Hey love, listen upIve finally sorted everything, dont start over now. I was staring out the kitchen window, fuming, when I heard you call me a traitor. Me?!! I shouted, absolutely livid, then bolted out of the room, slammed the door behind me, and flopped onto my pillow, drifting back to the old days.
It was summer, Id just turned fifteen. For my birthday Dad bought me that slick trick bike Id been dreaming about. I spent every afternoon racing the lads down the lane, totally forgetting that Dads own birthday was creeping up too. Then Granddad snapped me back to reality.
Jack, have you got Dads present ready? he asked.
Nope, I admitted, Granddad, what am I supposed to give him?
He chuckled, If youre up for it, Ill help. Well make it together.
For two weeks we whittled, sanded, burned, and fitted tiny gleaming hooks into a carved wooden key rack. I worked sidebyside with Granddad, almost forgetting about my new bike.
On Dads birthday he was in a particularly jolly mood, soaking up the compliments, patting my handiwork, hugging Granddad. Mum handed Dad a snazzy new shirt, joking that if she werent his amazing wife, he could even marry the shirt. She teased him with a towel, saying shed never seen such a bright white light.
We were all gathered around the garden table when Dad suddenly announced, Now, dear ones, forgive me, but Ive made a present for myself toofinally fulfilled a childhood dream.
He bolted to the shed where the tractor was stalled, came back with a woven basket. I glanced inside and my mouth fell open: a chunky black puppy was snuggled up, fast asleep.
Meet him, this is Rex.
Mum, giving Dad a pointed look, could only mutter, Well, youve really outdone yourself, love!
Dad beamed, his grin as wide as a kids, his nose crinkling at the sight of the pupimpossible not to love him. I was over the moon.
Rex grew fast, turning from a tiny Staffordshire terrier into a sturdy, broadchested dog with a calm, optimistic temperament. He adored Dad above all, as if Dad were the centre of his whole world, but he also loved the rest of us. Id chase him around, Mum would lounge at the kitchen table while she cooked, Granddad would sit with us when we came home, and Dad would watch TV with a content sigh. Id do anything for Dad, follow him everywhere, and once I even pulled him out of a serious scrape.
One evening Dad was strolling Rex through the old park near the house. It was late, the streets were empty, and, oddly enough, he let the dog off the leash. Rex darted into the hedges for his business, while Dad ambled along, occasional whistling to keep the pup close.
He was lost in his thoughts when two shifty blokes slipped onto the path from the shadows.
Alright, mate, you got a light or some cash for a cig? one rasped.
Ive got neither, Dad said peacefully. I dont smoke, dont owe anyone.
Got anything else? the other jabbed.
Nothing, Dad replied calmly.
One of them sneered, You look like youve got a bite, youll see.
Just then Rex burst out of the hedge, black as midnight, massive and impressive in the moonlight. The lads froze, eyes wide.
Come here! Dad called, scooping Rex onto the leash and said, Off you go, boys, so no trouble. Ive got nothing to give you, and I wont waste my time worrying about a dog.
Later, I thought to myself, If they knew Rex wouldnt bite a fly, Id be in a pickle. But I knew deep down that sweettempered Rex would never turn on Dad. Hed only falter oncewhen Dad fell seriously ill with leukaemia four years ago. I was eleven then.
Rex never left my side after that, just like hed stayed by Dads. It was as if hed sworn to guard his little owner forever. I broke down in tearsnow Im fifty, Mum met a German bloke a year ago, and Ivan (the son) never came back. Were all grown, knowing we cant bring Dad back. The German fellow, Klaus, is decent, treats me well, but two months ago he developed an allergy to dogs. At first it was nothing, then he started wheezing whenever the whole house was together. Mum started pressing me to give Rex away.
I couldnt believe it, but I clenched my teeth and began looking for a family that could take him in. Yet every time I looked at Rex, tears welled up. No one was willing to adopt a dog like him. Granddad couldnt take him eitherhes too frail now to look after a big Staford.
I wont send him to a shelter! Granddad declared after another heated chat. Rex cant be there! Hes ours!
Mum, Klaus is ours now too. Hes family, Mum whispered, fighting back tears. Is a dog more important than a person? More than me? More than Klaus?
Mum, dont be mad. Yes, Klaus is dear, but Rex is my familyDads, yours, mine. I choked on the words. Mum, lets move in with Granddad. We wont be a bother. Well stay out of your way.
Mum snapped back, And what am I supposed to do, juggle two homes, work, and keep the household afloat?
I stared at the key rack hanging in the hallway, the leash looping over it, and said Id figured it all out. Thats when Mum called me a traitor.
Liddell, Granddad said over the phone that night, let Jack stay with me. Well manage the house, weve done it before. Itll even be a help for me.
Exactly, Liddell, Klaus added, youll be a great helper for Granddad. No need to split up the dog.
The lock clicked, the narrow corridor filled with Rex, and I burst in with my sports bag.
Everythings sorted, Granddad. Mums out, Klaus helped. Well all live together now!
Rex snorted approvingly and shuffled back to his favourite spot by the TV.
Later, Granddads voice crackled over the line, a bit hoarse, Jack, Im not feeling right. My hearts heavy. How long more?
Dad, why didnt you call sooner? Im on my way! I shouted, sprinting home. By the time I got there, an ambulance was already at the door, and Mum was sitting beside Granddads bed.
Thanks, Margaret Sergeevna, for looking after him. Im on my own now. We all gathered with Rex, the black Staffordshire, waiting for the paramedics.
A young nurse in a light blue coat knelt, holding the leash, Dont worry, Rex wont bite.
Im not scared, she said, stepping into the room, eyes flicking to the dogs serious stare.
Its serious, love, Doctor Ivan Alexeyevich said, examining the heart. Well need medication, maybe an infusion. Do you have anyone who can do that at home?
No, I replied, theres nobody.
He sighed, I wouldnt recommend the hospital either. Maybe Ksyushaour neighbourcould help?
Ill pay, I said, trying to keep calm, Im studying at university and parttime working, after all.
Ksyusha smiled, Ill come over, as long as Rex doesnt chew me.
Rex wagged his tail, stuck his tongue out, and gave Ksyusha a quick lick. I promised, Ill run to the shop, get everything you need, and leave the key with you.
Just call me Ksyusha, not Mrs, I joked. Im Ivan, like Granddads nickname.
She laughed, Alright, Ivan.
I dashed to the pharmacy, brewed Mum a tea, then headed out for a walk with Rex.
Granddad asked when I got back, Did you like her?
Ksyusha? Yeah, shes sweet and offered to help. He grinned.
Sounds like a good girl, I replied.
Ksyusha started visiting Ivan Alexeyevich as promised. Id see her off when I left, with Rex trotting behind. She was no longer scared of his fierce look. Our walks grew longer, and we spent more time together.
A year later, little Ruby was born. Rex, ever protective, stayed by her side from the moment she arrived, never leaving her side afterward.
He swapped his favourite spot by the TV for the nursery, kept a watchful eye over Rubys crib, growling if she woke up crying, and sniffed her tiny fingers. When we went for walks, he guarded the pram like a tiny knight. At eleven months old, Ruby would clutch Rexs leash, wobbling forward on her first steps. The old dog, now fifteen, moved slowly with her, ears perking up whenever she let out a highpitched squeal.
Granddad seemed younger too, riding his bike with a grin, rarely leaving the house except when Id join him for a wander.
Id often pull Ivan Alexeyevichs arm for a chat on the front step, while Rex curled up at my feet. One afternoon I called out, Ivan, I need to pop into the shop, fine? Ruby was still napping, only a few minutes left.
Go on, Ksyusha, dont worry, Ivan said, smiling. Well manage with Ruby. Jack will be here any minute.
I tried calling Jack, but his phones off. Were out of milk and the diapers are done, I added.
Ksyusha, dont nag me. Youre worrying way too much. Take it easy.
Ksyusha rushed off, and Ivan settled on the sofa, turning the TV down so we wouldnt wake Ruby. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain behind his sternum, breath shallow, eyes dimming. He tried to sit up, but collapsed back onto the couch. The medication on the bedside table was out of reach.
Rex barked once, leapt onto the couch, licking Ivans face, his paws on the blanket.
Ruby started to cry, then laughed, running into the next room. Rex trotted back to the couch, the owner still unmoving. The Staford let out a short bark, looked puzzled, then the door swung open as Ksyusha hurried in, slamming it shut behind her.
Dont be scared, love, she said, trying to keep calm. Well get help.
I sprinted to the pharmacy, bought everything, and ran back. By the time I got home, the ambulance was already there, and the paramedics were lifting Ivan onto a stretcher. Ksyusha held Rex close, his eyes soft, his tail thumping gently.
Mum, tears streaming, whispered, Youre all right, love. Well get through this.
And as the door swung shut, Rex stood tall, eyes bright, ready to guard his family through anything.
