Basilisk
Mum… Sarah murmured, the word heavy with exasperation, after receiving a rather weighty Shakespeare tome directly to her forehead. Even the little mischief-maker Basilisk paused for a breath, peering at her with vivid curiosity before resuming his parade along the bookshelf above her bed.
The book, an old hardback that had once belonged to Sarahs grandmother, had toppled to the floor, its pages bristling indignantly in the faint draft as if rebuking such careless treatment.
Yes, it was foolish putting a shelf above the bed. And Mum did warn me… I shouldve listened! Sarah rubbed her forehead, anticipating a spectacular bump exactly where the battered classic had struck. Why is it we only realise parents are usually right after weve walked headfirst into disaster? Wouldnt it be nice to learn without all the bruises?
Basilisk, taking all this in, perched at the end of the shelf, scratched his outrageously large ear, and, with no more warning, leapt straight down onto Sarahs stomach.
Pride alone kept Sarah from screaming. What sort of pet owner was she, letting a cat provoke a meltdown in three minutes flat? Not even his recordBasilisk usually managed it quicker.
Grabbing the pleased and purring cat by the scruff, Sarah peered into those monstrous green eyes, giving a gentle tug to his ear.
Ive got a late morning today, you little tyrant! And why on earth did you touch Nanas book? Why drop the beacon of English literature on my head? Do you think Ill get cleverer by osmosis? Unlikely. Thats itIm offended! No more story time for you.
The cat feigned utter shock before trailing his warm, raspy tongue over Sarahs hand.
Oh, butter wouldnt melt! Off you go, then! Since Im up already, lets at least walk to the café. I didnt get to the shop yesterday, and were out of coffee.
Basilisk, unceremoniously evicted from the bed, sprawled out on the rug, watching Sarah, idly prodding the fallen book.
Dont you dare! Sarah swatted the brazen paw away and snatched up her treasure. Thats my favourite! Nana would read it to me nearly every night as a child. Not that youd understand. What would a cat know about the magic of English poetry?
Basilisk gave her such a wounded look that Sarah almost pitied the relentless troublemaker.
Oh, come on! I know you enjoy stories tooespecially the ones with cats. Dont give me that tragic face. I didnt wake you up!
Sarahs mother had given her the catalready knowing Sarah would soon be alone. Shed asked her old neighbour, Mrs. Price, to fetch the kitten from the rescue centre, and later handed Sarah the scruffy, big-eared bundle herself.
Youll pick the name.
Mum! You always said no pets indoors.
And now Im all for it! Look how sweet he is! So sociable, toosang to us all night, he did. Youll never be lonely.
Mum!
Dont start, Sarah! Its for the best.
Naming the black, scrawny beast became a group affair, and it didnt take long for Basilisk to liven up life for Sarah, her mum, and even the neighbours, whomiraculouslynever complained about his nightly sprints or his disregard for anything resembling peace.
In time, Sarah grew to appreciate what her mum had done for her. Basilisk was a talker, always demanding company, never letting Sarah wallow or weep for long before pulling her back into the moment. Even now, the verbose creature coiled around her feet, getting in the way as she dressed.
Old jeans, t-shirt, battered trainers. That would do. Sarah only dressed up under duress, weddings being the rare exceptionher cousins had been just the other day. The memory made her grimace.
Time you thought about settling down, love! she mimicked her aunt Margarets nasal twang. My Ellieso clever, so pretty! Not a moment wasted. And youSarah, really! I promised your mother…
Sarah chucked a blanket onto the bed in annoyance before collapsing after it.
Enough already! They always drag Mum into it… As if marriage was the only thing in life!
Basilisk cocked his colossal ears and sneezed suddenly.
See! Even you agree with meso Im not making it up!
For a moment, Sarah cheered up, but a glance at the feline sphinx at her feet restored her frown.
If you werent a cat, Id think you were laughing at me!
Basilisk rumbled in reply and dashed about the room with manic delight.
Youve done enough chaos for one morning! Sarah returned the book to the shelf and reached for the harness. Come here!
Basilisk was well-versed in this procedure, obligingly allowing Sarah to kit him up for one of their frequent walks. No one in the neighbourhood batted an eyelid at the sight: the tousled-haired girl and her gangly black cat, strutting side by side. Even kindly Mrs. Price, her mums old friend, had stopped fretting aloud.
Hes awfully skinny, Sarah. Do you feed him at all?
Auntie, he eats like a horse! Thats just his breednever puts any weight on, no matter what Mum used to say.
Just like you! So refined, so svelte! Mrs. Price would bend down, scratching the cats magnificent ears and grinning. Those ears! Honestly!
Really? A family trait? Sarah would reach self-consciously for her ear, laugh, and swat Mrs. Price away.
Oh, Im just sayingyou both have lovely ears! Drop in this evening, wont you? Im baking, and Ellies got an essay due. Can you help?
Of course! Tell her to write it up, Ill check it.
Sarah often helped Mrs. Prices granddaughter, Ellie, with schoolwork. The orphaned girl lived with her gran now and clung to Sarah as though she were an older sister.
Im alone, youre alone… Sarah, could we stick together?
Ellie, savvy far beyond her years, avoided sad topics with her gran.
She just ends up crying, and then she looks so terribly old.
Oh no, Ellie, youve still got a young gran!
Thats what you think. She seems old when she cries. Like shes given up. Sarah, Im scared. What if something happens to her? Will they send me away?
Nonsense! Nothing will happen to your gran, Ellie! Dont go panicking.
But what if it does? Mum and Dad werent ill… and now, theyre just gone. Ellie would watch Sarah so intently it unnerved her.
Sarah knew what happened to Ellies parentsshe just couldnt fathom such neglect. She and her mum had been the first to discover that young Ellie had spent two days alone with her parents after a fatal overdose. Theyd taken turns caring for her at the hospital while Mrs. Price sorted out guardianship. Ellie stayed with her gran, and Sarah picked up a small, always-tangled shadow.
Am I in your way? Sometimes, when Mrs. Price was on nightshift, Ellie would snuggle beside Sarah. Can I sit here?
Sarah would wrap Ellie in a blanket, hug her close, and carry on reciting history or geometry out loud until the child, lulled by dates and theorems, fell asleep instantly. Often, Mrs. Price would come to fetch her but end up leaving her on Sarahs roomy sofa.
Its a shame to wake her…
No need. Let her sleep. Ill take her to nursery in the morning. Get some rest, Auntie.
Later, Mrs. Price would credit Sarah for rescuing Ellie from the nightmares that plagued her that first year.
She screams at night. If I wake her, she wont settle.
She sleeps peacefully here.
Because youre her anchor, Sarah.
What do you mean?
You give her calm. I should be that for her, but for some reason, she chose you. How do I thank you?
No need. As long as Ellie finds peace.
The chance to repay Sarahs kindness came far too soon. When her mother fell ill, Sarah was lost.
Dont be scared, Sarah! Im here! Mrs. Price, a theatre nurse, divided all the care with Sarah. Just study, love! Your mum worries about your future. Get accepted where you plannedthats the best medicine for her!
Sarah managed not only to get a place at university but finished first year with flying coloursall before her mother slipped away. Mrs. Price organised everything, holding Sarahs hand through the paperwork and the funeral.
Im with you, love. Well get through this together.
Sarahs only aunt, Margaret, didnt show until the ninth day after the funeral, having politely excused herself until then. Sarah, swollen from crying, could hardly understand what was expected.
Youll come stay with me. The flats hugeplenty of space. Much brighter, too! Could do with a spot of decorating.
We couldntMums treatment was expensive.
I know, love. Thats why I sayyoure better off with us. We are your family.
Thank you, Aunt Margaret, but I want to stay home.
As you wish. I cant visit often, thoughyoure very young, so take care. Theres all sorts about. Just think on it.
Sarah refused, only later realising she was wise to do so. What her aunt intended for the flat she might never have guessed, if Mrs. Price hadnt been sharp as a pin.
Sarah! Dont even think about it! Dont let anyone move in, or youll lose the place!
But why?
Just dont, love. Listen to me, please. Wait and see.
And Mrs. Price was right. Within months, Aunt Margaret returned with her own daughters housing woes.
Youre both girls, both at uni. Wouldnt it be easier for Ellie if she lived heremuch closer for lectures. Big flat, you wont bother each other.
Sarah, stunned, barely replied. But Mrs. Price, popping in for a quick favour, intervened with a smile and a fib:
Sarah, why didnt you tell your aunt youre marrying? How can you two live together? Wouldnt your David mind? Oh, Margaret, such a nice lad! From a good family! Im so pleased for our Sarah; so would her mum be… Mrs. Price dabbed away a tear.
Sarah, why didnt you tell her? Shed have been thrilled for you!
Sarah, mouth agape, was left reeling.
Shes just shy, Mrs. Price confided. Grown up so fast, bless her heart. All study and work; no one to help. Her mum would be so proud!
Margaret left in silence. When Sarah finally closed the door behind her, she looked to Mrs. Price, bewildered.
Sarah! Dont give me that look. It was necessary!
Ive heard that before… Who on earth is David? Sarah fought a laugh as Mrs. Price looked shiftily away. Lying wasnt her strong suit.
Oh, anyone, loveI made up the name on the spot…
Thanks… I think!
Oh Sarah, you girls need more love and care. It shouldnt have to be me, but Ill do what I can!
The local café, to Sarahs dismay, was closed.
Brilliant. Now what about breakfast? she asked Basilisk, who was watching her intently. No coffee here. Well have to try the shop. Mrs. Price must be off to the hospital alreadyno, wait, shes on nights. Thats odd, why isnt Ellie with her?
Before she finished, Basilisk suddenly pulled on his lead and dashed off, forcing Sarah to spin around after him.
What she saw rooted her to the spot.
Mrs. Price, bedraggled and red-eyed, was running along the pavement in her slippers, shouting after Sarah.
Oh thank heavens I found you! Sarah, its Ellieshes missing!
Air just vanished from Sarahs lungs. She tried to breathe, faileduntil Basilisk bit her toe just hard enough to bring her wide awake.
Missing? How?
I came home after nightshiftshe wasnt there! Didnt come home at all! Bed untouched, schoolbag missing. Sarah, you know Ellieshed never! What do I do? Wheres my little girl?!
Hysteria was taking over, so Sarah slapped Mrs. Price gently and hugged her close.
Auntie, well find her! We have to get to the police. Andlet me think. Come on!
Scooping up Basilisk, Sarah practically sprinted, then thrust the cat into Mrs. Prices hands.
Keep hold! Tight! Or hell bolt and well have two to find! I need to make a call!
Mrs. Price clung to Basilisk like a life raft. He mewed in protest but didnt struggle, wrapping his long legs round her neck.
Within an hour, a crowd had formed outside the police stationSarahs fellow students, acquaintances, even a couple of teachers. Everyone shed been able to reach.
A short, sharp lad braked at the steps, chained his bike, and handed out stacks of posters with Ellies photo.
Come here! There may not be enough for everyone, but dont go out alone. Ill split you up by areakeep in touch with me, Sarah, or David by phone. David! Over here so people know your face!
A tall, awkward boy waved, perched at the bottom step.
Search anywhere a child might hideattics, garages, sheds. Ask dog walkers, call out for her. Its early, but some will be home. Rememberspeed matters. She may be frightened or hurt. No family row, alls welljust find her! Good luck.
Mrs. Price, having aged a lifetime, sat down heavily on the steps as Sarah steadied her.
My legs wont hold me…
Sarah sank beside her, rubbing her shoulder.
We need to go home, Auntie.
No! How could I go home without Ellie?
What if she comes back? And finds no one in?
Mrs. Price looked at Sarah, then hoisted Basilisk under her arm and tried to stand.
Youre right! Come onmaybe shes there and Im just sat here like a lemon. She must be starving!
Sarah nodded to the others, arms around her neighbour, helping her home.
Thats it! Easy does it. Basilisk! Come on, then!
But Basilisk ignored her, limp in Mrs. Prices grip, legs dangling, ears twitching.
Suit yourself… Sarah muttered, checking the time.
Ellie had been gone too long. Even if shed stayed at a friends last night, she should have let someone know. Sarah had already called the school; she hadnt been in.
At the crossroads, Sarah abruptly turned, pulling Mrs. Price with her.
Where are you going, Sarah? Homes this way!
Were staying closelets just try the school on the way. Someone might have seen her. Or you go home and Ill ask around…
No, Im coming! Mrs. Price gathered Basilisk more securely. Lets hurry!
Hurry was optimistic. Mrs. Prices legs buckled, dark spots danced before her eyes, and Basilisk now felt impossibly heavy. She paused, about to give the cat to Sarah, but he violently wriggled free and shot under the fence to a building site nearby.
Basilisk! Stop! Sarah dashed after, grabbing the dragging lead.
He wriggled through a gap in the fence, vanishing.
Auntie!
I dont know how he got loose! Sarah, over theretheres a gate! Thats the way in! Mrs. Price clutched her chest.
Im not leaving you! Here, lets sit on that bench. Do you have your tablets?
In my pocket…
Settling Mrs. Price, Sarah pulled out her phone.
Should I ring 999?
No! Weve got to find Ellie! Just give me a minute to catch my breath. You go, find the cat. Maybe he hasnt gone fargrab him quickly, then well carry on.
Despite everything, Mrs. Price was soothing Sarahclassic Auntie, heart racing out of control, but more worried about the cat.
Ill ask the groundsman to keep an eye out and leave my number, okay?
Mrs. Price nodded, exhausted. Shed failed. As hard as shed tried, shed failed. Ellie was a sensible girl, but still a child. She shouldnt have left her alone, not even for one night. She should have taken a safer job ages ago. Why did she listen to Ellie, insisting she was old enough now?
Gran, what could possibly happen? Ill do my homework then go to bed.
Ill worry if youre here alone. Best if you stay at Sarahs.
Shell never have her own life at this rate! Im not her responsibility.
Mind your manners.
Sorry, didnt mean it. But Sarahs an adult. She needs her own space! I dont want to keep her from living. She helps us enough already. Really, Im old enough.
No, youre not. And Ill worry. You cant even ring me if Im in theatre.
No need to. Just keep working! Were grown-ups, arent we? Lets act like them. Dont worry, Im responsiblearent I?
But Mrs. Price couldnt argue. Ellie really was responsible for her age. She walked herself to music lessons and always excelled at school.
Why did she listen? Where was Ellie now?
Mrs. Price wept quietly as Sarah dashed off to talk with the nightwatchman, then suddenly sprinted away, the groundsman following. Silence fell.
Mrs. Price wiped her tears, determined to stand, but sat hard as she saw Sarah dash back with the groundsman running afterholding, to her disbelief, a shaken but alive Ellie.
Sarah reached her first, swung Mrs. Price from the bench and shouted:
Ambulance! Ellie, love, its all right! Well look after Gran!
Paramedics revived Mrs. Price, then rushed Elliewith a broken legto hospital.
Later, at home, while stroking Basilisk curled up next to her, Ellie tearfully recounted how she ended up at the site.
We were walking home, Gran, and these boys started throwing stones at a dog with puppies. She lives on the building siteIve told you before. We always fed her from our lunches. Shes a mum, too, she needs food! But the boys scared the puppies, and one ran away. We searched for ages… I fell in the trench, honest! It was dark, I didnt see it. Whats it called, Sarah?
A trench, love.
Yes, right. I called out for ages but nobody heardjust me there. The sites empty except the nightwatchman.
How did you all get in?
Theres a hole in the fence. We had to find the puppy! I called until I lost my voiceit was so cold… The mother dog found me, sat by the edge howling until nearly dawn. Basilisk heard her! Then he led Sarah to mehe wasnt scared, even with all those dogs. He couldve been hurt, but he saved me!
I dont get it. Where was the watchman?
No idea. I was alone for ages. Gran, please dont be angry.
Oh, Ellie! Never again will I leave you alone. Youll be on a lead like Basilisk so I can always find you!
All right, I dont want to be alone again. I was so scared…
Sarah thanked everyone whod helped search, gave a phone number to a blushing David, andafter leaving Basilisk with the neighboursheaded home. Mrs. Price sat by Ellies hospital bed for hours, stroking her hair and whispering lullabies. Ellie slept soundly, her dreams guarded by her own unlikely angela cat called Basilisk.
But does it matter what youre called, when you do what only angels can? Perhaps you lack wings, but you have speed for rescue, claws for defence, and ears tuned to those who love you. Thats enough to keep everyone you care for safe and near.
