The Toymaker’s Workshop
The dogs are barking out by the back door again. They’ll be wanting fed soon, my son, and we don’t want to leave them too long. They can get nasty, as you know. I saw that chewed up arm of yours. I know, I know – it’s not my fault. Still, if I hadn’t left you out, it would never have happened. I always remember to lock your mother and sister up at night, so that the dogs can’t get at them. I should be able to remember to put you out of harm’s way too.
Maybe I’ll go up and see them later. I’ve not decided yet. You know what they’re like. They’ll be asking about you, my boy. They always do. How is he doing? Is he behaving himself? When can we see him? Soon enough, I say, but that’s never enough for them. When you’re older, you’ll understand it when I say ”Women!”. I don’t think that I’ll mention what happened to your arm. They’d just fret, and that’s no good for anybody. Especially not me.
No, no. I’ll not mention it. We’ll get you fixed up just like new. Ah, those dogs. It’s just meat, meat, meat with those dogs. Barking and scratching at the door. You’d think that they’d clear them from the streets, wouldn’t you? These dogs have been running the streets with their skinny legs since I was a little boy, and that’s too long ago now to tell you how long it really is. A long time, that’s how long. And there they are at the door again, just because I sometimes give them food. I sometimes get some sleep to, you know? What do the dogs have to say about that?
No, not much, I know.
Ah, but you’re a fine looking little fellow, aren’t you? Much better looking than the women upstairs, but don’t tell them that I said that. Oh no, they wouldn’t like to hear you’re my favourite. So it’s our secret. Secret, ok? Ok. Good. Mind you, in her day your mother was so beautiful. You’ll forgive an old man his memories, but she really was. Her eyes. Her hair. The fit of her skin. It was something magical, seeing her come alive. Not so pretty now, but there’s life in her still. I tell you, she still makes me smile when I unlock her door. Ah, those eyes.
Of course, your sister is beautiful too. Such a difficult girl, your sister, but worth the effort, I think. In the end. The dogs were out that night too. Yapping and scratching at the door. Tongues hanging out of their mouths. Spit dripping from their jaws. It’s no way to behave, but what can you do?
But you my boy, you’ll make them wait for their feed. We have to find the right suit to cover your bones, eh? Have to be very picky. Very picky indeed. I’ve spent a lot of time on you all ready. Carving and fixing. Fixing and trimming. All we need is that suit for you and you’ll be just like a real boy. And this time, the suit will be a perfect fit.
