Death is never far from Jennifer and Needy, even in childhood; but hope is eternal.
Contains nothing objectionable; and so, rated "K" for everyone.
Jennifer and Needy created by Diablo Cody.
Stoop, little child, nor fear to kiss / The green buds on this bed of death. —John Keble
Last Rites
by Diablo Priest
One Friday when Needy was six, Toni, her mother, took her straight from school to her great grandmother's house.
"Great Ma is very sick," Toni said.
The house was different. It wasn't the usual quiet place. There were people there. Some cousins, aunts and uncles were there. And Bud, one of the neighbors. He was a big man with big glasses and a robust demeanor, who always had an enthusiastic greeting for little Needy. The gentle giant always welcomed Needy as if she were an old drinking pal. Now Bud was subdued, even morose; and this puzzled Needy and made her anxious. What was going on?
While holding her mother's hand and standing amidst the chatting adults, Needy heard two lines that stood out:
"She won't last long now. The priest was here a little while ago and gave her the Last Rites."
Then Toni led her daughter into Great Ma's bedroom.
It was dark, the shades were drawn. The light and warmth of the sun were already gone from Great Ma's life. The old woman lay on the bed, propped up by some pillows. The room was cool, but a fan was running nonetheless. Needy could easily tell something was wrong. Great Ma was breathing in big laborious breaths. It was scary.
Toni prompted her daughter. Needy advanced to the bedside, but she didn't know what to do. Again Toni prodded her daughter.
"Great Ma?" Needy said.
Once more Toni prodded her little girl. Needy reached for Great Ma's wrinkled hand. It was cold, very cold. With both of her tiny hands, Needy held her great grandmother's hand in front of her in a position that resembled prayer.
"Great Ma?" Needy said again.
The old woman suddenly moved. Her toothless mouth opened for a big breath, and her eyes opened too.
Great Ma's eyes were glazed over by death and appeared to be the eyes of a blind person. To Needy, her great grandmother already seemed far away. The little girl actually raised a tiny hand and waved at the old woman, as one would wave at someone who was only nigh. There was no sign of recognition from Great Ma, who collapsed back into the rote of heaving breaths.
Toni led Needy from the room.