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I let him work in peace and only ask now and then,

“How much longer?”

“Can’t you go and play?” he says.

“No. It’s boring by myself.”

“Call next door. I’m sure Karli will play with you.”
“Karli’s gone to stay with his grandma,” I say.

“She has a dog.”

I’ve wanted a dog or a cat or even a mouse
for absolute ages, but Dad says no.

I ask again anyway. “Can I have a pet?”

LERNER

Dad looks as if he’s thinking about it.

“Can I?!”

“If you did have a pet … would you play with it very quietly

and not bother me until I finish my work?”

“Yes!” I shout.

Dad gives me his wallet and tells me to watch out for traffic.