1001 Love Stories Darker

Will (96)

"Andy I thought you were off today?" My coworker Diane says and I smile showing her the several bags of party supplies I have.

"It is but todays a special day!" I say excitedly and she smiles.

"Andy you're an angel." She says and I smile.

"Not an angel just a friend." That morning, I sneak into Mr. Ward's apartment, before starting to set up the party supplies and unpacking everything.

When it's done eleven am hits and I know he'll be up soon so I wait for him. And sure enough by eleven ten he comes out of his room.

"Happy birthday!" I say and it shocks him before a look of warmth crosses his older face.

"Andy I thought it was your day off?" He asks and I smile.

"Yeah but I wouldn't miss your birthday." I say smiling and he only taps me on the leg gently with his cane.

I knew it was how he showed affection and the simple act makes me smile.

"Now, I think because it's your birthday I can ignore your dietary restrictions for just one day." I say and he smiles.

"Andy I don't want you to get in trouble." He says and I smile.

"Don't worry, I'm not an employee today. Just a visiter and if a visiter decides to bring a resident food that goes against his dietary restrictions then it's suggested against but allowed." I say and he chuckles softly.

"I guess your right. What do you have planned for me?" He asks and I smile.

"When was the last time you had a good burger." I say and his eyes light up.

Mr. Ward is a care patient at the assisted living facility I work at. He's an younger man compared to the older patients and I can say he's my favorite. He's kind and gentle but firm. He's all there, suffering from chronic health issues none of them amplified by burgers, or cake and ice-cream.

"So before lunch we need to get you some breakfast! Something tells me you skipped breakfast today as usual." I say.

"And have to wake up at 7:30 for it?" He says and I smile.

"Then let's see what you have here." I say opening his fridge and grabbing the fixings to make him a breakfast sandwich.

"You're an amazing cook Andy." He says and I smile before shhing him.

"Don't tell anyone or the other patients will know you get special treatment." I say and he smiles again.

*
"Andy why are you so nice to me?" Mr. Ward asks as I put the candles on his cake.

I only smile softly. "My own father isn't a big fan of me. You're a significantly better choice for all my fatherily affection." I say and he taps me on the head with his cane.

"Maybe if I had a son as caring as you I wouldn't end up in this dump." He says and I place a hand on my chest as if I was hurt.

"Don't say that. One I'm sure you're loved very much by your sons, they're just busy." I say and he smiles.

"We'll you're busy and you're still here." He says and I smile.

"I have a confession to make." I say and he raises one of his graying eyebrows.

"I took today off so we could celebrate together." I tell him and again I'm bonked on the head with his cane.

"If you keep being this nice to me I'm gonna leave you everything in my will." He says and I smile.

"Rather then doing that, why don't you just not die. I'd much rather celebrate a few more birthdays with you." I say and he smiles.

"Feel free to take the rest of the birthdays I have left." He says and I smile before lighting the candles that say 63, although he doesn't wear his age.