Between the father-in-law’s anniversary mass and drinks with family in the pub, I thought I might read in bed for an hour. Only I heard a child’s voice in the sitting room, calling the dog’s name. My niece, sweet Siún, lover of animals. I teach her how to pet Sam, for she is both delighted and terrified by him, this wriggly, bright-eyed creature dark as night, sharp-nailed and toothy, who rarely does what you want him to do. You have to be calm, I said. Approach him gently. Touch him here, where he likes it best. Why do we keep animals in our homes? To remind us to be tender, I hope.
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