Almost Home

4

I WAS SITTING by Mrs. Pittman's
bed singing "You'll Never Walk Alone." It was her second favorite song, next to "Happy Days Are Here Again," and I was moving into the big finish, where I stood up and sang about how even though your dreams get tossed and torn, you've got to keep on walking.
   "Tossed and blown," Mrs. Pittman corrected me.
   I sang that part over, then I got serious and closed my eyes. I wasn't the best singer (I could mostly carry a tune), but I knew how to put my heart into a song. I sang about how you've got to walk on through the wind and the rain and do this with hope in your heart, which is a lot to manage, in my opinion.
   This could be my theme song.
   "Sing it child!" Mrs. Pittman waved her hands in the air.
   My hands went up as I finished. Mrs. Pittman and Leona applauded. Leona brushed a tear from her eye, which is something, since Leona mostly had one expression---irritated.
   Mrs. Pittman said, "I think that's the best rendition I've ever heard."
   I smiled. I guess when you start living a song, you can really sing it.
   "And I liked what you did with your voice at the end. It's very important to end big and leave them wanting more."
   "Yes, ma'am."
   She grinned. "That got my heart going. God knows I need it. Get my wheelchair, Leona I need to see the children."
   Leona brought it over and help Mrs. Pittman into the wheelchair.
   "You want a blanket or something?" I asked.
   "Absolutely not."
   Leona Wheels her outside, down the line to the lake. All the ducks looked up and started swimming towardhgkiher."
   She raised her hands. "Children. Receive your queen!"
   The Ducks quacked and waddled right up to her. She tossed the bread chunks at them. "I've missed you," she said. Her face was beaming. One little duck quacked very loud. "Yes, I know. I know," Mrs. Pittman said.
   "We should go back in," Leona grumbled.
   "Not yet. Wheel me to the edge."
   "Oh, Mrs. P!"
   "Leona . . ."
   Leona wheels her closer, not understanding, but I knew. I walked over to the wheelchair. "Do you see her, Mrs. Pittman? Do you see Bessie?"
   And it was like a movie moment all the animals were still and there was no wind and the lake shown like a diamond. Mrs. Pittman pointed to a small ripple in the middle of the lake.
   "There she is!"
   I looked.
   "She's gone deep, but she's there." Mrs. Pittman touched my arm. "Sugar Mae Cole I give you the ability to see monsters in the deep and not to be afraid when they surface."

                         *   *   *

   I put the $15 from this pit man in my suitcase. I had exactly $237 in this case. I'm an excellent saver. I ran my hand over the money, close the case and headed downstairs.
   I handed it to Reba. "Here. You can have it."
   She took my hand. "I appreciate that, but you keep your money."
   "I'm part of this family. I can help!"
   Reba sat down on the couch that she recovered herself with flowered fabric. "Sugar, this is the sweetest thing, but nothing within me could ever take your money."
   "But, Reba---"
   "We're going to be all right." She stood up and squared her shoulders like Southern women do. "I'll figure things out. Don't you worry."
   I almost believed her.
   A note was on my pillow that night.
The note:

Dear Sugar,
   Your kindness in offering me your hard-earned money so bless my heart. I've spent the rest of the day thinking about all the riches I have and topping that list is you or going to find the best way through this. I promise you that.
   Sleep sweet, my girl.
   With love and thanks,
   Reba

   I pulled down my window shade and crawled into bed.
   Where in the world could we find a new place to live in two weeks?

                       *   *   *

I had a long night. I kept getting out of bed and walking through the house, remembering when we moved here after Reba and Mr. Leeland got divorced the first time. I was in second grade, and King Cole and Reba scraped together all they had and bought this house together. We were so proud to have our own little place. We painted the front door emerald green. It wasn't the best paint job, but I remember going through that door and feeling my life was fresh and new and all the Shadows from Mr. Leeland's gambling were behind us King Cole and I painted the wooden fence white and we fix the cement steps. Reba and I planted peonies in the garden, and she repaired the rips and the screen door with clear nail polish. Mr. Leeland lived with us a few times, but you never say for long. He only cared if there was food and beer in the refrigerator, but me, Reba, and King Cole took care of this house with everything we had.
   How could we be losing it?
   But we've always told me, things look better in the morning.
   Morning came eventually. The Sun was shining, dew drops glistened on the windows.
   Something to be thankful for.
   I had to write.

Dear God,
   Thank you for sending the sun and the dew this morning. I needed that. A pot of money on the front porch wouldn't hurt either.
   Ha Ha.
   I hope all is well with you.
   Yours very truly,
   Sugar Mae Cole