“How do you know he’s telling you the truth? He could just be using you. He could be a middle-aged man. He might come over here and kill you!”
“Dad! That’s not going to happen. We’ve known one another for ages. I’ve seen his face. He’s seen mine. I trust him and I want to help him.”
“You and your soft heart. Does he know your address?”
“Yes. I told him he could stay with me.”
“For crying out loud. In your tiny bedsit? There’s barely enough room for you. No room for another bed—oh. Right.” He sighed. “But you don’t know him. He can’t work until his application for asylum is accepted. It could take over a year. You’re going to support both of you on your irregular earnings? You’re not thinking straight.”
“Because I’m providing a place to live, he’s entitled to a little income from the government. Around fifty pounds a week. That will help. I’m going to do this. It’s the right thing to do. He’s clever. He’s scared. And I like him. He just needs a chance.”
“What does he do—what did he do in Afghanistan?”
“Computer engineer. He can volunteer to run courses until he’s allowed to work here. His English is perfect. As good as mine.”
His dad heaved another dramatic sigh. “I want to meet him after he arrives.”
“I’d like that as well.”
“Come and help yourself to spaghetti.”
Kaden was glad his dad had dropped the subject. He didn’t want this time with him to be spoiled. While they ate, Kadenpractised a few of his comedy routines. Still on the subject of pets. Hamsters this time. They were given such cute names but their bite was vicious. Kaden had been frightened to touch Sugar for weeks and had sat in a bath with him every day to let him run over his body. An empty bath. That made his dad laugh. And with his hands over his crotch. That made him laugh too.
“I need to get a book from my room before I go.”
“They’re all still there.”
Kaden headed up the stairs. He sighed when he went into his bedroom.
What’s wrong?
“Lots of memories. Some good. Some not so good.” He walked over to the shelf of books, mostly ones he’d read as a teenager but a few from his childhood read to him by his mum.
He pulled out one slim picture book. “I used to love this one.The Gruffalo.” Then pushed it back. “I sat here and did my homework. Not a good idea to have a desk looking out onto the garden. It was distracting.”
But beautiful.
“Dad hasn’t changed much. Not even the Star Wars duvet cover.” He chuckled. “Seen enough?”
You need to take a book.
“Oh yes.” He picked outLie in the Darkby Dan Fesperman and took it downstairs.
Kaden told himself not to hug his dad too tightly when he left, but he was afraid he did.
“Please be careful,” his dad said. “I almost wish you were still with Harris.”
Kaden had his face in his dad’s shoulder so fortunately his expression was hidden. He had time to plaster on a smile before he pulled back.
“Don’t forget to let me know what your Year Sixes think about aliens.”
“I won’t. Have a good night. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye, Dad. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Kaden couldn’t remember the last time he’d told his dad he loved him. He should say it more often. If he got the chance. He headed for the bus stop.
