Chapter 4
“She just cries all the time. I don’t really like playing with her p>
“Do you want her to leave?” Camilla asked softly p>
Jasper thought for a second, then shook his head. “No, Mom. It’s okay, I’ll just ignore her p>
His father had talked to him a few times before. Davina helped Dad when he was little, so now it was Jasper’s turn to be kind to her. Even if he didn’t actually like the little crybaby that much, it never seriously crossed his mind to make her leave.
Jasper had always been wise beyond his years, acting more like a mini adult than a little kid. Sometimes, he’d even try to comfort Camilla when she was upset.
Camilla asked again once or twice, wanting to be sure, but when she saw Jasper didn’t really mind Daisy being around, she decided to let it drop.
After lunch, Jasper tugged on her hand, eyes bright. “Mom, remember you promised that if I got first place in math at school, you’d get me a puppy? Does that still count p>
“Of course it does,” Camilla smiled. “But before we bring a puppy home, you have to promise to take care of it. No forgetting about it after the first three days like it’s another toy, okay p>
Jasper nodded right away. “Don’t worry, Mom. I remember what you said. A puppy is a life. If we buy one, we have to take good care of it p>
“Exactly.” Camilla squeezed his hand. “So, should we go pick one out right now p>
She’d never broken a promise to Jasper, not once. That same afternoon, she took him straight to the kennel.
Jasper fell in love with a tiny West Highland Terrier. The puppy was still too little to go home, so the kennel would keep it for another month.
Jasper was a little bummed when they left and kept asking when he could finally bring the puppy home. Camilla promised she’d take him to visit every weekend, which seemed to cheer him up.
When they got back, Daisy ran over to greet them, tugging at Jasper’s arm. “Jasper, where did you go today? Next time, can you take Daisy with you p>
Jasper gently pulled his arm away, not saying a word in reply. Daisy didn’t seem to notice, just kept chattering next to him as they walked inside.
Camilla watched them for a moment. Since it looked like there wasn’t any drama between the kids, she headed upstairs to get some work done.
She got so caught up, she barely noticed it was getting dark until she heard noise downstairs. She caught a glimpse of Barnard hurrying out, Daisy in his arms, and Davina close behind. Both of them looked tense, worried. They didn’t even see Camilla as they rushed out the door. The car engine faded into the distance.
Camilla found Susan and asked what was going on.
“It’s Daisy,” Susan explained. “She’s been sneezing nonstop. Barnard got back, saw her like that, and insisted on taking her to the hospital for a check-up p>
Susan could never resist a bit of gossip, and with no one else in the kitchen, she leaned in, dropping her voice. “Barnard really dotes on Daisy and Davina. You remember when Jasper hit his head last time? Barnard wasn’t nearly this frantic p>
Her words echoed exactly what Camilla had been thinking. She knew Barnard felt indebted to Davina, which was fine, but lately, it seemed like he cared more about Davina and Daisy than about his own son.
Noticing the way Camilla’s face had changed, Susan quickly busied herself with chores, leaving Camilla alone with her thoughts.
Camilla kept glancing at the clock, feeling restless. The minute hand inched toward ten.
Barnard still wasn’t home. He called to say Daisy had to stay in the hospital and that Davina needed help, so he would be staying with them for the night.
Before hanging up, he told her, “Camilla, don’t wait up. Take care of Jasper at home p>