If I were able to cry, now would be a good time to do so. And if I were into violent confrontations, ditto. I wouldn’t have thought that Mr Beck could be so mean. But I know one thing for definite now: even though Beck may have pulled together some knowledge about humans, it doesn’t mean that he really knows them. Of course a human can be a friend. The way Daniel talks to me has nothing whatsoever to do with the plastic bird that pathetic parakeet on the third floor works away at every day. Daniel means me, not himself. I know it – I feel it. I admit that humans can be quite nasty – Thomas is a case in point. But at the same time they have something that makes them unique in my eyes – and precious. They have feelings – compassion. They can be happy for others, and sad for others – and furious, when their friends are angry. And they can love – including a little dog like me. I will never forget Emilia’s tears when von Eschersbach put me in that carton and she knew she would never see me again. Caroline is my friend, and Daniel is my friend. I know it for a fact. Now the two of them just have to become a couple. And I will see to that, with or without Beck. In this case probably without. So I turn round and just walk out on Beck.

‘Hey, little guy, don’t just clear out of here! That wasn’t meant to be mean!’ Beck calls after me, but I act as though I don’t hear him, and keep on going. Beck comes up behind me. ‘I like Daniel too, but you have to be a realist. Hey, stand still, Hercules!’ I’m almost at the terrace door. ‘OK, fine: Carl-Leopold! I’m sorry!’

Hmm, he does seem to mean business. I stand still. No one can claim that I’m pigheaded and unforgiving. Mr Beck runs around me and sits down in front of me.

‘I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. If you’ve become so attached to all these humans, it’s your business, of course. They certainly really care for you. Maybe I’m just a little envious.’

I cock my head. All right; that sounds better already.

‘But there’s one point I’m not budging on: if Caroline is not in love with Daniel, the two of us can’t do anything about it. The human heart can’t be swayed much, and it’s only a teensy bit receptive to rational considerations. What I’m trying to say is that even though we both know that Daniel would be a super guy for Caroline, there’s not a whole lot we can accomplish in a case like this, no matter how many opportunities we create to give the two of them time alone.’

Hmm, that does sound pretty convincing. Even so, I don’t want to give up quite yet.