Grandpa nodded approvingly. ‘Good decision. Every man needs a dog. She’s just what you need—especially since you don’t want a girlfriend.’

‘Oh, he’ll find a girl now,’ Glenys said. ‘Women love a man who’s good with dogs. Can I hold her?’ Grandpa settled Bonnie on Glenys’s lap, and the old woman curled her hands around the pup and raised Bonnie to her face. ‘Oh, she smells good. Just like a puppy should. You’ll bring her in to see us again, won’t you? Everyone here loves dogs.’ She turned to Grandpa. ‘I never knew things would be so exciting when you came into my life.’

‘Oh, I’m full of excitement,’ Grandpa said, winking.

Leon patted his back pocket, seeking tissues to wipe the blood from Grandpa’s leg, but he found Max’s brochure instead; he must have shoved it there during the discussion over keeping the pup. He handed the brochure to Grandpa. ‘What do you think about this? It’s in a couple of weeks.’

The old man fumbled the flyer in gnarly hands. ‘Forest festival, eh?’

‘Do you want to go? It’d be a day out for you. Glenys can come too. We can have a look around then go for a drive in the forest. Maybe up to the park. See some nice country.’

Grandpa squinted at the brochure then gave it to Glenys, who was craning to see.

‘What are all these events?’ Grandpa asked. ‘Bush Push and Truck Pull. I’ve never heard of them.’

‘Me neither. But it could be fun.’

Grandpa’s eyes shone. ‘I think we could do it.’ Then he became serious. ‘Where do they hold this thing, in a paddock? I won’t be able to walk round for long.’

‘We can take folding chairs so you and Glenys can sit down for rests. Soon as you’ve had enough I can bring you both home.’

Grandpa looked doubtful. ‘Are you sure?’

‘I’m sure. Give it some thought and let me know.’ Leon picked up the pup. ‘I have to take Bonnie home for some dinner. It’s been a big day and she’s hungry. See you, Glenys. Nice to meet you.’

Grandpa followed him into the corridor. ‘Where have you been?’

‘Home to Bruny.’

‘How did it go?’ Grandpa had a knowing gleam in his eye as if he’d already guessed.

‘I had a run-in with Dad and I didn’t hold back.’

‘Might have done him some good.’

Leon shrugged. ‘I don’t hold out much hope. He’s beyond redemption … Anyway, it was nice to meet Glenys. Sorry for barging in on you like that.’

‘Minor interruption. We can pick up where we left off.’

‘Aren’t crosswords more appropriate this time of day? And I’m not sure it’s legal to sleep with other inmates.’

Grandpa grinned. ‘You ought to get yourself a girl too.’