Authors: Malorie Blackman

Snow Dog (2 page)

“In the garden?” Nicky’s mum was horrified. “Where it could dig up my tulips and my pansies and my roses? Are you crazy? I don’t think so, poppet.”

And Mum rushed off to work.

“Dad, can I have a dog
please
?” Nicky pleaded, as Dad came downstairs.

“I’m afraid not, precious.”

“But why not?” Nicky was trying not to cry.

“Because, my apple dumpling, your mum and I work during the day and you’re at school, so who would look after it?” said Dad.

“I would when I got home from school,” Nicky replied eagerly. “No, honey muffin. Dogs need to be exercised regularly – through rain or shine, snow or hail. You’re too young to take a dog for regular walks and your mum and I are too busy. It just wouldn’t work.” Dad rummaged through the notes and letters on the hall table looking for the shopping list. “Ah, there it is!” Dad tucked the list into his shirt pocket.

“Couldn’t we try, just for a while?” Nicky pleaded.

“No, angel lips. I’m sorry, but no.” And Dad headed out of the door to do the shopping.

Tears started to stream down Nicky’s face. Grandad, who had been watching everything from the living room, came out into the hall holding the biggest hankie she had ever seen. Grandad’s hankie was almost the size of a tablecloth!

“Never mind, Nicky. Use my hankie to dry your eyes. Don’t worry, it’s clean!” And Grandad dropped the whole thing down on Nicky’s head. It covered her face like a huge and very floppy hat.

“Grandad!” Nicky laughed as she pulled it off. “I haven’t got twenty eyes spread out all over my head!”

“That’s my girl,” Grandad grinned. “Cheer up, treasure.”

“Oh Grandad, I wish you lived closer so that we could see you more often. Then maybe Mum and Dad would let me have a dog – if you could be here to look after it,” Nicky sighed.