Andy is now with us, and every day with him is a little adventure. In the morning, he happily jumps around the garden, chases leave or runs after balls. Playing, running and cuddling with him is just fun – he is our best friend.
After all the playing, our everyday life in Germany slowly begins. After school we do our homework, study a little, and then it's finally time to play, write songs, play piano or paint or do crafts again. Sometimes we meet friends or go for a walk with Andy. He loves to run across the fields and forest and sniff curiously at every corner.
This is how our days are spent: adventures with Andy outside and our new daily routine inside – both are now part of our life in Germany and make every day a little bit special.
In the morning, the sun wakes us up, and sometimes Andy, our little Irish setter, does too. He jumps happily around the room, wags his tail and licks our faces until we get up. Then we get dressed, have breakfast together and get ready for school.
After school, we do our homework first. Olivia likes to draw or do crafts afterwards, while I read a little or finish my assignments. And of course, Andy is always there – he lies down on the sofa or rolls around in the middle of the room, as if to say, 'I'll watch over you!'
Then it's playtime. We run around the garden, build Lego castles, play tag or hide and seek. Andy runs after us, chases balls, jumps in the air or digs holes in the ground. Sometimes we go on little trips around the neighbourhood, meet friends or go on a discovery tour together.
Shortly before dinner, Mum calls from the kitchen:
'Wash your hands and put on your slippers!'
Now it's time to help setting the table, watching the cooking or loading and unloading the dishwasher. Cooking is the most fun – but since the kitchen is small, only one of us is allowed to stand at the stove with Mum at a time.
Dinner is always noisy, but in a good way. Everyone talks about what happened during the day: funny things at school, new discoveries outside, or what pranks Andy has been up to. And when Andy notices us laughing, he barks happily, as if he's joining in the conversation.
After dinner, we tidy up and sometimes there's time for a little play. Olivia goes to bed earlier because she's still younger. I'm allowed to stay up longer and play cards or board games with Dad, or we talk about the day, laugh or plan new adventures.
When it's time for bed, it's back to washing, brushing our teeth and putting on our pyjamas. Then Mummy comes in, tucks us in and reads us stories. From her own stories that she wrote as a child. Even at 13, I still love listening to these stories.
This is what our new life in Germany looks like: school, friends, playtime, homework, cooking, laughter and stories in the evening. With Andy, our games and our little adventures, the house is gradually starting to feel like a real home – different from Ireland, but also wonderful.
Before Mum starts her story, however, we always talk about what has been on our minds during the day.
Today, Olivia is a little quiet. Mum notices this immediately and asks:
'Well, sweetheart, what's the matter?'
Olivia looks at her hands and says quietly:
'I took the longest in maths again. I was the last one to finish the assignment. And a few classmates laughed at me and said I was too slow at maths.'
I notice tears rolling down her cheeks. Andy immediately puts his paw on her leg, as if to say, 'I like you just the way you are.'
Mum gently pulls Olivia into her arms and says quietly:
'You know, everyone is good at something different. You may not be the fastest at maths – but you think things through carefully. And that's much more important than just being fast.'
Olivia sniffs and looks at Mum.
'Really?'
'Absolutely,' says Mummy, smiling. 'And besides, your classmates may have laughed today, but you're a great artist and a good listener. That's what your friends appreciate most about you.'
Olivia smiles a little again.
I say, 'And besides, you have me – I can help you if you want.'
'Thanks, Alex,' she said quietly and snuggles under the blanket.
Once all the worries have been voiced, the room feels light again. We lie close together, Andy is already half asleep, and Mum dims the lights a little.
Then she begins to tell one of her special stories that always make everything a little brighter.