"So Tabitha, er Mrs. Oakmont ...she's" Gadget asked confused.
"Just call her Tabby. Most people do," Chip responded helpfully, "Like Monty said she's Dale's mother."
"Why did Dale say the letters she sent were from his cousin?" Zipper asked.
"Da- I don't know. You'll have to ask Dale about it." Chip lied. He hated lying, especially to the Rangers, but if they found out ...
"It's better this way," Chip thought, "Dale'll tell them, something. They'll stop asking after a while."
Dale was in the room he shared with Chip. A torn blue envelope in the trash bin, crumbled piece of paper that hadn't quite made it in lay near it.
Dale was laying face down on the top bunk, the contents of the discarded letter still running through his mind.
Dear Dale,
How are things in the city? How are you and Chip doing out there? What all have the rangers been up to lately?
We miss you boys, please come and visit sometime.
Things around here are about the same as they ever are. Unca Oakie's took another turn for the worse I'm afraid. Samson's working overtime to pay the bills. Auntie's frazzled, she getting too old to really do much anymore. Andy went to the hospital with her to visit Unca Oakie Tuesday, and we went over to visit with her yesterday, keep her company.
We haven't told her yet, but Sammy says that the doctor doesn't think theres much hope. He's not on his deathbed yet, but seems it'll only be a matter of time. Doctor says maybe five more years at the very most.
Not the nicest thing to think about, but he is old. His younger brother and sister, not to mention their parents, are already gone.
I went in to see Unca Oakie this morning. He was talking quite a bit. He was joking saying, "If I do mange to get outta here, I'd bet a cat'd up an' catch me. So, I'm stayin' in here."
On a more pleasant note Misty's walking now, well running's is more like it.
'Cyclone Misty, away!' the twins shout when she comes over.
Speaking of which the Resident Psychopath's been at me all week now. Don't see why he can't bug Danny, instead.
Keeps going on about us needing all kindsa whatsits and dodads like the farmer has.
I really don't see whats wrong with the way we've been doing things, but you know how Tom is, once he grabs onto an idea he won't let it go.
I just hope that Arnold Howard doesn't hear Tom carrying on. Mr. Howard, as I've told you before, has caused more problems this year then we've ever had. He always thinks his way's the right one and all the rest of us that have been harvesting almonds our whole lives, for generations back in most cases, have no idea how to do anything especially if almonds are involved!
If that squirrel was still working for us, instead of Daniel working for him (just this year, thankfully), I'd sure give him a good piece of my mind about this whole business.
But your father seems to put up with him anyway, don't know why, but there must be a reason for it.
He's been getting his dizzy spells again if he works too long. Nobody seems to notice it, Mr. Howard works him pretty hard. I'd worry, but it wouldn't help.
I learned that years ago when his heart tried to quit on him. I worried then and it got so I was such a wreck I couldn't think straight. I know better then t' worry, its just a waste of time.
I'm coming by for a visit. I know it's short notice, but I've missed you so much, I had to come by. Hope you don't mind too much.
Maybe you can introduce me to those nice girls you told me about. See you soon.
Love,
Mom
To Dale it when more like this:
Unca Oakie's gonna die soon.
When are you gonna get married?
Unca Oakie's gonna die
When are you gonna get married?
Unca Oakie's dying. By the way, when are you gonna get married?
When are you gonna get married?
Unca Oakie
hospital
not much time.
when you
gonna die
get married
doctor said
When you
five years
get married
not much time
when
dizzy spells
Misty's walking
you
harvest
get married
Dale
Dale?
"Dale? Can you hear me?" Chip asked hanging from the side of the bunk.
He crawled onto the top bunk and poked his friend casually.
"Are you still asleep?" Chip questioned the inert form before him.