Allergic Reaction

Michael's father stood up abruptly and moved towards him. He gripped Michael's upper arms and looked directly into his son's familiar brown eyes as he spoke. 'Look, Michael, I'm not going to lie to you and I'm not going to pretend. We're not getting a dog; it wouldn't work. Please just accept it.'

It is the summer holidays, and ten year old Michael has just moved to a village in Norfolk. With his best friends now miles away, and his father busy preparing to start a new job, Michael knows there could never be a better time to fulfil his dream of becoming a dog owner. Even the house has a huge garden, perfect for the new friend Michael plans to make. So why is his usually so reasonable father dead set against the idea? And is there anything at all that Michael can do to change his mind?