Moved by You by Katrina Liss

Author:Katrina Liss
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Katrina Liss

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We spend a long while at Jim's house, discussing the arrangements. There's a list of things a mile long to do, and although the funeral company will do some of it, it'll cost. In fact there's a lot of immediate costs. I know for a fact that Mason doesn't have the money to do any of it. I have a few pounds tucked away for a rainy day and he's welcome to have that, but I don't think it's going to be anywhere near enough to cover a funeral, even a cheap one. And anyway, who wants to go cheap when they lose their dad? It's a problem. But one he's not discussing at the table. He just nods at Jim, looking far, far away.

I sit on the sofa with my third cup of tea and a salmon sandwich. Barney the dog, my new best friend, is on my lap, thoroughly enjoying my attentions as I stroke his silky coat. He drifts off to sleep at my hands, snoring quietly. I'm feeling disproportionate pride over this, when Benji, the parrot, sidles up to me on the sofa and sits at my side. I smile at him, warily. He stares, his beady eyes assessing my innate terror. He suddenly hops on my shoulder. I stiffen as his claws grip, digging into his bony perch, and I look appealingly at Jim and Martine, hoping they'll rescue me from the little gray monster that's about to rip me to shreds. But they're engrossed in talking to Mason. I don't want to interrupt their funeral discussions. I carefully stroke the parrot's chest with my finger, hoping to placate him, and he sits down, fluffing his feathers and roosting, getting himself comfy, wanting more of the same. I smile inside, feeling very proud I've tamed this wild eagle so fast. He pecks at my earring gently and I'm finding the experience quite pleasant. I coo at him and he tucks his head in my neck and rubs me. It's so sweet, I thrill inside. I'm understanding Martine's attachment to these animals. I want a parrot and pug of my own. I obviously have a way with animals that I didn't know about. I never had a pet. My dad didn't like animals and both parents worked long hours so it wouldn't have been fair or practical. As I stroke the parrot, and pug in turn, I feel peaceful and happy. Which is strange, considering why I'm here. I look up to find Mason staring at me with an odd expression.

“What?” I say.

“A man magnet, that’s what you are.”

“Yeah, and only the best looking ones for me.”

The three of them laugh.

I'm pleased to bring a little humour to the gloom.

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