The List

“Benjamin Jenkinson?”

Ben took his place in front of the guard. The leathery-skinned old man peered at him over the rim of his spectacles. He nodded, motioning impatiently with a flick of his hand. “Go through”. Butterflies somersaulted in Ben’s stomach as he looked through the narrow gates. A heavy mist hung just beyond, obscuring what was inside. He took a tentative step forward.

“Anita Johnson?”

Ben snapped his head around. His heart started to pound 

“Wait” he cried, jogging back to the guard to stand directly in front of him. “What about Cheddar?”

“Cheddar?” The old man ran his finger down the piece of paper attached to his clipboard. He shook his head. “No. No ‘Cheddar’ on my list”.

Ben pointed to his feet. “Cheddar Jenkinson!” He knelt down, stroking the top of the glossy, ginger head that was pressed against him. The old man looked across at the other guard and rolled his eyes.

“Ah, no. No cats”. He tapped the sign pinned to the gate behind him.

‘STRICTLY NO ANIMALS PERMITTED’.

“But he came with me!” Peter protested. “I can’t just leave him!”

“Rules are rules” the old man said, sighing deeply, beckoning to the woman standing behind Ben to come forward. Ben reached down and gathered Cheddar into his arms, staring defiantly at the guard.

“I’m taking him in!”

“No, you are not”. The guard stared back. “The gates won’t allow anyone to pass unless I tick them off the list. As Cheddar is not ON the list, he won’t be ABLE to pass, no matter what you do”. Cheddar meowed softly, his golden eyes gazing worriedly at Ben. The boy pressed his mouth against the top of the little cat’s head, kissing him softly.

“Don’t worry” he whispered. “It will be okay”. He spoke more forcefully. “I’m the reason he’s here!” he argued. “He’s brave! He deserves to come with me!”

It had been a normal day.

Ben had come home from school as usual. He had poured himself his usual glass of milk, then gone to lay on his bed. He had laughed as Cheddar had pushed his pink nose deep inside, trying to lap at the contents.

The bedroom door had been forced open 

His father had entered. His face screwed up in a blinding rage.

Screaming. Ranting.

Did you take money from my wallet? It’s all gone!

If it weren’t for you, my life would be better!

Your mother left because of you!

 The stench of whisky and stale sweat had poured from him as he pushed Ben onto the bed.

 Hitting. Punching.  

 Cheddar had leapt between them.

 Hissing. Snarling.

 His father had flung Cheddar’s small ginger body against the wall.

 Stomping.

 He had hit Ben. Punching. Punching.

 Until everything went black.

“He tried to save me”, Ben whispered, tears falling silently down bruised cheeks.

He turned from the guard, walking back past the queue, into blackness. “I won’t leave you, Cheddar” he whispered, as it enveloped him. “Not ever”.