. The little one, barely a few months old, nestled close in nervous wonder.
Dont be afraid, David whispered. Youre about to become an angel for a very special boy.
Robin and Daisy nosed about nearby. David had arranged a meeting with Oscar in the park instead of at the hospitalno need for cold formality. Hed gone through Oscars medical record; the boy couldnt wait for surgery.
Look, Mum! Its the angel man! called Oscar, voice thin but excited when he spotted David. Im so glad youre here!
David grinned and bent down to Oscars level.
Hello, Ive brought you a little angel, David said, surveying Oscars face. Would you like to accept my gift?
But Mum? Oscar looked pleadingly at the weary young woman just behind him. Please, Mummy?
Hello, Doctor Williams, she greeted quietly. You knowhes not supposed to be around animals.
The puppy can stay with me while Oscars in hospital, David said quickly. Please forgive me for refusing to see you beforewhen you came to the clinic.
Youre a busy man, she answered, turning away, but realising at last here was the man who could help her boy.
Bring Oscar to the clinic tomorrow; the surgery cant wait, David urged, placing the puppy in Oscars armseyes lighting up in joy. Think of a name for him while youre in hospital, all right?
He doesnt have a name yet? Oscar asked in amazement. But every angel should have a name
Thank you! tears of happiness welled in his mothers eyes.
And dont stop him from seeing animalstheyre the best healers I know, David smiled, watching as Daisy reached to give Oscar a big angel-kiss.
*****
Two Years Later
David and Veronica stood together, watching Oscar carefully balance a huge bouquet of white asters. It was hard to believe this lively boy had ever been the frail, stricken child David once met in the park. The operation had gone brilliantly, and Oscar had recovered fully. Max, the grown-up puppy, had been there to meet Oscar when he left the hospital and had become his closest friend.
I dont think Daisy, Robin, and Max will last much longer in the car, David whispered to his wife.
The assemblys nearly finished, Veronica replied with a gentle smile.
The headteacher does go on about the schools needs, doesnt he? David grumbled playfully. Oscars far too fidgety to stand still that long
Veronica smiled again. David had become a wonderful father to her son and showed him there truly were angels out there. Her dream had come true, almost as if she were living in a daydream. Her son was healthy and would grow surrounded by the love of his angels.
Every person needs an angel in their life. And sometimes, all it takes is courage and a generous heart to become one.
