Theresa's World
Some times, Davy wishes he didn't have a sister. Like today when they're heading up to grandad's with the go-cart. His cottage is up at the top of a hill and they're still down at the bottom. Davy's sister, who said she'd push, while he pulled, isn't pushing at all. He tries to be patient. Theresa's Special. That's what grandad told him. She doesn't know about things the way other people do. Her world's a little bit different. All Davy knows is she's telling Blackie everything's going to be all right and Blackie's dead. Which just proves how Special she is, how much she doesn't know about things.Two cyclists cut across the grass looking worried and ask if they can help at all. They're on the way up the coast they say, but could try and ring someone on their mobile or give a hand. Davy knows they could. Knows they could push the cart with one finger they're so big and strong looking, and Blackie could be up the hill in no time. But he wants none of it.
Heat crawls over him like guilt when he sees how the men are staring down at the cart. As if it's all his fault that Blackie's dead. And they ask if something's happened and isn't it plain enough? Davy glances at his sister and back again at the men, willing them to understand that she doesn't know about things. And suddenly he wants to cry because the day's all gone wrong and he doesn't know how to mend it. 'It's grandad's dog, see,' Theresa chips in. 'He's going to make him better.' The cyclists do the thing that grown-ups always do when they notice Theresa. They smile at her. One of those smiles, like a pat on the head. A good girl and here's a sweet, kind of smile even though she's big now. And then, because Davy assures them that everything's all right, that he can manage, they go.
'Should've let them people help,' Theresa says. 'Should've let them ring up granddad. 'Just push. All right. And shut up. It's not their dog.' Davy catches sight of Blackie's dead eyes. How could he be so stupid? To go and die like that? What'll grandad say? What'll he tell Theresa to make her understand?
And the not knowing what's to happen next makes the cart seem heavier, Blackie's body seem bigger and makes the rope cut hard into Davy's shoulder.
Grandad's cottage overlooks the sea and the river going into it. He reckons it's the best place to be because it's near enough to the water for Blackie to have a good run and a swim, and far enough away when it's full of tourists. Blackie needs walking every day now because of grandad's legs and the reward is a pocket full of sweets and a chance to ride the go-cart down the hill, where it bounces and crashes over the bumpy grass. Davy stops to stretch his back and to see how far they have to go. Overhead two gulls scrape along the sky and for a second he watches them wishing he could fly like that and not have to worry about Blackie being dead. Soon be good as new, Theresa's saying into the dog's ear. Which only makes things worse because now all Davy can think about is grandad. Who reckons that he and the dog will grow old together and only this morning sat gazing into Blackie's face while Blackie sat gazing back at his and whining and wagging his tail. And his black and white paws did a kind of dance just to get closer to him.
To find out more 'Headlines and Other Growing Pains' is available for £5.99 from Biscuit Publishing, Amazon Books and Border Books Silverlink, North Shields.