CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Heck! That was sure some meal. Lots of fun, too. We haven't sat down as a family like that since God knows when. The kids had a ball. They're all upstairs now, getting ready for bed, all except Alice, that is. She's puttering around in the kitchen cleaning up the debris. I sure wish she wouldn't worry about things like that so much, but I guess the habit is formed. Maybe one of these days things will get straightened out so she'll have a chance to live like other girls her age.
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Now, where was I in the diary? Oh, yes! I finally got enough money saved up to buy me a little sandwich shop. I guess fooling with food is about the only thing a guy like me can understand. I guess I've been hungry enough in days gone by that I can appreciate the difference between good and bad.
Anyway, I worked hard at my sandwich shop and put out meals that were worth eating at a sensible price. It got going so good that I put on extra help. I even had the place decorated and hung a portrait of Edie on the front wall where everyone could see it, and then named the place after her. I called it: "Angel Edie's." Everyone thought it was a real good name. It always made me feel good to know that she was around where I was working.
Then about eight months ago --
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"Dad -- "
"Yes, Wonderland."
"Everything is all cleaned up now. I'm going to go up and fix your bed...clean sheets and everything. Then I'll come down and get you."
"I'm not helpless, Wonderland. Just call when it's done. I want to do a little more work tonight."
"I know you're not helpless, daddy. I guess I'm just a worry-wort."
"Yes, honey, too much so. You're going to have to grow out of that business. Learn to meet life head-on. Take it as it comes. Things can get bad for a while, but they'll always get better."
"I know, daddy. It's just that I'm going to miss taking care of you and the kids."
"Don't you think it's about time they took care of themselves?"
"I guess. But...Oh...Oh, daddy! I wish Miss Owens wasn't coming. I don't want her to."
"There, there. Go ahead and cry it out, honey. Get it all out of your system."
"Daddy, I...uh, just...uh, wish it all hadn't happened. Wh...why...uh, why...uh, can't we be like other families? Why...uh, a won't God answer my prayers?"
"We are like other families, Wonderland. You know that. Better than some. We all love one another. Don't we, huh, don't we?"
"Yes, daddy."
"And you just keep praying. God don't always move as we think he should."
I know, daddy. I'm sorry I said that."
"That's better. Now, see if you can dry your eyes and cheer up. You wouldn't want the other kids to catch you crying, would you?"
"No. I guess not."
"There you go. Feel better now?"
"Huh, huh. I'll go fix your bed now. But don't you stay up too late. You need some rest."
"Okay, Wonderland. Give me a kiss before you go."
"Humm...goodnight, daddy."
"Goodnight."
I'm sure worried about her. She's taking it harder than I thought she would. The strain is beginning to tell. Wish I could pull a miracle out of a hat, but that's a dangerous way to start thinking. The Wolf can sneak in awfully close when you let your guard down. Better practice some of my own advice to the kids.
Now, where was I? Oh, yes. About eight months ago --
"Dad -- "
"Why, Harry, I thought you'd be all snuggled up in that sleeping bag by now."
"Nope. I've got it all fixed though. I put it right by the side of your bed, so if you need anything tonight, all you have to do is shake me."
"That's swell, son. But don't worry about me needing anything. When I hit that bed, I'll be asleep before you let out your first snore. I don't intend on waking up until in the morning."
"But just in case you do, I'll be there."
"Okay. Just in case. Now -- "
"Dad?"
"Yes, son."
"You know that time you took -- is it okay to come over and sit on your lap? Just this one time?"
"Sure, son. Come on over."
"You know that time you took me and John camping and hunting, and we killed all those squirrels."
"Sure, son, I can remember that. It was really some trip, wasn't it?"
"It sure was. I'll never forget it. Not as long as I live."
"I've got to say that you and John sure did a good job. For two fellows that had never been squirrel hunting before, you sure did fine. But, then, I guess squirrel hunters just sort of run in our family."
"Really?"
"Sure. There's just no other way to account for it."
"Well, what I was wondering, dad, is whether we'll ever get a chance to do it again?"
"Sure, Harry. What's to stop us?"
"Well, uh -- "
"I know what you're thinking, son. I forgot myself. But all good hunters have to lay down their guns someday. Some just have to do it early, that's all. But that won't stop us. We'll go anyway. You're old enough to do the shooting, and my ears are better now than they've ever been. Why, I bet I could hear a squirrel bark at two-hundred yards."
"When do you think we'll get to go, dad?"
"Well, I'll tell you what, son. It's going to take awhile for me to get in shape again, but just as soon as I get on my feet financially, I'm going to buy you the best shotgun a boy ever owned."
"Aw...that wouldn't do much good, dad. It wouldn't be much fun if you weren't there to help me."
"Sure it would, son. Since you're going to do all the shooting now, it's only fair for you to get your eye in shape for the big hunt."
"I guess you're right, dad. Say? Maybe I could practice on some wolves or something."
"Sure son, Kill every one you see. They're no good animals. They're not worth anything but killing."
How long do you think it's gonna be, dad?
"That's hard to say, son. Maybe six months, maybe more."
"Sure wish Miss Owens wasn't coming. I just don't like that idea much, dad."
"I don't either, son. But there isn't much we can do about it at the present."
"I guess not. Can I help you up the stairs?"
"I wasn't figuring on going up just yet. I was going to do some more work first."
"You've been over-doing it, dad. You look like you're about to cave-in any second."
"I do?"
"Huh, huh. Come on. I'll make sure your wood leg is fastened tight. You need to get some sleep."
"Well, maybe you're right, Harry. Guess I am more tired than I thought."
"Sure, dad. I'll shut everything off for you. Watch your step on your way up."
"How do you mean that, Harry?"
"Sorry, dad. I forget myself some times."
"I do too, son. I do too."
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