“Oh…no. I heard the vehicle and put Dan’s parcel in the office. I thought you were inside and the vehicle may have been Dan coming. I didn’t…” Rowena suddenly felt like a stranger in this house. She turned and opened the door to retrieve the gift she had hastily hidden. “I wanted the parcel to be here for breakfast.”

She handed it to Paula, who remained silent. Rowena had been going to offer to make them a meal for tomorrow night but she decided to leave instead.

A loud bang echoed from the laundry followed by a succession of small yelps.

“The pup.” Paula looked around frantically and put the parcel down on the floor before dashing to the laundry.

Rowena followed behind. “You got one then.”

“I only picked him up today. I was running late with Dan’s lunch and I shut him in here while I was…” She pushed the door open. “Oh, no!”

Rowena peered over her shoulder. Newspapers were scattered all over the floor with the contents of Paula’s rag bag strewn among them. A couple of buckets lay on their sides, the broom lay across the floor and the ironing board had fallen against the washing machine. In the middle of the chaos sat a dear little kelpie pup. He stood up and bounded towards them.

“You’ll need to organise something outside. He’s a working dog, not a pet.” Rowena frowned. Paula would have to get over her habit of keeping young animals in the house.

“This was only temporary.” Paula squatted down to pick him up.

“Perhaps I could bring Rocket’s enclosure down. Dan’s far too busy but I could get the trailer…”

“It’s all organised, thanks.” Paula tried to cuddle the pup into her but it was a bundle of energy. “He can share with Tarzan for now but Tom has made an enclosure. I wanted to surprise Dan.”

“It will be a surprise all right.” Rowena looked around the laundry. “Would you like me to help you clean up.”

“No, thanks,” Paula said. “I’ll put this little chap outside for a run in a moment.” The pup squirmed in her arms and tried to lick her face. She put him down.

“Well, if there’s nothing else I can do.” Rowena made for the back door, stepping around Dan’s parcel on the floor. “Can you make sure Dan has his gift before he goes to work in the morning?”

“Of course.” Paula was close behind her.

Rowena walked briskly towards her car to mask her disappointment. She had thought the three of them might eat the evening meal together tomorrow night. Dan would be late but it was his birthday. She could usually entice him to stop for a special meal.

“Rowena.” Paula had followed her outside. Rowena stopped and turned.