"Kids are hard sometimes,” Theo said. "Believe me, I understand. I encouraged my son to get a good education, to travel, see the world. He sure did, and then he never came back. We Skype."
"I know what you mean," Alice said. “Families are all spread out now.”
"My son thinks I should move to Seattle to be closer to him and his wife,” Theo said. “Where they can more conveniently keep an eye on me. I told him I absolutely do not want to leave my home and my lake."
“I understand," Alice said. "Being in my own home is important to me. Getting older can be tough, but we also need to maintain our own lifestyle for as long as possible.”
“I agree,” Theo said. “Your granddaughter Shelby has helped breathe new life into our little town.”
“She’s helping out Mrs. Williams too,” Alice said.
"Is Mrs. Williams still here?” he asked. “I thought her husband passed a few years ago. All alone out there, I’d assumed she’d gone to live with family.”
"So did I,” Alice said. "It seems she refused to leave her house. I understand from Eleanor, who is seeing what help is available, that there is a social worker who checks on her sometimes and she gets Meals on Wheels.” Alice lowered her voice. “Shelby tells me, and this is top secret, that Mrs. Williams has a little dog, and she’s trying to help out with it too.”
"That's nice of her," Theo said. "Great girl that one. Big heart."
Alice nodded. "I was thinking I’d go check on Mrs. Williams soon too."
"Let me know if you want some company," Theo said.
The evening chill was setting in, and Theo didn’t want to keep Alice up too late or Wally waiting too long. He stood and offered Alice his hand.
"It’s getting late. I’d better be going now,” he said reluctantly.
Alice stood facing him on the steps. “Whenever you’re ready.”
“To be honest,” Theo said, “I’m quite worried about Wally.”
"Of course,” Alice said. “The vet in town is closed on the weekends. But if I remember correctly, the emergency one is open. But it’s almost an hour away.”
"Maybe I can get him through until Monday. Either way, its time.”
“Let me know how he’s doing," Alice said as she waved goodbye. “Wait. You forgot dessert.”
Theo patted his very full stomach. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“I’ll bring some by,” Alice said.
Theo walked the six blocks to his house. The balmy night was clear, and a multitude of stars punctuated the sky. California weather could be wonderful. A lot better than Seattle, he thought to himself.
He opened his front door, feeling better than he had in a very long time. "Wally. Wally. Where are you?"
Turning to switch on the light, he tripped on the small rug on the hardwood. As he tried to break the fall with his hands, his knee hit the floor with a thud. Pain radiated through his body. It was shocking to flail through the air, in your own house no less. It was probably the one beer, an old rug, and the dark. Why hadn’t he left on more lights?
When Theo could focus again, he looked around. Wally had not come to greet him. Tears threatened. It was times like this he wished he wasn't alone anymore. He caught his breath and felt around his body. Nothing was broken. He hoped he could stand. Carefully, he pushed himself up to a seated position and, as he did, noticed the picture of his wife on the end table.
"What was I thinking?" he said to her. "Jean, I'm too old for this stuff. Taking flowers to a woman, thinking I'm young again, and then falling right on my face.”
He managed to pull himself up and leaned his weight against the couch. Across the room Wally lay motionless on his bed, even with all the commotion. Theo made his way slowly over and sat down on a chair next to him. "Oh, Wally," he said, petting the dog’s soft head. Wally barely opened his eyes. "I know the feeling," Theo said. “I’ll let you sleep.”
Theo wished he could carry the dog to his bed, but it was just not possible. He placed a blanket over Wally and hobbled into his bedroom. He managed to peel off his clothes and climb under the covers. He really couldn't think anymore. He just wanted to sleep.
Chapter 23
Theo knew he should get up, but the effort it would take seemed overwhelming. Every muscle ached, but none more than the