‘Hi, Nina. I know it’s late – but would it be OK if I came by? Really? Thanks, that’s nice of you. I desperately need someone to chat with.’

That’s just great. Of course it doesn’t even occur to her that she could tell me what’s on her mind too. I’m not happy with the idea of getting in the car all over again right now. I’m lying here so comfortably. But when Caroline stands up, I rush to my feet too. After all, I don’t want to be a spoilsport.

‘Hercules, you can lie back down again. I’m just going to drive over to Nina’s, but you stay here.’

What’s that all about? Are they keeping secrets from me? I jump off the couch. I’m not that tired!

‘No, really, Hercules. You can be alone for one little hour every now and then. Look, you’re full of sand, and I don’t feel like bathing you now. And Nina will not be pleased if I get there with a dirty dog. So lie down in your basket like a good dog. You’ve had plenty going on today already.’

Harrumph. She really doesn’t want to take me with her. I’m not all that dirty. Silly Nina.

Once Caroline has pulled the apartment door closed behind her, I fall back into my basket in a bad mood. It’s mean somehow for us to have spent the whole day together, and then I’m not allowed to come along later. I feel so…rejected. Only a minute ago I was part of things, and now I’m just the pet. It’s the pits. To make matters worse, I’m not even a bit tired any more.

I stay in my basket for a while, then get up again and head into the kitchen. Maybe there’s still some food in my bowl that I could dig into. Von Eschersbach always says that boredom makes for chubby dachshunds. I think he’s right. Unfortunately, however, my bowl is so sparkling clean that I can almost see my own reflection in it, so eating is not on the cards for me. I head back, and as I pass the apartment door, I smell a familiar fragrance. Mr Beck! He must be standing right in front of the door; I suppose he’s off for a night-time stroll. A little chat with him would be just the thing to distract me. I bark loudly.

‘Well, buddy?’ I hear his voice through the door. ‘How’s it going?’

‘OK. I’m really bored, and Caroline just left me alone at home.’

‘That’s bad luck. I’m on my way to the park. I’d take you along, but without Caroline we’re not going to be able to get you out of the apartment.’

‘Yeah, that’s the stupid thing. I’d love to come with you, but it’s not as though I can squeeze through the letterbox.’

I hear Mr Beck giggle. ‘Nah, don’t try that. You’d just get stuck in it, and that’d be pretty uncomfortable.’