That Morning, Michael’s Breathing Grew Worse. “Nikita, I Don’t Want Your Medicines—Just Let Me Say G…

That morning, Michael James felt even worse. He was gasping for breath.

Nicholas, I dont want anything. None of your medicine, nothing. Just, I beg you, let me say goodbye to Buddy. Please. Take all this stuff off me

He nodded toward the drips attached to his arm.

I cant go like this. You understand, dont you? I just cant

A tear rolled down his cheek. Nicholas knew that if he disconnected everything now, getting Michael out of the ward might be impossible.

A group of blokes from the ward had gathered around.

Nicholas, surely there must be something you can do? He shouldnt go out like this

I know, I know But this is a hospital. Everything has to stay clean.

Oh, stuff that Look at him. The man cant even say goodbye.

Nicholas understood really, he did. But what was he supposed to do? He stood up. He could do anything. To hell with this argument, to hell with his dads company. Let them sack him if they wanted. He spun round and caught Annes eye. He saw admiration there.

Nicholas darted outside.

Buddy, please. Youve got to be quiet. Maybe no one will notice. Come on, lets go see your master.

He was about to open the door when someone stepped in his way. It was Emma Edwards, the matron.

And just what do you think youre doing?

Miss Edwards Please, Im asking, just five minutes. Let them say goodbye. I know what’s at risk. Sack me if you like.

She was silent for a moment. Who knows what was going through her mind, but at last she stepped aside.

All right. Ill face the sack too, then.

Buddy, come on!

Nicholas dashed through the corridors with Buddy at his side. Ahead, Anne opened the door to the ward. As if sensing something important, Buddy bounded aheadone leap, anotherand there he stood, upright with his front paws on Michael’s bed.

The ward fell silent. Michael opened his eyes. He tried to raise his hand, but it was tangled in tubes. With his other hand, he yanked them free.

Buddy! You came

The dog laid his head gently on Michaels chest. Michael stroked Buddy once, twice. He managed a smile and the smile lingered. His hand slipped to his side. Someone whispered,

The dogs crying

Nicholas came to the bedside. Buddy really was crying.

Its all right. Come on, mate. Lets go

***

Nicholas sat on the low garden wall outside while Buddy disappeared into the bushes to lie down. One of the men from the ward, whod once given up his sausages for someone else, came over and offered Nicholas a pack of cigarettes. Nicholas nearly said he didnt smoke, but shrugged and took one.

Anne sat beside him, eyes red, nose puffed up.

Anne Todays my last day.

Why?

At first, I was here because I had to be. Then I wanted to show Dad I was capable He was going to give me the business. But its not about that. I cant do it anymore. Im heading home. Ill tell him straightyour son’s a failure. Sorry, Anne

Nicholas left. He handed in his resignation, packed his things. Anne watched from the window as his Mercedes pulled up to the front. He got out, opened the passenger door, and walked over to the bushes. He said something to Buddy, walked back to the car and leant against it, waiting. After a few minutes, Buddy strolled over, looked deep into Nicholass eyes, then leapt up into the car.

Anne started crying again.

Youre not a failure! Youre the best!

***

A few days later, Anne saw a man who looked very much like Nicholas walking alongside the head doctor. She shot down the stairs and flew outside.

Are you Nicholass father?

The head doctor looked at her in surprise.

Anne, what on earth?

Wait, Dr. Charles, sack me later if you must! Is it you?

Vadim Oliver, just as surprised, looked down at the little woman with charming freckles.

Yes, thats me.

You mustnt! Dont you dare think Nicholas is a failure! Hes the only one who was brave enough to let someone say goodbye to their friend before dying! Nicholas has got a hearta real soul!

Anne spun and hurried back inside. Vadim Oliver grinned.

Quite something, isnt she?

Dr. Charles replied,

What can you do? Shes a good girl, but you always get the truth from her!

And is that so bad?

Its not always easy

***

Three years went by.

A whole family stepped out of a lovely house. Nicholas was pushing a pram, while Anne held the lead of a huge, well-groomed dog. They reached the river and Anne unclipped Buddys lead.

Buddy, dont go far!

With great bounding leaps, Buddy was off to the river. A couple of minutes later, the baby in the pram started to fuss. Instantly, Buddy came bounding back.

Anne laughed.

Nicholas, I dont think well need a nanny. Whats the rush, old boy? Sophies only lost her dummy.

The baby settled again. Buddy peered into the pram, and having satisfied himself that all was well, leapt away chasing butterflies once moreAnne tucked Sophies blanket, smiling as Nicholas squeezed her hand. The river sparkled in the late afternoon sun, just as it had three years ago when everything changed. Buddy waded into the shallow water, tail wagging, barking with joy at a pair of swans. The laughter of his new family echoed out across the lawn, warm and bright.

Nicholas glanced at Annethe stubborn, brilliant woman who wouldnt let him give up. Taking in the sight of Buddy circling back to them, Nicholas felt a peace hed never known running a business. Sophie giggled, clutching her toy dog, reaching out toward the real one as Buddy came to nuzzle her tiny fist.

Thank you, Nicholas whispered.

For what? Anne said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

For not letting go until I finally learned what truly matters.

Buddy barked once, loud and proud, as if agreeing. The breeze stirred, soft as a promise.

As the sun dipped low, man, woman, child, and dog turned homeward. And if you happened to see them from across the rivera family stitched together by kindness, loyalty, and a shared leap into the unknownyou might say youd witnessed something rare and precious.

Youd be right.