The Belchers barely celebrated Christmas the year Bob, Linda, and Louise died. Gene was still in the hospital and the rest of the family was still processing the sudden loss of both Bob and Linda. Big Bob, Teddy, and Kathleen tried to give Tina good day, but she didn't want to celebrate.
The next milestone was Bob's birthday. Big Bob did not get out of bed that day and nobody could blame him. Teddy, Kathleen, Tina, and Gene cooked a mini-Thanksgiving dinner and watched Bob's favorite movies. They sat around sharing stories and memories.
Linda's birthday was different. Gene ended up in the hospital again and Kathleen wasn't feeling well. Thankfully, Kathleen was just dealing with the less-than-ideal parts of pregnancy. Although she did spend the day in bed. Gayle and Mr. Frond came over, but Gayle spent the whole day crying on the couch. For Linda's birthday they went to the deli she used to frequent with Gene and the hotel to well you know. They started to go to the pet store but couldn't bear to do that. instead, they went home ate junk food and watched Christmas movies.
Louise's birthday was the next to come and this one was far more challenging to endure. Gene managed to stay out of the hospital but was still on edge throughout the ordeal. The first thing the family did on the dreaded day was donate the toys they would have given Louise to the children's hospital. It was hard for the family to be in the hospital where Louise had initially been taken.
"Thank you so much for your generous donation. It is always appreciated. Although it is never pleasant to receive donations under such circumstances." A nurse explained as she ushered the Belchers into the playroom.
"Louise always loved her toys. She tried to play tough, but I know it always bothered her knowing sick kids couldn't be around their toys. I actually brought her Kuchi Kopi nightlight to the hospital. Unfortunately, it was unwrapped, and they could not sanitize it properly. She could not have it in the ICU. She could not have it in the final hours of her life." Tina sobbed.
"Well, I am sure she will be happy knowing these kids will get something close to normal." The nurse assured.
After leaving the hospital the family headed to the local animal shelter. Big Bob had done a fundraiser in the restaurant and Teddy had collected money from his clients. So, they would be able to make a large contribution in Louise's memory. Louise had always wanted a puppy and for a long time after her death. They had discussed adopting one. Ultimately deciding against it. At least for the time being. Knowing that the dog would eventually die, and it would be like losing Louise all over again. They were still open to doing it eventually but wanted to wait until it was for them and not for Louise. That said in the meantime they wanted to help shelter animals.
"Thank you for your donation. This will help our facility greatly. Now would you be OK with us sharing your pictures and some of Louise's story on our website and social media platforms or do you wish to remain anonymous?" The attendant questioned.
"We are trying to share Louise's story everywhere. You can take our picture, but we don't have any of Louise." Big Bob replied.
"Yes, we do." Tina corrected withdrawing her cellphone.
The picture was low quality taken on Linda's phone over a year ago now, but to Tina it was precious. She had found it when she was scrubbing Linda's phone so they could take it to a designated recycling center. It was Louise in the pet store holding Colonel Fluffers Two. She just looked so happy, so at peace. The date was about a week after Linda's last birthday and Tina knew Linda had taken Louise on what would be their last special trip. The part that broke Tina's heart most however was the text Linda had sent to Bob. They were going to get Louise a puppy for her birthday. Then something happened, something in the restaurant needed repair and they had to wait. It was supposed to happen on Christmas but that never came.
"Hmm this isn't the best quality, but I am not in charge of the technology stuff. That is Sophie and she is a magician when it comes to photoshop and Instagram. She should be able to make it work." The attendant replied studying Tina's photo.
After handing over the check and taking a group photo. The Belchers along with Teddy and Kathleen. Were taken on a tour of the shelter. They came to the puppy room and were greeted by eager yips. As they passed each cage. There was one dog in the back corner who Tina noticed only had three legs. Her mind went to Louise and how she would have lived with at best one limb after the accident.
"That's Trifecta. She had all three legs when she was born but one was found to have a defect and our vet decided it would be best to amputate." The attendant explained.
"She gets along so good." Tina observed.
"With proper care dogs adapt pretty well. She was very happy in her foster home and the girl was going to adopt her but then her older dog got sick, and she had to give up fostering for a while." The attendant explained.
"She doesn't get much attention here though?" Tina guessed.
"Unfortunately, not. In most cases even when people get a shelter dog. They still want an ideal puppy. Not a different one." The attendant explained.
"I know we agreed not to commit to a pet for a while, but would she make you happy Tina?" Teddy asked.
"Yes, but what about Gene?" Tina replied.
"Oh My Gosh! She's so cute! She reminds me of Damon's dog Halle!" Gene cried.
"So, she would make you happy too?" Teddy questioned.
"Bobby always wanted a dog, but his mom was highly allergic. One time he was playing with a friend's dog and forgot to change his clothes on the porch, and we had to rush her to the hospital. After she died I still. It felt wrong." Big Bob explained.
"It is good for babies to grow up with a pet if possible and we can get her trained before she gets here." Kathleen commented rubbing her belly.
"So, we are doing this?" Teddy asked.
It took three days for the application to process but once it did the family again returned to the animal shelter. This time with a new collar and leash, and a new toy. The rest of the toys were now at Teddy's place along with a fancy water bowl and the big bag of dog food. Big Bob and Teddy went half and half on the adoption fee and Tina used her babysitting money to buy most of the supplies. Again, their picture was taken but this time Tina held Trifecta who was now named Chick on her lap.
That's how they managed to get through Louise's birthday. The anniversary of her death was a different story. First came the anniversary of the accident. It was a Saturday at least. So, Tina and Gene did not have to go to school. Big Bob even opted to close the diner through Monday. Knowing he would not be able to handle working those days. Still there were unforeseen issues. Firstly, Tina had agreed to go on a double date with Susmita and Henry Haber. She completely spaced on the date until Zeke pointed it out to her. She wanted to cancel but Teddy, Kathleen, and Big Bob all agreed that it would be best for her to keep the date and have some normalcy.
"Normalcy" It was the anniversary of losing Louise. One year ago, was the last normal day the Belcher family had. It was the last day Tina saw Bob kiss Linda on the forehead before going downstairs to open the restaurant. it was the last day Linda cut up with customers in the dining room. It was the last time she had to try to convince Louise that jumping off the bus stop was a bad idea. It was the last time she had to wait for Gene to get his keyboard from Mr. Frond. Because he managed to get it taken away again.
"Look Tina if you don't want to do this. It's no big deal. My parents just aren't comfortable with me being alone with a boy yet, even though we would be in public. They just prefer a double date if one of them can't be there. They were OK with it when we first started dating but once we got to high school and kids started being sexually active. They backtracked." Susmita explained.
"No everybody thinks I need to do this." Tina assured.
"But are you sure you can do this?" Zeke questioned.
"Yes" Tina sighed.
Gene had a different response. Damon knew it was the anniversary and invited him over. Normally Gene jumped at the chance to hang out with Damon. Especially since he ended up having to repeat the seventh grade and Damon's cousin decided it was time for Damon to return to the local school. They had barely seen each other since the last day of the previous school year. Like with Tina; Teddy, Kathleen, and Big Bob tried to convince Gene to go. He wanted too so badly but he couldn't. All he wanted to do was lie in bed and mourn Louise.
For Teddy things were very different. Kathleen was due any day now. At her last appointment on Wednesday. She was two centimeters and the baby had drooped a little. It was not super imminent, but it was going to happen soon. Teddy just prayed she would make it through the weekend. He loathed the idea of his child. What would most likely be his and Kathleen's only biological child. Being born on the anniversary of losing his niece.
"Oh" Kathleen gasped.
"Gah! Please tell me that was not a contraction!" Teddy cried.
"No just a kick. She better get a full ride soccer scholarship after everything she's put me through." Kathleen replied.
Like so many days in his life the anniversary of Louise's accident brought Big Bob regret. He wondered if things would have been different if he had called Bobby sooner. If they had grieved and hurt together. Just how different things would be. The family was making a bold choice to visit the scene of the accident. Big Bob drove the van but went out of his way to avoid Ocean Avenue. Bob's Burger was a completely different business now.
The family arrived on the scene. They parked at the end of the street and made their way to the memorial. People had stopped leaving gifts and flowers many months ago. They had tried several times to leave flowers but could not bear it. At least not until today. They each carried a plant and Tina carried a small Kuchi Kopi statue. Which they placed next to the cross at the roadside.
"Would anybody like to say something?" Kathleen asked.
"Louise you are my hero and my best friend. I love you and I won't ever forget what you did for me." Gene whispered.
"I love you so much Louise. Thank you for your sacrifice. Tell mom and dad I miss them too." Tina said.
"You were a great kid. I am glad you died a hero. I just wish it weren't so young." Teddy whispered.
"I did not know you very well, but I know you were amazing." Kathleen said.
"I have lost so much in my life. More than any man should but losing you was by far the hardest. Even harder than your father. Mainly because if it weren't for you dying. He may still be here. No that's wrong. All of this is on me." Big Bob cried.
On the one-year anniversary of Louise dying. Everybody woke up at the hour of her death. They held on to each other and cried. Eventually Chick needed to go out. The entire family got dressed and walked her around the street crying and sharing memories of Louise. Once Chick was cared for, they gathered in the living room and watched all the "Hawk and Chick" movies. They wanted to fall apart but knew that is not what Louise would have wanted. She would never be forgotten but it was time to start living again.