Obsession

Chapter 3 - The Treat

Daddy's talking

but I want my treat

maybe a new doll

or something to eat

There is a big box in the middle of the floor; I cannot take my eyes of it. Daddy will not let me open it yet, says he wants some he and I time. Just the two of us with no interruptions, I sigh because I know what is coming. I go through the motions, feigning interest, but just want to know what is in the box. Daddy has an hourglass on his desk; he says that when its cycle is complete the box will be opened. Already knowing what he is going to ask my replies are rattled off at speed; he asks after my health, do I have everything I need? Did I miss him? He then without fail fires questions about Nanny, quizzes me, as per usual. Trapped between looking at the hourglass and the box, my answers to Daddy, are secondary.

"Did the doorbell ring? Did Nanny have any visitors?"

"No, Daddy it did not, and no visitors either, the same as always."

After what feels like an eternity he relents, the hourglass is not finished. "Right, I think I've kept you waiting long enough, you go and open the box, Rosalind."

Approaching the box with the utmost excitement, tearing of the lid and am attacked with licks and love, and attack right back with vigour. It is a puppy, a floppy-eared, big-eyed bundle of joy.

"Oh, Daddy is it for me? Can I keep it forever and ever?"

"Yes, Rosalind forever and ever, she's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a tri-colour, that means three colours, black, white and ruby and she's all yours."

"Her ruby hair is just like Nanny's, how funny."

"Yes a lovely deep red, isn't it?"

"Daddy, the black bit is you, the white bit I'll is like my yellow hair and the ruby bit, Nanny. She's the colour of all of us."

"Rosalind I would never have considered that, but yes I suppose she is. What do you want to call her?"

"Well... hmmm she looks like a Molly to me, Daddy, don't you think?"

"She is your dog Rosalind, so if you want to call her Molly, that's what she's called."

"Where, does she sleep, can she sleep with me, please Dadddddyyyyy?"

"Well for the first night or two, yes she can, but after that, she'll have to get her own bed. I'll sort something out with Nanny."

"Can I bring Molly in to show Nanny?"

"Yes, she's in the kitchen but be sure to come right back, Molly's only a baby and needs to be kept by the fire, she needs plenty of food, sleep, and heat to grow."

"Okay, Daddy, she's the best present ever."

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That day and night, Rosa and I take care of Molly's needs, cleaning her accidents and making a bed for her, we resorted to the blanket box. I try to prepare Rosa for what is coming tomorrow.

Her first time ever outside that she will be old enough to remember anyway, hopefully, unless he is taking one of his turns and reneges. Which is not a rare occurrence but he is the calmest he has been in a long time.

Unless told, I had little concept these days of what was going on in the outside world. Rosa had none at all; the poor child has no idea what outside means. Firing questions, which are ricocheting around my head at speed, while rolling on the floor with Molly. I finally get her to sleep and retire to my own bed; we are only separated by a wooden partition, as he never wants her alone at night, ever. I thought it was strange the detail he gave Rosa on looking after Molly and he does not grant her the same treatment. Settling comfortably and ready for a peaceful sleep, a feeling of contentment surrounds. I am already dreaming about tomorrow, it should be a good day for us. The grounds are vast and will be fascinating to both Rosa and Molly. A tight rein will have to be kept on them both.