Howard did his best to concentrate on the columns of new words, but they all blurred into meaningless mess. He could only think of the pleading eyes that would haunt his weekend and... Oh, Pup. How do I? I can't. I... I know Boo is right. You need other friends. But... but... There was an unwelcome dampness streaming down his cheeks. He let the book fall from his hands onto the coverlet; then swiped furiously at his eyes. You're not a baby, Moon. Stop that. Shame, boy. Shame.

'No,' argued a voice. 'You are six, Sir.'

Tears are bad. Go away.

'Can't. I'm you.'

Howard deliberately picked up his book, found his place, slid in the mark and placed it gently on the nightstand.

'You're still a little boy, Howard,' persisted the Head Cell.

No.

'Yes. And you can cry if you want to.'

It won't help.

Howard turned out the light and buried his head in the pillow.

'Howard.'

The tears were silent.

'Howard, you have Pup. You won't lose him.'

I... I lost Dad. I loved him. And he left.

Head Cell thought carefully.

'Howard, that was not your fault. You know that.'

He didn't say goodbye. He left. He left me.

'That doesn't mean... Howard... Howard...'

And now...

'Not... your... fault.'

Now I... Now... Pup...

'How.'

"I love him," Howard whispered. "And I'm scared."

'Don't be.'

"If I tell... if I..."

'No.'

"I can't tell him."

'If he asks?"

"He won't."

Head Cell sighed and shook his head.

'Goodnight, Howard.'

"Goodnight, Sir."

Howard rolled on to his side, facing the wall.

"And goodnight, Pup. I'll see you. See you soon."

Howard closed his eyes and dreamt of that small hand holding his. They walked over a rainbow bridge into a land made of sweets and sunshine. Animals ran to meet them, some on their hind legs and with human speech.

"Welcome, little Prince," said a huge gorilla, scooping up the giggling Pup, but of course, ignoring Howard.

"I've brought Howard. He's my best friend," Vince explained.

All eyes were briefly on him, accompanied by soft growls and grunts.

"Yes," said the gorilla. "Now, come along."

"Come on, Howard," encouraged Vince. "They won't bite."

Vince was borne off, with Howard doing his best to keep up.

Even in dreams, I lose him.

'But you get him back,' pointed out Head Cell.

Yes. But nobody wants me to.

'Howard, what do you mean?

The animals want to bite me. His care-rents... They blame me.

'That's all nonsense.'

And his new friends will hate me too.

'Howard, you DON'T KNOW!'

The dream shattered and Howard listened in the dark. Heavy footsteps and loud laughter passed by his room. The shrill laugh belonged to his Mum; the deep laugh to a stranger.

'Howard?'

Be quiet. Be still.

'Vince loves you.'

Not here at all.