CHAPTER 4: WOODSTOCK'S FUNERAL
Woodstock had died in his sleep the night before school began. He had at least visited Snoopy one last time before his passing. Woodstock was up there in age in bird years. Snoopy knew he would outlive Woodstock, but didn't figure he'd lose him so soon. Much of the gang were there to pay their respects. Woodstock was placed in a small wood box that was painted green by Rerun. Snoopy was inconsolable. Woodstock was his best friend and closest confidant. Linus would eulogize the bird he once patted on the head with other birds to Lucy's chagrin.
"We remember a friend," Linus began. "He was a small guy in a world of giants. But unlike other birds, he was one of the gang. A friend. Woodstock was mostly a friend to Snoopy, but he also was close to us, as well. All of us remember how he beat those bullies at Camp Remote during the raft race. We remember how Snoopy helped search for his nest when it was missing." Sally blushed with embarrassment remembering it was her that took it, thinking it was a prehistoric bird's nest. "We remember how it was Woodstock that showed us because you are small, doesn't mean you can't achieve greatness. And Woodstock did just that; not only greatness among giants, but also everlasting friendships."
Snoopy was inconsolable. Charlie Brown comforted his dog as he wept in his owner's arms. Lucy was less than consoling. "Can you quiet that mutt of yours down, Charlie Brown?!" she ranted.
"Hey, it was HIS best friend that died, fussbudget!" Charlie Brown retorted angrily. "Try showing a little compassion, for once in your miserable life!" Charlie Brown was still angry about the baseball game that Lucy purposely threw days earlier. In addition, Charlie Brown had less patience for her antics as they got older. And he was starting to fight back when he was picked on.
"Sorry about your loss, Snoopy," said Frieda. "I know Woodstock was very close to you, boy." And she patted Snoopy on the head.
"Thank you, Frieda," said Charlie Brown.
"You have my condolences, Snoopy," said Schroeder.
"Sorry, Snoop, ol' boy," said Peppermint Patty. "You're gonna keep him company, Chuck?"
"Yeah, I think so, Patty," said Charlie Brown. "He's going to need all the comforting he can get."
"You're in my prayers, Snoopy," said Franklin. And one by one each of the gang gave Snoopy their condolences to losing Woodstock. Lucy just scoffed and went back home. It was just as well. People had been tired of her bad attitude as of lately. And it seemed that she was getting worse day by day. Her crabbiness was getting old with folks, and for her to show blatant disrespect to the deceased was more proof that she didn't need to be there at all, anyway.
After Woodstock's death, Snoopy lost all joy in his life. Not even a visit from one of his brothers or sisters could perk him up. He decided to just live the rest of his years in quiet solitude. No more Word War I Flying Ace, no more Literacy Ace, no more flights of fancy, Joe Cool, Easter Beagle, none of it. He reverted to acting like a normal dog, not even sleeping on top of his doghouse like he used to do. He'd come out only to eat when Charlie Brown brought his dinner. And even that wasn't as joyous as it used to be. One thing was for certain. With all the joy out of Snoopy and no more Woodstock, Snoopy's own days were numbered.
THE END OF #2
NEXT TIME, #3: WHEN FRIENDS MOVE ON