He walked through the house, let Ginger in, fed her, then sat on the couch while an infomercial talked about some new cleaning product.
“Ginger, let’s go to bed.”
*
THE NEXT MORNINGBernard lay in bed, still in his suit. Ginger lay next to him, cuddling under his arm.
“What am I going to do, Ginger?” He had no tears left to shed. “My dad’s gone. I’ll never see him again.”
Bernard took Ginger out when she needed to go, made sure she had food and water, and lay in bed.
“He cared about me. We talked all the time. I’ll never hear his voice again.”
Bernard walked to the kitchen and played the messages. A message from his dad remained.
Hey, Bernardo. Happy birthday, son. I can’t wait to see you today. I know it’s early, but I couldn’t wait to wish you a happy birthday. Love you, son.
Bernard replayed the message a dozen times before he walked back to his bed. He lay down and Ginger joined him. His tears fell again. Hearing his father’s voice reminded him he was gone.
Ginger whimpered and curled up next to him.
*
ANOTHER DAY DRAGGEDby. Bernard hadn’t eaten. He couldn’t eat. How could he enjoy food when this loss had drained the life from him? His father was his rock, the man who pushed him to be his best. He didn’t have that support anymore.
He was napping when he heard voices coming up the stairs.
“I’ve never seen him this bad.”
Is that Sarah?He concentrated, straining to hear.
“He can’t be in good shape. He won’t answer his phone.” This was a man. John? Or Kelly?
“Well, we need to check on him,” Sarah said.
The door opened. He didn’t bother to sit up or open his eyes.
“Bernard.” A soft voice came from the distance. “It’s Sarah. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he said.
“Bernard. We’re here to help.” That was Kelly.
“Who’s here?” he squeaked out.
“Me, John, Kelly, and Rory,” Sarah said.
Great, more people to see the wreck I’ve become.
He opened his eyes to see them standing there. “I’ll be okay. I just need time.” He closed his eyes again.
“We know, we’re just worried. When was the last time you ate something?” John asked.
“I don’t know.”
“We left some food in the fridge. You should eat something when you’re up to it.” Sarah said.
“I made a banana cream pie,” Rory said.
