Those 70ish Girls

It was a puzzle. Why hadn’t Steve shown up for work? The plan was for him to bring his daughter, Katie, with him because her grandmother, who usually watches her was getting over an illness.

Arf and Katie had really taken to each other and Arf was devastated when it became apparent his new friend wasn’t going to come.”

“Well, Arf,” Miss Bessie said. “We can’t put it off any longer. We must do our chores. It worries me that Steve didn’t give us a call to let us know why he wouldn’t be here, today. I sure hope he and Katie are okay.”

***I’m a pretty smart dog, but things happen to me that I just can’t understand. I miss Jamie, but I love my new life with Miss Bessie, too. It makes me feel good to be able to help her out with things, and I think she feels safer with me around. She’s getting to be pretty old to be living on a farm by herself.

“You know what, Arf? I’m getting to be pretty old to be living on a farm by myself. I’ve always known the day would come when it would no longer be safe for me to live alone here, but where would I go? I can’t think of one place that I would be as happy as I am here, so I guess I’ll just stay where I am. Besides, for now at least, I have you to keep me company. Come on, let’s go see what’s growing in the garden.”

***It was the longest day. I never left Miss Bessie’s side. It seemed that one day, I had all kinds of people around me, and the next, it was just back to Miss Bessie and me.

“I think we should go into town tomorrow, Arf. It will get our minds off of things. It’s always good to change the scenery when you have a heavy heart and worries on your mind. We can take our eggs to the General Store and sell them. Then we can go across the street to the little food stand that sells the delicious fried chicken and honey biscuits. Sounding good to you Arf?

***Was she kidding? my mouth was watering. I love chicken and biscuits.

The next day, we did just as Miss Bessie said we would. We went to the General Store to sell our eggs and then ate our chicken and biscuits at the park in the center of downtown. I even found a little boy to throw the frisbee to me while his mom talked to Miss Bessie.

“You are not going to believe this, Arf. That woman knows Katie’s grandmother. Remember? She cares for her while Steve works. The nice woman gave me the grandmother’s address and we’re going to go see her. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Katie was there?”

***I had a funny feeling when we walked up to the front door. I know I’m just a dog, but It wasn’t a very nice place and Katie was a really nice little girl.

Miss Bessie knocked on the door and it was the longest time before it opened…

I couldn’t believe it. There was Katie in her wheel chair.

“Oh, Arf,” she said as she turned to look behind her. “Grandma, this is Miss Bessie and Arf. Can they come in?”

“Goodness yes,” the lady said. An older woman barely five feet tall came bustling toward the door. She had bright red hair and wore a turquoise dress with matching long earrings.

“I’m so sorry. I have looked high and low for the phone number Steve gave to me. He made me promise to call you and explain what happened. Oh dear…you must have been so concerned.”

Katie held her arms out to Arf who didn’t take much encouraging before running to her side.

“Please tell me what happened Mrs ?”

“Please call me Helen. Katie’s mother is my daughter. She left without a word, almost eight years ago. It hasn’t been easy for Steve, but he has done his best to care for Katie. I try to help, but it gets more difficult for me each year.”

“I understand,” Miss Bessie said. “Please tell me what happened. Where is Steve now?”

“Um…he was suddenly called away,” Helen said, nervously.