Don and Beady
Don, Donny, come on, eat at least a little! And youve not even touched your water Havent had a sip, have you? Oh, what am I going to do with you?
Clara settled down beside her dog on the step. The large German Shepherd lifted his head, but then flopped it back down with a mournful sigh.
I know you miss him… I do too! If only you knew just how much I miss him! Clara gave a shaky sniff but quickly pulled herself together.
Don always seemed to know how she was feeling. From when he first arrived in their home seven years ago, Clara could always count on hima listening ear, without pointless questions, without pressing for details, and most importantly, without giving unhelpful advice. Hed just sit close, lick her tears away, and when shed calmed, fetch his favourite toy and his lead. That was their cue to get out for a long walk. Dad would call it airing out your mind.
It was Dad whod once brought home the clumsy, big-eared, goofy pup.
Meet Don. The papers say something else, but youd twist your tongue trying to pronounce it, so Don hell be.
Mum was horrified at first while Clara was in fits of giggles as Don sat in the hallway turning his head this way and that, clearly confused by this strange new place.
Therell be no peace in this house now Mum had sighed, heading off to fetch a cloth, while Dad winked at Clara with a grin.
Not bad, is he?
Hes perfect, Dad! Why?
The doctor recommended long walks and positive energy for me. Two birds, one stone. You know Ive always dreamed of having a dog.
I know.
Its good to act on our dreams, love. I think its time.
Now, Clara was certain it was Don who gave her father so many more years than anyone expected. The doctors had said he didnt have a year left. Always healthy and active, Dad was shocked when, after looking over his results, the consultant shook his head.
Theres nothing good I can tell you, unfortunately
But Dad didnt dwell on how little time he was given. He changed a few thingsgave up smoking, avoided the saunabut otherwise lived as before. He pottered about the garden, caring for his treasured roses and apple trees, taking long walks, and devoted time to training Don.
A dog should be trained and sharp, not spoilt.
Clara sighed. Dad prepared Don for everything except his own passing. The night her father died, Clara woke to the most agonising, eerie sound shed ever heard. It took her a moment to realise Don was howling. Never before or since did he make such a sound. There was so much pain in it Clara knew instantly what had happened. She rushed to her parents room. Mum, her eyes dark and unseeing, whispered, Clara, take the dog away
As soon as Don heard her, he fell silent, watched her for a moment, then curled up by Dads bedside.
He wont leave, Mum. Please let him stay. He loved Dad too
The next few days blurred into a nightmaresometimes racing past too fast to understand, sometimes dragging so unbearably slowly she wanted to scream to make it stop.
They chose not to move back into their city flat but stayed at the cottage.
I cant leave yet, Clara, just cant. He still feels close here Mum would say.
Mum! Clara hugged her, truly worried about her health. Mums headaches had returned, and shed spend her days lying in a dark room, clenching her teeth to stifle groans. Shed always had migraines, but she forbade herself from letting them show while Dad was ill. Now, the pain that couldve been stretched over years seemed to bear down on her all at oncecrushing, numbing, and exhausting.
Clara hovered, not knowing how to help.
Dont worry, Clara. This will pass. It all will.
But when? Clara wanted to shout, but she bit her tongue, knowing how fragile her mum was now.
Don spent all his time on the porch, barely entering the house; he wandered the garden from time to time. Suddenly, one day, he came in and took up his place by Mums bed. No matter how Clara coaxed him, he refused to move. He spent four days there, refusing food. He drank only when Clara brought water in the bowl Dad bought years ago. On the fifth morning, Mum woke surprisingly refreshedher head clear. Shed slept at last.
She swung her legs off the bed and nearly jumpedsomething furry and warm beneath her feet.
Don! You scared me! What are you doing here?
The dog lifted his head, meeting her gaze with something in his eyes Mum couldnt quite put her finger on. She reached down and stroked his big forehead.
Thank you
She tottered to the kitchen where Clara found her, sitting on the veranda steps biting into a sandwich. The bread was almost stale, and all there was for topping was mustard, but somehow, nothing had ever tasted better.
Mum
Clara, this is a shambles! Not a crumb in the pantry! What have you been eating? And what about Don? He must be starving!
He wont eat, Mum, no matter what I try
Don, lying by Mums side, let out a disgruntled huff and shut his eyes.
Thats how he always is.
Dad would give us a telling off for this Put the kettle on and see if theres any meat left in the fridge. Lets make him some fresh stew.
Now both women tried to get Don to eat, but it was hopeless. When they pushed too hard, Don got up and, head low, wandered into the garden. Clara and Mum exchanged looks.
We have to take him to the vet. We cant lose him, Mum said, getting to her feet. Get the car out, Ill be quick.
While Clara fiddled with the gate, Mum dressed and went to call Don.
Don! Donny! Come here, boy!
Silence. She stepped into the garden, following the winding paths her late husband had once so carefully laid. The apple trees, bending with fruit nearly ripe for picking, were his pride this year. Mum shook her head, forbidding herself to dwell on things that could not be brought back.
A rustle by the raspberry bushes stopped her. Don stood, grumbling, by a low fence, growling at something.
What is it, Don? A rat? Or a hedgehog?
Don gave a sharp bark. Mum peered closer. Something was in the long grass, but what, she couldnt tell.
Well, if it was a rat, it wouldve scarpered by now. We can handle anything else, eh? She stepped over the low fence and pushed aside some grass.
Oh! Just what we needed! she exclaimed.
A kittenabsolutely tinywas huddling in the grass. Blind, squeaking softly, it pushed at her palm. No wonder she hadnt heard it earlier. Don shuffled back in surprise as Mum gently held the kitten out for him to sniff.
Whats wrong, eh? Scared of this tiny thing? Hes no threat to you, Donny. But what do we do with him? Still blind, he is.
Don grumbled, sniffed the kitten, then froze as the little one headbutted his nose, searching for warmth. Mum chuckled at Dons startled face, bringing the kitten closer.
What do you think?
Don sniffed once more and, to her surprise, gave the kitten a gentle lick.
All right then. Lets see what Clara makes of this.
Clara gawped as her mum approached the porch with the odd entourage.
Mum, I lost you Whats this?
Don found us some trouble, Mum said as she placed the kitten on the step. Don positioned himself beside it, carefully grooming the tiny thing, keeping it warm.
Well, what now?
No idea. Well have to figure something out for feeding him, though looks like hes found himself a nanny.
The kitten became everyones salvation. Don perked up and, after a firm telling-off from Clara, finally began to eat again.
If you want to play the father, youd better eat up! she said, nudging the bowl. Parents need their strength! How are you going to raise a child when you can barely stand already?
He got up sheepishly as the kitten crawled to the bowl. He growled protectively but then let her eat first.
Oh, father instincts have kicked in, eh? Well done, Don! Clara couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief as Don finally tucked in. She realised with a shiver that but for that fluffy scrap, they might have lost him.
Mum took charge of night feeds, insisting Clara focus on university deadlines and her dissertation.
“You get sleep and study. Ill manage the babyeven if she is a kitten.”
The kitten grew rapidly and soon it was clearshe was a little girl.
What should we call her? Mum asked, feeding the kitten who was wedged on her lap as Don tried to nudge his ward away for playtime.
No idea Clara fiddled with the turquoise bracelet Dad once gave hernothing costly, just a string of tiny beads she now wore always. Suddenly the thread snapped and beads scattered. No! she cried, nearly in tears.
Dont worry! Well string them onto a stronger thread. Oh, Ive got it! Beady! Perfect name for a cat, dont you think?
Don, realising feeding time was over, scooped up his adopted daughter and dragged her back to his bed. Settled there, he began washing the drowsy kitten.
Whod have thought a big serious dog could become such a doting father?
Me neither! Clara gathered up the last bead. Mum, will you find me a better thread later
She never finished. Don bolted for the garden.
What is it? Mum said quickly, following her.
Dons barking led them to the biggest apple tree, beneath which several boys crouched, frozen, their legs tucked up, afraid to move.
Don leapt up, barking furiously at the intruders.
Don! Here. Quiet!
The boys gawped as the dog obeyed immediately and sat calmly.
Hes smart mumbled the grubbiest one.
Of course he is! Now, what are you all doing here?
The boys looked at their feet. At last, the first boy mumbled, Your apples are tasty.
Well, they would be. But theyre not ripe yet?
Theyre still good. Especially with salt
Clara smiled and took Dons collar.
And you werent worried about the dog?
We watchedhe hasnt barked in ages. Just lies on the porch all day.
So you were spying on us? Clara frowned.
Not youjust the dog. Whats his name?
Don. You coming down, then?
The little thieves all shook their heads.
Dont worry. He wont touch you without my say so, and Im holding him.
Come down! Mum called. Its too early for apples, but when theyre ripe you can pick some. For now, how about some fresh buns and jam? Deal?
The boys tumbled out of the tree in a rush. Soon Don unexpectedly found himself mobbed by grubby hands for a pat, but he mellowed.
Can I stroke him?
Not scared anymore? Clara smiled. Go ahead.
The gang made quick work of Mums entire batch of raspberry jama small pot, thanks to a poor harvest, yet seeing the boys munching buns so enthusiastically, she just smiled and topped up their tea.
Eat up, lads!
Whats that? young Matty, the first to speak, nodded to Beady, who purred, snuggled in Dons embrace.
Oh, Dons rediscovered fatherhood.
Nice cat! Looks like Mrs. Raines Molly.
Oh, so thats where she wandered from, Mum noddedMrs. Raine was their neighbour.
Shell never take her kitten back now, Matty said wisely, Smells of dog now.
Don wont give her up anyway, Mum grinned. Had enough to eat?
Yes, thank you, Mrs. Parker! the boys chirped. Can we come again?
Of course! Just dont expect more jam, Im afraid.
The buns are lovely, Matty declared, giving Don another pat as he dashed away. Were off for a swim!
Its freezing out!
We dont mind! Were tough, eh, boys?
Mum and Clara watched them head down the lane, laughing together. Early next morning, Don barked twice, fell silent, then odd sounds came from the yard. Mum, wrapped in her shawl, stepped onto the porch and laughed. The entire gang, led by Matty, was weeding between the paving slabsDads old job they’d let slide.
Morning, Mrs. Parker! Any buns today? Matty grinned.
There will bebuns with currants for such good helpers!
The boys became familiar faces at Mums cottage. School soon started and Clara began staying more in the city for her studies. Mum made bread in the mornings and waited for her helpers after lunch to work in the garden and drink tea. Discovering Matty struggled at school, she offered to help his mum tutor him.
After all those years teaching, why let it go to waste?
Olive, I cant afford a tutor said Mattys mum, awkward.
Did I say a word about money? Dont, love. With all Mattys been helping us, its the least I can do!
Matty wasnt keen at first, but after his first top grade in a spelling test, he stopped complaining.
Beady grew into a fluffy, pretty cat, racing about the house and garden. Don couldnt keep up, but he loved her fiercely, never growling when she nosed his bowl. Clara often joked to her mum, Isnt it strange how she arrived just when everyone needed hera real guardian angel in fur?
Autumn came in full and Mum started thinking of returning to the city. But thats when Clara, blushing, announced that Jamesher old school friendhad finally plucked up the courage to propose.
Its good Dad finished the cottage, isnt it? You two keep the flat, Ill make this my home with Don. Well be all right!
Mum, alone?
As are many. Its not just a summer village, plenty of friendly faces live here year-round. Its a short way to town. Youve got your car; we have phones. Dont go borrowing trouble where theres none, love!
Clara and James had a small registry office wedding at the end of November, and by Christmas, Mum learnt shed soon be a grandmother. As she prepared dinner, she sang happily.
Don, take Beady away before I step on her! You two, out for a walk! Mum shooed the animals out into the snowy garden. Breathing in the fresh, crisp air, she paused. Yesterdays snow had turned the garden into a Christmas card. Watching Beady bounce through drifts, Mum laughed.
Don, keep an eye on her or well never find her!
She hurried inside to find the kitchen still in chaos. With duck in the oven, she swiftly shaped the savoury buns her son-in-law loved.
Mum adored James. Brought up by his grandmother after losing his parents, he carried a calm and gentle spirit. When Clara announced, in Year Five, she was going to buddy up with James, Mum was genuinely pleased. She hadnt predicted it would come to marriage, but back then shed already thought hed make a fine son. Jamess grandmother died a few years before, and he drew even closer to Mum, seeing her as family.
Watching Matty, Mum sometimes compared him to James, recognising the same kindness and determination.
Youll become a fine man, Matty, if you keep at it, mark my words.
You really think? Matty asked shyly, still sticking out his tongue while concentrating.
I know, love. Now lets see that essay.
Mum enjoyed marking his writingamazed at the ideas bursting from him, even if sometimes they galloped a bit wild. But seeing him try so hard, she always cheered him on.
Thats brilliant, Matty! Just brilliant!
Just as she put the buns in to bake, Don started barkingstrange, angry, the bark he saved for strangers. Mum glanced out and saw him leaping and snarling at the gate.
What on earth? Don! Stop that! Whats going on? She hurried into her old slippers, shawl around her shoulders.
As she reached the gate, she froze. Don was alone. Beady was nowhere in sight.
Flinging it open, she saw the reason. In autumn, James and Matty had mended the fence and added boards at ground level so the kitten couldnt squeeze out. But clever Beady found her own escapea low apple branch that sagged over the fence. Don tried to stop her, but she zipped up the tree and accidentally tumbled into the road when fresh snow slipped her off the branch.
Mum just managed to grab Dons collar as he lunged to protect Beady, holding him back with all her strength while desperately searching for a way to save her. Beady, pressed against the fence, hissed at a pack of stray dogs closing in.
No, Don! Theyll tear you apart! she whispered, clutching him desperately.
Don was choking, trying to break free, when suddenly a snowball flew in, smacking the meanest dog on the snout. Then came another, then a whole volley, until, confused and shocked, the dogs scattered. Next something else flewsetting off a loud bang. Don finally broke free and shielded Beady, growling at the leader until the stray dogs took off.
Matty hauled himself onto the fence, with another snowball in hand.
Dont you mess with our Beady! he yelled after the stray dogs.
Heavens, Matty! Thank goodness! Mum leaned on the gate, knees trembling. What on earth are you doing here?
We were letting off firecrackers! Its New Years Eve, after all! Dont tell my mum, shell be cross!
At the end of the lane, a car rolled into view. Matty grinned.
Im off! Look, Claras here. Buns again tomorrow, Mrs. Parker?
Napoleon cake! And anything you like! Bring your mates and well welcome the New Year together! Ohand Matty
Yes? Matty paused, ready to leap down.
Thank you!
He nodded and disappeared. Mum watched as Don gently dragged Beady back into the garden by her scruff.
Im getting your daughter a harness! Useless at discipline, arent you, father?
All night, the shaken, quiet cat stayed glued to Dons side, ignoring even her beloved Clara. Only towards morning, as Clara finally drifted to sleep, did Beady creep onto the bed, curl up beside her, and nestle against her belly. Clara, arm over her husband and hand on the cat, slept deeply, not noticing Don slip in and settle beside the bed.
Two years later, Mum stood stirring jam on the stove and peeked into the garden where Clara and Matty gathered apples.
Still asleep? she asked Clara, poking at the bubbling pot.
Fast asleep.
Shall I have a look?
No need, Mum. Both nannies are on duty.
Clara reached for another branch while Mum reduced the heat and wandered to the veranda. Her granddaughter slept soundly in her pram, arms flung wide. Beady purred gently curled beside her, and Don lay stretched out on the warm boards. He raised his head, eyes questioning.
Its all fine, Don. Let her sleep.
She ruffled Don’s ear, stroked Beady to a louder purr, tucked the babys blanket securely, and smiled.
And so the seasons brought new joys. Sometimes, when we fear were breaking, its the smallest, most unexpected thingslike a stray kitten or a friendly handthat bring comfort, remind us to hope, and teach us that kindness, above all, makes a house into a home.
