3
The next day, after Buddy’s check-up, I made a special trip to the toy store and a bakery, loading up on actior figures and a box of egg tarts.
Michael picked me up, and it was only then that I learned he owned a sprawling penthouse apartment in the city center. Because of his crazy work schedule, his son spent most of his time there alone.
“Patrick’s grandparents aren’t in the best of health these days, so they can’t look after him anymore,” he explained. “I have a nanny who comes by regularly to cook for him.”
“Patrick? That’s a nice name.”
“His mother picked it.”
I fell silent.
Michael parked in the underground garage, took the bags from my hands, and led me toward the elevator.
‘Patrick’s still young. I know it might be a lot to ask, but he’ll need you to look after him.”
‘I came back yesterday and cleaned the whole place up…”
His words died on his lips. He pushed the door open to reveal a living room that looked like a warzone.
Patrick was sitting alone on the sofa, methodically stuffing a small cake into his mouth.
‘Patrick!”
Michael’s face flushed with anger. Patrick stared blankly at Buddy for a second before scrambling off the couch and bolting into his room, slamming the door shut behind him.
Michael looked exhausted, apologizing profusely.
The door was locked tight. No matter what Michael said, Patrick wouldn’t open it.
It would take time for the nanny to come and clean up, so Michael and I sat on the sofa, making small talk.
“He claims he can hear cats and dogs talking,” Michael said, his voice low. “He also said a dog found a new mommy for him.”
“But don’t worry,” he added quickly. “I’ve taken him to a child psychologist. They said it’s nothing that will affect his daily life.”
Since I talk to Buddy all the time, I didn’t find Patrick’s claims particularly strange.
He was only five. His dad had just brought home a strange woman. Acting out to claim his territory seemed
Chapte
perfectly normal.
Just as I was trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between us, the door to his room creaked open, just a
crack.
His eyes met mine for a fleeting second before darting away. The moment he saw the nanny arrive at the front door, he slammed his own door shut again.
He was afraid of her.
