Charlie and Mrs. Miller
.....by Richard Koss
Sandy entered the backyard through the open gate and Charlie
acknowledged her presence but remained silent. He stood on the freshly cut
lawn, staring at the garden and probably thinking about the old woman and
the last thirteen years he had been with her.
That was her pride and joy. How many afternoons he watched her plant
and dig and hoe, nurturing the garden she loved so much. She would not see
it again. Sandy watched Charlie's eyes, telling her he wondered who would
take care of it after she was gone.
Now Sandy approached him as if to speak. Their eyes met and she knew
his thoughts were of old Mrs. Miller and he was in no mood to share them
with her at this moment. Without uttering a sound, Sandy quietly left the
yard through the open gate she had entered.
Another car pulled into the driveway. It was the young priest from
Mrs. Miller's parish. That was not a good sign. The old woman's
granddaughter, Lisa, opened the side door to greet the priest and let him
in. "You can come in too Charlie." Lisa was the nicest of Mrs. Miller's
grandchildren. At least Charlie always felt she liked him and was nicer to
him than any of Mrs. Miller's daughters and other grandchildren.
The three of them entered the house and Charlie went into the kitchen
to get a drink of water while the priest and Lisa went upstairs to the old
lady's room. Charlie decided to stay downstairs in the living room after
getting his drink of water. He wouldn't dare go upstairs with all the rest
of her family gathered around her death bed. There was no doubt in his mind
that most of them were jealous of his relationship with the old lady, as if
she were going to leave him all her money.
It was quiet upstairs but Charlie could faintly hear the priest saying
prayers. Then he heard Lisa call downstairs to him. "Charlie! ... Charlie
come up here. Grandma wants to see you."
Charlie ascended the long stairs and went directly into Mrs. Miller's
bedroom. Her daughters and granddaughters who had surrounded the bed now
moved back so that she could see Charlie standing there at her bedside. Only
the priest remained kneeling on the floor next to Charlie.
Mrs. Miller's half opened eyes met Charlie's and faintly moving her
left hand, she motioned for him to sit on the bed beside her. Lisa's mother
started to discourage Charlie from sitting on the bed but Lisa gently
interceded and he was now next to the old woman.
Charlie bowed his head slightly and Mrs. Miller used what remaining
strength she had left to lovingly stroke the back of his neck. Charlie put
his face next to hers and she smiled faintly, as she felt his cold, moist,
nose against her cheek. Then she sighed and elegantly breathed her last
breath.
The silence was broken by the soft sobs of the women and Charlie slowly
got down from the bed. Lisa knelt down next to Charlie and put her face
against his, her tears wetting his collar and shiny brown fur. "You're
gonna miss your old girlfriend aren't you Charlie."
Charlie moved away from Lisa and stopped at the bedroom doorway. His
mouth was partially open; his long, pink tongue quivering, and he began
whimpering as he looked up at the old woman lying on the bed. Then he
turned and started down the stairs.
