Thanks for Dad
– What did the police say? whispered Helen as Mum put the phone down on the table.
– Nothing encouraging, Margaret took a sip of water, They said its too early to panic, that we have to wait at least 24 hours. But I can feel it I just know somethings happened!
*****
– Mum, hi! Is Dad still here or has he gone? called Helen, bustling into the flat with a Victoria sponge in her hands.
– Hello, darling. Hes already gone. I did tell you its his last day at work today, and theyre having a do for him, celebrating his fiftieth and his retirement. You know, he really couldnt have missed it.
Shame Helen felt a pang of disappointment.
– He promised to be back by lunchtime, though.
– Thats all right. My David should be here by then too. The whole family together. Why dont we lay the table in the meantime?
– Of course, love. Help me cook a bit, Im not sure Id cope alone today. But first, lets sit down for a cuppa. The kettles just boiled Ive even got some of those éclairs you love. Fancy one?
– Absolutely.
Mother and daughter sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea, tucking into éclairs, chatting about the weather and Dads milestone birthday 50 today.
Everything felt lovely, but
Margaret noticed there was something on Helens mind. It was as if she wanted to say something, but couldnt bring herself to.
Her heart gave a little twist.
– Are you all right, darling?
– Is it that obvious? Helen gave a sheepish grin.
– Rather. Nothing youd like to share?
– Actually, yes. But dont get worked up, Mum. Its good news.
– Oh? Well, out with it, then!
– David and I have decided to give you our allotment. The one we bought last year.
– What do you mean, give it to us?
– As a real gift, from the heart. Davids done it up theres a proper little house on it now. Youll be comfy the whole summer.
– But what about you two?
– Oh, well just come to visit! Its just, we realised we cant look after it properly Helen paused and gave a mysterious little smile.
– Why not?
– Because you and Dad are about to become grandparents. In eight months or so.
– Really?
– Really!
– Oh my goodness, Helen! Im so happy! Wait until Michael hears.
Margaret got up, rushed over, smothered her daughter in hugs and kissed both her cheeks at least three times.
– I wanted you both to find out together, but I didnt expect Dad to go so early.
– Never mind, hell be back soon, you can tell him. And for now, she glanced at the clock, lets crack on and get cooking.
– Lets do it!
And so the pots and pans clattered, knives tapped on the wooden boards you know how they say two women in the kitchen is a recipe for disaster, but not for Margaret and Helen. They worked as one, made everything theyd planned, and set a banquet-worthy spread.
Roast chicken, homemade fishcakes, creamy mash, three kinds of salad.
Margaret glanced at the clock as she sat down:
– Weve even finished early!
– Well, four hands get it done twice as quick! Helen laughed. Why dont you ring Dad, see how long hell be?
– Good idea.
– Ill call David while you do.
Helen fetched her bag from the hall, and Margaret picked up her mobile.
She listened to the beeps no answer. She tried again; same result. Frowning, she checked the time. One question swam round her mind: Why isnt he picking up?
She suddenly realised he was meant to call when he got to work, but hadnt. A chill ran down her spine.
– Davids on his way, should be here in an hour! Helen called as she came back. What about Dad?
– Still not answering.
– Hmm. Bit odd.
– Very strange. Ive rung several times and it just rings and rings. Thats not like him. He didnt even call when he got to work, and he always, always does. Why isnt he answering?
– Maybe give his boss a ring? Tell them to let the birthday lad go home, his familys waiting!
– Ill try now.
Margaret wasnt usually one for drama, but she just couldnt shake the feeling something was off. Michael never ignored her calls, even when he was up to his eyes, always saying nothing mattered more than her, and that he didnt want her worrying.
Especially today of all days.
Then again, thought Margaret, maybe hes finding it hard to say goodbye. Theyre seeing him off into retirement, and hes given a quarter of his life to that job
– Hello! a mans voice broke her thoughts.
– Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson? Its Margaret, Michaels wife. Just wondered when youre letting him home were waiting for him! Our daughters here, and my son-in-law will be soon.
– Oh, hi Margaret! Well, if Im honest, Ive no idea where he is.
– Sorry?
– Weve been waiting for him too. We rang, but no answer.
– He hasnt turned up? Margarets hands started to shake.
– No, not yet. But were still hopeful. If he shows up, please tell him were expecting him. Wont keep him long, but it is tradition. Let us know if you hear anything?
Margaret nodded, phone clutched tight, then looked at Helen.
– Helen, he hasnt even been to work. No ones seen him, hes not picking up… Where on earth is he?
– All right, Mum. Take a deep breath. Lets try together to get through.
*****
Michael left his block of flats, nodded hello to the old ladies by the bench, and wandered down to the bus stop like hed done most days for the past twenty-five years.
Today, though, he was going not to work, but to collect his P45 and say goodbye to his colleagues.
Hed seen so many others off into retirement, and now it was his turn.
He hadnt slept last night tossing and turning, taking a few drops of Rescue Remedy, but nothing helped. Hed grinned broadly for Margaret at breakfast, but didnt mention a thing about feeling so unwell didnt want her fussing. Itll pass, he always told himself.
He left early, didnt want anyone to notice.
Standing at the stop, thinking about what hed say at his leaving do, he realised his heart was racing. And the packed bus that turned up looked stifling he worried he might faint.
He decided to walk; the weather was fine and he had time. Fresh air usually helped.
He didnt phone Margaret, thinking hed call once at work, as promised.
But he never made it. He wasnt far from the centre of town, cutting through a little park most people avoided in the week, when it hit him like a vice on his chest.
He managed to sit on a bench, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie, gulped in cold air. No idea how long he sat there, just knew he was getting worse.
He didnt want to worry Margaret, but when he knew something was very wrong, he finally reached for his phone.
Ring Margaret, then ring 999, he thought.
But his hands shook so much, he dropped his phone it skittered under the bench and he just couldnt reach it. Pain stabbed at his chest everything went blurry.
The only thing he had time to think was, So much for my big birthday, so much for retirement… I wont even get to say goodbye.
*****
Margaret took a few drops of heart medicine, then tried Michaels mobile yet again. Beep beep nothing. Helen must have called him a dozen times too.
Then David arrived, and the three of them sat at the festive table, barely speaking, just waiting.
– What are we doing? Margaret jolted herself. We need to call the police. Maybe they can find him?
Helen and David nodded they all knew Michael wouldnt just disappear.
Hed been a fireman, brave as anything, often in critical situations, and time out of contact meant there had to be something serious wrong.
– What did the police say? Helen asked quietly after the call.
– Nothing much, Margaret took another shaky sip of water. They just said we have to wait a bit longer. But I know, I know something’s happened!
– Then well look ourselves! Helen said, determined.
– Yes, youre right. Hed have got the bus near here, so well start at the stop and ask around… And ask the bus drivers.
– Mum, let David and I do it. You stay in case Dad comes home phone the hospitals, just in case. Not trying to scare you just being careful.
– All right, darling.
Helen and David shot off, while Margaret, trembling all over, started ringing round the hospitals.
Let him be all right she whispered, making the sign of the cross.
*****
Michael was still conscious, but fading fast. He could barely move, and speaking was nearly impossible.
– H-h-help he tried to call out as two women hurried past.
They looked at him in disgust and turned away.
– Another drunk, muttered the first.
– Yeah, off his face before lunch and cant get home, sprawled out on a bench… Filthy.
Tears trickled down Michaels cheeks. All those lives hed saved, animals too, and now he needed help and nobody cared.
Why today, of all days?
Seconds later, he heard barking loud and right by his ear.
He felt paws on his chest, something wet on his chin: A dog! Theres a dog, so maybe theres someone close by to help.
He forced his eyes open and saw a grey old terrier. Oddly, he recognised it from somewhere.
Suddenly memories flashed. A house fire he saw flames, his team carrying people out and then a loud barking at a smashed window.
Is there a dog left in there? Michael had asked a survivor.
– Yes! We didnt have time to get her too dangerous.
– Why didnt you say? Michael had snapped, then dashed straight into the burning building despite the warnings.
Hed rushed out coughing ten minutes later, a dog in his arms. As he handed her to the weeping owner, hed locked eyes with the terrier and felt its silent gratitude.
Back in the present, everything faded black.
– Woof! Woof! the dog barked furiously, licking Michaels face.
He recognised his rescuer. Now the dog wanted to help him.
– If you can Michael could barely whisper. Get someone… anyone help.
And then Michael passed out.
But the terrier understood. He ran, barking madly, towards the road.
He dashed up to a student outside the newsagents, a woman and child at a zebra crossing, a man with a newspaper, but nobody paid any attention. Most just shooed him off, thinking he was trouble.
*****
At the bus stop, Helen and David got nowhere. No one had seen Michael; not even the drivers. Helen clutched Dads photo, asking everyone nothing.
Every minute counted, so they kept searching: the off-licence, corner shop, even local gardens.
Still no sign.
Running past the park, Helen suddenly heard wild barking.
She stopped dead an old dog was barking frantically at passers-by, only to be chased off with walking sticks or shopping bags.
– Whats up? David asked, jogging up.
– I dont know That dogs not just barking for the sake of it. I think hes trying to tell us something I cant explain call it a feeling.
The dog met Helens gaze with desperate, pleading eyes.
– Helen, where are you going? David called, but she was already heading towards the dog. He danced around her, then bounded back towards the little park. Helen, trusting her gut, sprinted after him, with David close behind.
Five minutes later, they found Michael sprawled on a bench, pale but breathing.
He was alive.
– Dad! screamed Helen, lifting his head, slapping his cheeks to keep him conscious. David, call an ambulance!
*****
Paramedics arrived quickly and rushed Michael to the nearest hospital with a cardiology unit.
Helen, stroking the scruffy terriers ears, organised David to pick her up as soon as possible. She phoned Margaret to explain, promising to call back with news.
– Your fathers lucky, the doctor said when he came out of A&E. Lucky your lot found him. Half an hour more and thered be nothing we could do.
– Will he be all right? Helen mopped her eyes.
– Hell make it.
Helen walked outside to find David with the dog waiting. She knelt down and hugged the animal.
– Thank you, boy Thanks for saving Dad.
– Hes wearing a collar. He must have an owner.
– Maybe, but we cant just dump him back on the streets after today. Hes family now at least until his owners turn up.
– Of course, love.
*****
A few weeks later, Margaret, David, and Barry (the name etched on the dogs tag) waited outside the hospital. The doors opened at last and out came Helen and Michael.
Barry wagged until his whole back end wiggled, darting to meet Michael with delighted yelps.
– Dad, its thanks to him youre still here. Hes given you the biggest birthday present of all your life.
– Thank you, mate, Michael managed a tired grin, bending to stroke the terriers head. But hang on, where are his real owners? I swear I saw them once.
– We tried to find them, even put notices online, but no-ones come forward.
Margaret wrapped Michael in a tearful hug.
– Thank you for coming back to us.
– Sorry I didnt say how rough I felt this morning, love. Thought I could handle it.
– Shush now. Lets go home and celebrate your new birthday.
*****
As for Barry, Michael did his best to track down his family even popped round to the house that had burned down.
But it was empty. Neighbours said the family had moved away, left the dog behind. Nowhere for him to go.
So, Barry stayed.
He went with Michael to pick up his redundancy papers, pottered with him at the allotment, and, when the time came, sat in the car as Michael and David brought Helen and her newborn twins home.
– Congratulations, Grandad! Helen beamed. Youve two granddaughters now!
– Im over the moon, darling!
– Woof woof! barked Barry, delighted for his people.
Life found a new groove for Michael: brighter, fuller, richer. And to the end of his days, hed always thank Barry for giving him life itself.
