The Perfect Gift

Chapter 19

"Just like that?" Mary questioned at the table.

"Well, that's the gist of it," Mary's father confirmed.

"So, did you say goodbye to Samuel before you left?"

"Of course! The children came back in and I explained to Samuel what the mistress had told me and how I had signed."

"How did he react, Pa?"

"He seemed fine. Don't worry sweetie,  it's a good place."

"I guess," Mary sighed. Then her spirit rose. "When can we visit him, Pa?

"Soon, Mary...very soon."

"Good, because I miss him already." She looked around at everyone, then said, "We all do."

Annabelle nodded.

"He is such a sweet child. Too bad his Pa didn't think so." Annabelle said.

"We don't know that grandma! Samuel left himself," Mary corrected.

"And his Pa never went looking?" Annabelle asked.

"Samuel said he wouldn't, but he must've, right?"

"I don't know," Annabelle replied.

Mary's father found time to interrupt them.

"Well, you two, my precious children... know that I would never leave you. If you were to get lost or run away, I would find you."

Mary saw John blush.

At the same time, the two children responded with, "Thanks, Pa."

Mary, not wanting to say the same thing as her brother, kept talking.

"That means a lot, Pa. Thank you for always taking care of us and for the good stew tonight."

"It wasn't too bad," John added.

Mary rolled her eyes. She had seen him devour the stew within a few moments. He had even licked his lips a few times too. Just then, the conversation was paused when the household heard some barking.

"That reminds me of Rex," declared Mary. "I wonder how he's doing. Pa, do you think I could visit Rex tomorrow?"

"If John goes with you, then you can go."

"John?" Mary pleaded.

"I don't really feel like it," John responded.

"John, go with your sister. Plus, when have you ever given up the chance to eat sweets?" said Annabelle.

"Fine," John mumbled, with a slight grin appearing on his face.

"Okay, it's settled then. Tomorrow, you two can go down to Ned's bakery, carefully and don't be too long. You wouldn't want to overstay your welcome. Sound fair?"

"Yes, Pa," Mary agreed.

"Oh, and tell Ned I say good day," Mary's father added.

"Okay."

"Tomorrow, I will be running the mercantile. I am expecting a new box of bread... actually, why don't you two bring it back on your way home. Ned's done too much for us..."

"Sure. May we be excused from the table now?"

"Yes, but make sure to wash up. In a few minutes, do you two think you could do dishes again? I have some paperwork to go over."

"Absolutely..." John answered for them. "But first, anyone up for monopoly?"

"NO!" Mary was sure to express just how much she hated that game. Partially because she had played it so many times before, but also because she never won.

"Be polite, Mary," Annabelle instructed. She carried on. "Sorry John, but I'm not up to playing right now. Maybe another time."

John made a confused face. "Are you giving an example of what to say or are you actually saying the unbearable?"

"Oh, John!" Annabelle chuckled. "I'm saying it on behalf of myself."

Without much thought, Mary's father blurted, "Yes John, let the old lady rest."

"Excuse me?!!"

"I didn't mean it, Ma." Mary's father winked at the children. "I do think you should get some rest though."

"Sure you didn't mean it," she responded sarcastically.

Annabelle stood up and walked slowly to her room.

"Is everything okay with grandma, Pa?" Mary asked in a wavering voice once Annabelle was out of hearing range. "Everyday, it seems like she's getting worse."

"Well, since I have you both here, I suppose I should tell you. I had your grandmother see a doctor. You know how her bones have always been weak? We've tried milk, but it hasn't seemed to help. I'm starting to wonder whether the doctor really knows what he's doing, but he's the only one in town, and his fees are reasonable. Anyways, it's getting to a point where your grandmother is having so much trouble moving. Of course it's normal to be slower as you become older, but the doctor thinks that she will be unable to walk at all sooner rather than later."

"When did the doctor say she would be unable to walk completely?" John asked.

"He isn't certain, but he's guessing that in no more than two months she'll be reliant on someone else if she wants to walk."

"Is there anything we can do to help her?" Mary asked.

"I'm afraid there isn't much we can do."

"Can't we get her a cane or something?" John asked.

"I would, but we don't have the money." Mary's father responded.

"Oh." John sighed in response. "Right."

"Right now, we should all support her with what we say; keep her in good spirits. Well then, children, off you go to clean the dishes. I have paperwork to get to. I will try to say goodnight before you fall asleep, but I can't promise anything. So, if I don't see you tonight, goodnight and sleep well."