The Friend I Sold: Grandpa’s Tale of Loyal Companionship, Hard Times, and a Hard Lesson Learned

A Sold Friend. Granddads Story

And he understood me!
It wasn’t fun, and I realised it was a foolish idea.
I sold him. He thought it was a game, but then he realised Id really sold him.
Every time is different for everyone, isn’t it? To some, a shiny all-inclusive holiday is hardly enough, while others would be happy with just a crust of bread and a bit of sausage.

Our lives were different back then, ups and downs all along.

I was a little boy. My uncle, Uncle Richardmy mums brothergave me a sheepdog puppy, and it made me overjoyed. The puppy became attached to me, understood half my words, looked into my eyes and waited, waited for me to give him a command.

Lie down, Id say after waiting a bit, and hed lower himself, gazing up faithfully as if ready to give his life for me.

Serve, Id command, and hed jump up onto his chubby legs, swallowing hard, pausing for the treat he hoped Id give him.

But I had nothing to reward him with. We were struggling ourselves.

Those were the times.

Uncle Richard, the one whod given me the puppy, said to me one day,

Dont fret, lad. Look how loyal he is, how devoted. You could sell him, then call him backhell come running. No one will see you. Youll get a few quid, buy yourself and your mum and even the pup a treat. Listen to your uncle, I know what Im saying.

The idea actually appealed to me. I didnt see then that it was wrong. An adult suggested it, after alljust a bit of mischief, plus Id get to buy some sweets.

I whispered to Loyalmy pupinto his warm, shaggy ear that Id hand him over, then call him back, and he should run back to me, away from the strangers.

And he understood me!
He barked as if agreeing.

The next day, I put on his lead and took him to the local station. Everyone sold things thereflowers, cucumbers, apples.

As people poured off the train, the buying and haggling began.

I stepped forward, pulled Loyal up beside me. But no one came near at first.

Almost everyone walked by, but then a man with a stern face came over and said, Well, lad, what are you waiting for? Meeting someone, or are you perhaps hoping to sell your dog? Solid pup, Ill take him. He shoved some pound notes into my hand.

I handed him the lead. Loyal looked around, sneezed cheerfully.

Go on, Loyal, go with him, mateoff you go! I whispered, Ill call you, and you come back. And he walked off with the man, while I hid, watching where he was going to take my friend.

That evening, I brought home bread, sausage, and some sweets. My mum questioned me strictly,

Did you steal these from someone, or what?

No, Mumjust helped folks with their bags at the station, they paid me for it.

Well, thats good, son. Eat up, then off to bed, Im worn out.

She didnt even ask after Loyal. To be honest, she never really cared about him.

Uncle Richard stopped by in the morning. I was getting ready for school, though really I wanted to dash out and call for Loyal.

Well? he chuckled, Sold your friend? He ruffled my hair. I pulled away and didnt answer.

I hadnt slept at all. I hadnt even eaten the bread and sausage; it was stuck in my throat.

It wasnt fun; I saw how foolish the whole thing had been.
No wonder Mum never liked Uncle Richard.

Hes a foolish one, dont listen to him, she would say.

I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the house.

The house I was after was three streets away. I ran the whole way without stopping.

Loyal was behind a high fence, tied with a thick rope.

I called him, but he only looked sadly at me, head resting on his paws, wagging his tail, trying to bark but his voice gave out.

Id sold him. Hed thought it was a game, and then realised Id really betrayed him.
Just then, the owner came out into the yard and hissed at Loyal. He tucked his tail between his legs and I knew things were bad.

That night, I was back at the station, helping with bags. It didnt pay much, but I earned what I needed. Scared as anything, I went back to the gate and knocked. The man Id seen before opened up.

Oh, its you, lad. What are you doing here?

Sirplease, I changed my mind, and I handed him back the money hed paid for Loyal. The man squinted at me, then silently took the cash and untied Loyal.

Go on then, take him, he misses you. Hell never make a guard dogand take care, he might not forgive you.

Loyal looked at me, head low.

Our little game had turned into a real test for us both.

Yet, he came over, licked my hand, and nuzzled his nose into my stomach.

Years have gone by since then, but I learnt a lesson: never, not even as a joke, should you sell a friend.

Mum was delighted, though.

I was exhausted last night, but then I rememberedwheres our dog? Im used to him. Hes part of us now, Loyal!

Uncle Richard hardly visited us after that; we never much liked his sort of jokes.

In the end, you realise some bonds are worth far more than a bit of money and a treat. True friendship is something you should never trade away.