Down Home

Feeling rather blue about some work-related issues, I took myself and a few extra items of clothing off to the long term care residence. I know my sweetie couldn’t understand the problem but I thought I might at least enjoy the comfort of his familiar hug and endless confidence in me.

When I walked in, he was happily eating a muffin and drinking coffee with the whole gang in the rec room area. I called, Hi Don, and he looked confused for a moment, then his face cleared and he said, “Oh yes, you’re… you’re one of our people, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I said, smiling, because what else was there to do?

“So how are things back east?” he continued, conversationally.

“Oh fine,” I said, “everybody’s fine.”

“Well it’s nice of you to come all the way from down home,” he beamed.

“Down home,” I echoed, tenderly.

Later, after we walked awhile, he started fidgeting, almost knowing who I was, and said, “C’mon babe, let’s go.”

And I signaled to the care aide for distraction, and fled.