Mrs. Dunkin #7

This is an ongoing story I've decided to write and put on my blog every Monday.   Please excuse the errors, I'm only doing limited editing.  Constructive criticism welcome.  I wish I had a cute button on the side where the story could go but I don't know how to make a button.  Even if I did I wouldn't know how to link up the story LOL.   So if you miss a chapter, you'll have to look at my sidebar for it.  The first chapter was written on October 23, 2011 so that should at least be some help, ha.

Chapter 7

 I started unpacking the last box.  I put my anniversary clock Hank had bought me many years ago on the dresser.  I was just pulling out my jewelry box when Cheryl walked in.  “How was your lunch Annie?”  

“It was delish.” 

“I hope you don’t mind if I give you a suggestion but I see you have a jewelry box.  If you have anything expensive in there, I wouldn’t leave it out.  We could put it in our safe.  You see, when some residents walk the halls and they see things in peoples rooms they would like, they take it.” 

“ I have a lock on my one drawer” and when I opened it the key was in it.  “Yes, I have the key.  Would that be good?” 

“Sure.  It’s not when they take things they are being malicious, their mind just doesn’t tell them they are doing something wrong.  We pretty much know who takes things, so if you’re ever missing anything let us know and we’ll hunt it down for you.” 

“Okay.” 

"I came for your tray.  I’m going to have a break in about half hour and thought I could show you around a bit.”  

“That would be lovely, dear.” 

“Okay, I’ll see you in a bit.”

I put the jewelry box in the dresser drawer and locked it.  I also found the key for the hope chest.  I opened it up and got out one of my mother’s fancy white laced runners.  All these years later it still looked as beautiful as the first time I remember seeing it.  I put it on top of the chest.  I also got out the quilted throw that Stella had made for me one year for Christmas.  It was burgundy, green and an off white. I always feel so cozy when I cover myself with it.  I think it’s because I know Stella took the time and love to make it for me.  I put it on the back of the rocker.  Then I locked the chest.   I decided the clock would look better on the chest and I moved it there.  I knew that girl, what’s her name again, will be coming soon.   I can finish with this box later.  I better put this in the closet and hide it.   

 I sat on the rocker holding the quilt, what’s that girl’s name that will be showing me around?  I bet you know.  It’s just terrible not to remember things. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been calling a lot of people dear.  It’s less embarrassing than having them see me fumble to recall their name.  When I was younger, I never could understand people calling someone they hardly knew dear, or honey and now that’s me.  I know I’m feeling sorry for myself and I don’t care.   I don’t think I’ve mentioned that I was an English teacher at a high school many years ago.  Now, I don’t mean to brag but I had such a good memory; I could remember kid’s names years later after they had been in my class.  They would be so tickled if I met them somewhere after they had children and I would greet them with their name and a little anecdote of something they had done in my class.   Now I can’t remember someone’s name I met a few hours earlier.  Think about it, how disconcerting that would be.  Another thing I never told anyone but the doctor I went to.  A couple of times when I went for a walk, I would forget how to get home.  It always seemed to happen at the same place, a bench in the town square.  I would sit there until I remembered how to get home.  Julie and Jerry would be so upset if they knew.  

 Excuse me; the phone is ringing “Hello?” 

“Hi grandma, it’s Jill.”  

“Hi Jill, I’m surprised to hear from you.  Aren’t you supposed to be in school?” 

“Didn’t mom tell you I was home sick today?” 

“No, she didn’t mention it.  What can I do for you?”  

“I found your number and I wanted to ask you a question.”

 “Okay, what’s your question?” 

“I have to do a school project.  It’s about putting together a family tree as far back as we can.  Do you have any of that kind of stuff?”  

“Yes, I have a lot.  It’s here in my chest.  I’ll sort through my stuff and can give it to you when I see you.” 

“Annie, are you ready?”  

“Who is that grandma?” 

“That’s some very nice girl that’s going to show me around.  I’ll have to go.”  

“All right.  Try to remember to look for that stuff okay?  Bye.  I love you.”  

“I will honey.  I’ll write myself a note so I remember.  I love you too.  Bye.”

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