Forty Nine

Freddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Fre……..ddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Freddie Fre……..ddie
‘Sometimes I wonder what you think about George? Or whether you have any thoughts at all’.
I have a great variety of thoughts Pips since you ask. Just now, for example, I was thinking about Freddie. I have a very active mind and……. wait a minute. Why have we stopped?
‘We’re just going to wait here for a while’.
Here? At a bus stop?
‘Don’t look at me like that George. It’s been a wonderfully long summer and it’s been months since we’ve caught the bus but it’s raining and it’s November so don’t start’.
What has a long summer got to do with it? The weather is no excuse Pips, none at all. I do not wish to take the bus to work as I have told you on numerous occa/
‘Look George! There’s Terry with Freddie. They may be coming to catch the bus too’.
Freddie! Freddie!
‘George. How are you? Not waiting to catch the bus I hope’.
Of course not Freddie. We’re just sheltering from the rain.
‘Good. Always remember we are of the canine variety of species and we must never compromise ourselves by travelling on public transport’.
I wouldn’t Freddie. Certainly not. Never, no. I promise.
‘Hi Philippa’
‘Hi Terry’.
‘You on your way to work?’
‘Yes. Normally we walk but today we’re/
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! Look at me! Round and round and round and round… up and down up and down, LOOK AT ME!
‘George?’
Watch me Freddie. See how high I can jump.
‘George calm down’.
I can jump this high!
‘Careful George’.
See Fre/…….
‘George? Oh my God. George?


‘There. He’s just beginning to focus now. Can you see? He’ll be as right as rain in no time’.
‘George?’
Pips?
‘What did I say George? I said ‘be careful’.
‘He may be a little unsteady on his feet for a while because he could be feeling sick. It’s quite normal with concussion so nothing to worry about. Just let him rest. Whereabouts is your work? We can call a cab for you if you’d like’.
‘Really? Well yes, that would be great’.
‘Just tell Ruth at reception on your way out and she’ll call one for you’.
‘OK. Come on George. Let’s carry you….. Thanks for everything’
‘No problem. No more jumping up and down at bus shelters eh George?’
‘We’ll try not to won’t we?’
‘Goodbye George’.
Where’s Freddie?


‘Nadine hi, it’s Philippa. We’ve finished at the vet’s and are in a taxi on our way in…… he’s fine but my God I was really worried. He smacked his head on the bus shelter and knocked himself out cold…. Just lay there……. No he’s on my lap………OK I’ll pass you over. George, Nadine wants a word with you’.
…..Freddie I have to rest. I’m feeling dreadful…..
‘He’s still a bit subdued. Is Simon in yet? …… What? He said that?.... ..… Well he didn’t do it on purpose for God’s sake! Accidents happen occasionally. None of us are perfect!’