Chapter 3
The man I had known, his name was Winifred Tennyson. A man with white hair, short, and cut into just the right length to style it with. He wore a blue suit coat, with a white collared shirt, and purple tie. He carried a pocketbook in his suit coat, just in case he needed to do some business. One could tell his hair was formerly red because it was white now. (I don't know if red hair actually turns white, mine did). Anyhow, he was a smiling man, with a suave, laid-back gentleness about him, and a rich mind. He had a lot of wealth selling medical supplies, so he tells me. I waited for him outside, as I heard his heeled shoes click when he walked. "Hello". I said, gently in my old, polite manner. "Hello, my sugarplum". Winifred said, gently in his suave manner. "How are you this evening?". "It is so good to finally see you after a long day working". "I come home to see my lovely Muriel waiting patiently for me". We both laughed, as Winifred handed me a rose from his pocketbook. "Oh my…". "Oh, how lovely". I said, chuckling as I glanced at the rose. "You brought this home for us?".
"I did, come to believe it". Winifred said, suavely. We both laughed, as he planted a sweet kiss on my lips. "It has been a long day, mind you". "There is a lot of bearing to implement".
"I'm surprised you've been at work this late". I said, raising an eyebrow. "You usually come right home, and have something to eat".
"I do, but there was a lot of business to take care of". "I had a steak dinner with a client, however". "He was nice…taller man…one of the younger ones without a plan, or a business strategy". "I'm sure he'll survive, however". Winifred said. "He was one of those Generation X fellas, one of those with a teenaged mind".
"Yes, I've seen those ones around". I replied. "They have been faltering with a plan, it seems". "Nevermind it, they do as they wish".
"Perchance". Winifred said, taking something from up his sleeve. They were cigarettes. "Well, do have some pie left, if you would like to split a piece". I said, with kindness. It was a romantic kindness. "Why not?". "I've been looking for some pie". Winifred said, as he chuckled a bit. "I hear she's right here looking delicious". I chuckled, as we shared another kiss. "You know I've always loved pie, delicious in many ways". "That, and I've been compared to pie numerous times". I said. "Really?". "Have you?". Winifred said, as he chuckled. "Perhaps by your late darling".
"Something like that". "I've been compared to numerous amounts of desserts". "Dessert is the best meal of the day". I said, as Winifred and I chuckled. "I've been compared to a magician, and a dapper". Winifred said. "They used to call me the magic money man".
"I believe it". "I know you've been counting your savings so we can go on that happy Widows cruise we've been discussing". I mentioned, as I chuckled. "Yes, but I think that being a widower can be much more pleasant if you have a friend to share your time with". Winifred said. "I've been a widower for 5 years now, my wife and I were married for 73 years". "She was a beautiful lady".
"Eustace and I are just short of that by one year". "72 years". I said, as I served Winifred some pie. "Eustace and I have been so well-off by renewing our vows every few years, and keeping in touch with one another".
"Marriage is a beautiful thing, isn't it?". Winifred said, as he ate some of his pie, and drank some tea. "I loved being married, it certainly was a wonderful adventure in every way of it". "I feel lonely sometimes, now that I mention it". "But I've loved having a wife, and having someone to lean on".
"I've loved having a husband, someone I can return to if need be". "Marriage is lovely, and wonderful in its sacrament, but I guess, the story ended too soon". "He'll meet me in heaven, though". I mentioned, eating some more pie. "But you're not opposed to having a friend, if need be?". Winifred said, as he glanced over, seeing me with a mischievous smile. "No, not at all". "And my Courage is alright with it as well". "He loved meeting you a few weeks back". I said, smiling. "Yes, Courage is a wonderful part of our friendship". "He is so handsome, and brave, polite". Winifred said, as he and I smiled dreamily thinking of Courage. "I love Courage deeply". Winifred said.
"Yes, he is wonderful". I mentioned. "We found him when he was still a puppy, abandoned in an alleyway, with no food to eat, or milk to drink". "No parent, or mother to give him love, and shelter". "He was alone for a time".
"Aww". Winifred said, sympathetically. "Why was that?".
"Well, because his parents were killed by a cruel Veterinarian that didn't want them having puppies". "When they escaped from neutering and had Courage, he found them, and put them to sleep". "He was a cruel man, known for killing animals, and doing dogfights, and torture". I explained, secretively and softly.
"Courage's parents were killed so early on in his lifetime, that his development was stunted, and he spent most of his puppyhood surviving on his own until we found him". "When we did adopt him, he was so deprived of love, and care, of stimulation, and milk, that his paws were moist, he had trouble lifting his head, barking, and walking so young". "He had trouble following simple instructions, and recognizing caregivers by their voices". "He came to recognize my voice after I pampered him, and gave him milk, held him the most". "He came to learn to give and receive affection, give hugs, and kisses, and reciprocate feelings of sharing and love". "He's also learned to forgive others, and clean up mistakes". I whispered, secretively.
"Aww". Winifred whispered gently, with sympathy. "Well, mainly animals and babies, newborns who lose their birth parents within 6 weeks to a month of neonatal bonding, experience trauma and have trouble with contact, development, learning, and receiving milk". "The milk, the bonding, and the stimulation, the close contact with birth mother is important for development". "I know Courage perhaps needed that for the first few weeks".
"Courage and I bonded well, and were close". "I became his caregiver for most of the time, I fed him milk from a baby bottle, and had holding time, as well as storytime with him". I whispered, eating the last part of my pie.
"It is important for animals and younglings to have that maternal warmth, and consistency". Winifred whispered. "Has Courage had any trouble with trust, and being truthful, being open and honest with you?". "Has he had any doubts or insecurities?".
"Not necessarily". I whispered. "Courage has been nice for the most part". "I love how Courage is honest with me, and he trusts me with anything". "He is someone who is so honest, and loving, no matter what comes to him". "I have had such a distinct relationship with him". "Our bond is the strongest, when it comes to love and aspiration". "He has such big dreams of finding someone, and settling down to have puppies". "He is so kind, and loving to everyone, as well as heroic". "He needs something to go right for him, something to help him thrive".
"How is your bond with him?". I asked, whispering. "Well, I have noticed he is a bit tearful at times, and has been depressed lately". Winifred whispered. "I think perhaps he's experienced so much in this year's time frame, that he's a bit overwhelmed". "This year has been hard on him, as it has for everyone". "He needs some positivity, and love". "Love does heal all wounds".
"I'm sure it does". I whispered, as we thought for a moment about Courage. "He is such a good boy". I whispered, gently. "Yes, he is". "I love him, too". Winifred whispered, smiling. He took out some cigarettes, beginning to light them. "Well, the virus isn't as prominent, but it has gotten worse, it seems". Winifred said, as he lit his cigarette. Winifred had dentures in, so his teeth wouldn't be affected. "Yes, it has gotten worse with time". "It seems like only a bit ago, more people were dying of the virus than we lost in the World Wars…all of them combined". I said, as I proceeded to light my cigarette. Yes, for those of you wondering….I do smoke some of the time. Nicotine is a healthy additive. At least that's what they said back then.
"Well, the World Wars were horrible". "The World Wars were times that people relied mainly on food, and bonds to keep themselves in a good place". "It seemed as if supporting the soldiers was the only way to do it". Winifred mentioned, tapping ash from his cigarette. "Yes, I remember soup bonds, war bonds, the Berlin Airlift, Pearl Harbor, Franklin Roosevelt, it was a time of major catastrophe, and the only way to keep it at bay was to pray no one got hurt". I said.
"Perhaps, but it was a depressing time, either way". Winifred said. "War, viruses, terrorism, the world is a destructive place". "Perhaps it is a test to see how we do, and survive before coming to our true home of heaven". Winifred smoked his cigarette. "Yes, that is a good point". I mentioned. We smoked our cigarettes, reflecting on what was just said. I heard a bit of rustling coming from the porch door, as Courage came outside, whimpering, crying it seemed like.
"Courage". I whispered, gently with kindness. Courage wiped his eyes, as he glanced up, sniffling. He seemed even more depressed than he was earlier that day. "What happened, honey?". "Is everything alright?". I opened my arms for Courage to come into.
"I…I…I had a nightmare". Courage said, as he sniffled. With every sniffle, Courage seemed to become more frightened, and saddened. He sniffled, as he glanced upwards. Winifred put his cigarette aside, glancing down at Courage. "Hello, my young fella". Winifred said, kindly in a soft, gentle voice. Courage looked up at him, sniffling. "You look wonderful this evening". "It is so good to see you this evening, my Courage". "How are you?". Winifred said, gently.
"Fine". Courage said, quietly. "Would you like some Oat Milk, with a toffee bar?". "I have some, I'd like to share with my best pal". Winifred said, gently. "Let's have some, and we'll talk for a bit, my boy". Winifred took the gift of Oat Milk and a toffee bar from his suit coat pocket, giving it to Courage. "Thank you". Courage said, quietly. "Come see me, my Courage". "It's ok". I said, gently in a friendly soft voice. I picked Courage up from the floor, taking him in my arms, as I rocked slowly on the porch chair. "What happened, my Courage?". I asked, in a kind whisper. "I don't know". Courage said, quietly. "Tell me, sweetie". I whispered, gently.
I wiped a tear away from Courage's eyes, as he sniffled. "I had a nightmare about….about my parents….and about the Vet". Courage said, as a bout of silence came over us. Winifred finished his cigarette, going inside. "Well, I'm going to head to bed". Winifred said, gently. "It was nice sharing the evening with you, sugarplum". "My love". Winifred kissed me on the lips, kindly. "It was nice seeing you as well". I said, smiling. "Goodnight, Muriel darling". "Love you…see you in bed". Winifred said, romantically. "Love you, too baby". "See you upstairs". I replied, with an equal amount of romance. We kissed one another on the lips one last time as part of a goodnight kiss. "Goodnight my Courage". "My amazing boy, I love you so much". "Sweet dreams". Winifred said, gently with the combination of soft, kind friendliness that was altruistic in nature. Winifred kissed Courage on the forehead, gently. "Thank you". "Goodnight". Courage said. "I love you, my Courage". Winifred said, gently, kissing Courage on the head a second time. A few more kisses, and a nice pet to wipe away some tears. "I love you, too". Courage said, hesitantly. They both laughed, as Courage smiled, putting his head down on my lap.
I smiled, as Winifred said goodnight, going upstairs to our room to put his pajamas on. He had begun to stay over our house. "Well, now that we're alone, what happened in your nightmare, my Courage?". I asked in a gentle whisper. "I…I..I guess my parents were there, nuzzling me, petting me, and they were right beside me….and a wind blew….and they turned to dust…and I saw a man there holding a Syringe". "He looked demonic". Courage said. Courage sniffled.
"I understand". I whispered, gently. "Well, the trauma you've experienced while you were young…while you were little, just a newborn has affected you…has come back to your memory". "This is why you've been having nightmares".
Courage looked up, inquisitive. "Really?". He asked. "Truly, it seems so". I whispered, kindly. "When you were young, your mother and father died….and this being torn away from them, from your primary source has traumatized you". "It made you become saddened, and frightened".
"How does it feel…or how did it feel….being torn away from them?". I whispered, gently. Courage paused for a moment, glancing up to meet my eyes. "Well…it was horrible". "I had no family for a while". "I just had to rely on myself for everything". "It wasn't easy, and I guess being on my own kind of made me flawed in some ways as well". "When I think about that, I feel sad". "I feel like I'm not enough….like I can't be enough". "I'm trying to be the best I can, and make you proud, but I feel like I'm not strong enough, I'm not brave enough". "I'm not enough….because of how I began". Courage said, sniffling. "I want to make you proud, mom….Muriel".
I smiled a gentle smile, petting Courage's head, kindly. With every pet, I kissed his forehead as well. "Courage…my Courage". "You've done so many good things for me over the years….you've protected me in so many amazing ways, and have given me the hope I need". "It is because of you that I've lived a fulfilling life, and have been someone I myself, can rely on". "You, are my guiding light". "You are the reason I'm here today". "I'd be nothing without you". "You have made me more than proud….you have made me a better person". "I need you, and I want us to be happy where we are". "Winifred might keep me company, but you are the most important". "I am who I am because I have you in my life to keep me being great, Courage". "You are my everything, you are my hero, you are a lifetime my Courage". I kissed his forehead once again. Courage looked up, smiling. It was as if he was beginning to recognize how important he was. "Thanks mom". "I'm glad I am". Courage said.
"I love you so much, my Courage". "You have given me everything". "I will always love you". I said, gently. Courage smiled as he and I shared a laugh. "Thank you, Muriel". Courage said. "I guess….I mean….I didn't really know my birth parents….and while it was bad….it kind of happened for a reason". "I was part of an amazing family…I at least had a family….and for that, I couldn't ask for more". "But I guess it's a hard year right now…that's why I've been having the nightmares".
"Yes, it is a bit hard right now". I said, gently. "But you're getting through it, you're doing well now". "I'm proud of you, my Courage". "I'm always proud of you….my hero".
"Thanks, mom….Muriel". Courage said, as he felt me pick him up, nuzzling him. We both nuzzled, Eskimo kissed, as Courage fell asleep in my lap. I rocked slowly on the rocking chair with gentleness. Courage felt at peace as his heart rate slowed down, and his breathing became normal. I felt happy for Courage, knowing he was in a good place. We both were in a good place. Because we had one another to lean on. Even as the moon shone through the clouds, and the light glow of calm, and serenity broke through, we still hugged one another, kissing, and laughing. Courage smiled and played, as he calmed down. My face, my smile in the moonlight, as happy and as content as it should've been, was in a good place. We both smiled, gentle smiles, happy thoughts as we settled down, ready for sleep, ready in part for bedtime.
Bedtime was a good time, as I placed Courage in my bed, on Eustace's side, only sneaking away to the other bed to see Winifred. I wanted to tickle Winifred, playfully, to let him know I was still interested, but he had already drifted off to sleep. It wasn't long after before I drifted off to sleep as well. We were comfortable in our sleep, which was all that mattered.
Courage stumbled to the kitchen to find something to drink, perhaps more Oat Milk, as he looked in the refrigerator. As he looked in the old thing, he heard footsteps behind him. Taking a glance behind him, he saw Winifred, in his silk pajamas. "Courage". He said, in a soft, gentleness coated in wisdom and friendliness. "Is my best pal thirsty?". "Would he like some Oat Milk?". He asked, gently. "Yes". Courage said. Winifred smiled a gentle smile, chuckling as he did. "Let's have some, and we'll have some time to converse on the porch". "Now that our Muriel is asleep, we can have our time". Winifred whispered, kindly.
"That's nice". Courage said. Winifred poured Courage a glass of Oat Milk, as they went to the porch. "It is still so early". "We never see the world this busy early in the morning". Winifred said, kindly. "No". Courage replied. "How did you sleep, my boy?". "Were you comfortable in bed?". Winifred asked, gently. "Yes". Courage replied. "I was comfy as well". "Those sheets are so nice Muriel put on the bed". "I felt so good lying down, that I barely fell out of the bed, even with my pajamas". Winifred said, gently. "Sleep is nice to have in any aspect".
"How are you, my boy?". "Did you have a good evening?". "I heard you had some difficulty earlier, everything alright now?". Winifred asked, gently. "Yes". Courage replied. "I'm happy for you, my boy". "That, and you know just how much I love you". "How happy I am to be beside you". Winifred said, gently. "You are someone with so much bravery, and kindness within you". "You are special to me, and we have a bond unlike any other, you have grown to influence and inspire the world". "You are someone with so much to offer the world". "I'm happy we're best friends, my Courage".
"Thank you". Courage said. Courage sniffled, as he glanced upwards. "I've heard your story, I think it is so inspirational". "You are so inspirational, my Courage". "My boy". Winifred said, kindly. "Thank you". Courage said. "I think that having a family is really important to me". "I love my family….a lot…and….I guess things are ok now". "I don't know".
"Well, family is the most important thing to anyone who is suffering". "Anyone who has had a past trauma in their young lives". "When we have family, we can essentially accomplish anything". "Anything can be ours if we wish for it". I said, gently. "We just have to dream and wish hard enough for it to come". "It will come one day, when we've put enough optimism forth for it". "But with family, we can accomplish that wish".
"I know". Courage said. "I did everything I wanted to do….so now, everything is ok". "Everything is ok with me".
"I'm happy you feel that way, my Courage". Winifred said, gently. "One day, you'll grow to influence and inspire the world, in your own unique way". "Because I believe, you can do anything you put your mind to". "You are so determined, and so intelligent, you can do anything".
"One of these days, you and I should try something, together". "Maybe we could try a new restaurant, or try a Museum together". "I know that's our favorite thing; Museums". Winifred smoked his cigarette, tapping the ash into the ashtray. "That, or you and I could take a trip to France, just us and visit my Summer house". "I have so many wonderful things there we could try, as well as many adventures to have". "There would be no one else; just us". "Would you like to share the experience with me, my Courage?". Winifred asked, gently. "Ok". Courage said as he nodded. "It would be a lovely experience we could both get involved in". Winifred said, gently.
"That, and we could make some crepes with strawberries, and whipped cream". "I love that just as much as you do". "Sounds like a lovely time". Winifred said, gently.
"Can we still have Oat Milk and read a story….like Muriel does?". Courage asked. "We definitely still can, if we wish to". "We'll have Oat Milk, we'll do holding time, and I'll split a dark chocolate Eclair between the both of us". Winifred said, gently. "That would be delicious, wouldn't it?".
"I guess it would be". Courage said. "We'll certainly be content, my boy". Winifred said, gently. "Me, and my Courage".
"I know". Courage replied. "I love you and Muriel, deeply". "I hope what we have is still ours". "That, and we enjoy one another's company a lot, that the special bond between us is eternal'. "We have been bound by God to stay together, and be copesthetic with one another". Winifred said, kindly. "You are my best friend, my Courage, and my soulmate, our bond will forever be strengthened by our care for another".
"I know". Courage said. "You tell me all the time".
"I do mean it, my boy". Winifred said, gently. "You and I do have a special bond we can stay with, for years and years to come". "With our love, we can do anything". "God put us together to be with one another, in good and in bad". "We were meant to be friends, my boy".
Courage nodded. "I know". He replied. "You and I both know just how much you are loved, and appreciated". Winifred said, kindly. "You are someone with so much skill, and fervor". "The world is yours to seek".
"I know". Courage said. Winifred smiled a kind smile. "I love you, my Courage". "Always and forever". Winifred said, gently. "I love you, too". Courage replied. Winifred smoked his cigarette, seeing the sun sneak over the horizon, as a haze of fog came over him. "My inspiration, my hope and prayers, my everything". Winifred said, gently. Courage smiled. He seemed to dig his nose underneath the cushions of the chairs.
As the sun snuck into the shinings of my bedroom, I sat up, rubbing my eyes. The sun did sneak its healthy bearings into the room, shining against the translucent window glass.
I did rest for a bit, getting ready to get up, and ready myself for the coming morning. Winifred came into the bedroom, putting his collared shirt, and tie on. "Good morning, lamb". He said, gently. "Hello, good morning, darling". I replied, sitting on the side of my bed. "How did you sleep?". "I know it might've been a short evening". Winifred mentioned, gently. "Indeed, it was". "But it wasn't too horrible". I mentioned. "I got my fair share of sleep, it was quite nice, being beside you".
"I did as well". Winifred said, as we shared a good morning kiss. "I think my cufflinks might be around here, somewhere". "Have you seen them?". Winifred asked, gently. "I actually have not, but I would try over on my dresser on the other side". I said, gently. Silk rustled as Winifred buttoned his collar, and tied his tie. "I spoke to Courage this morning". Winifred mentioned, as he made the final knot in his tie. "Oh, that's lovely". "How was he?". I asked. "He seemed tired, yet he smiled for a good bit of time when we were speaking". "He seemed calm, attentive, and happy". "That's all that mattered, in a popular belief". Winifred said.
"That's lovely how happy he was". "I know Courage is someone who deserves the most happiness". I said.
"He definitely does". Winifred mentioned. "I've always loved Courage, he's very happy and attentive". "Anyone would love Courage".
"In all aspects, anyone would". I mentioned, as I walked around in my slippers. "You have work this morning?".
"There's some transactions for me to make". "They might be a lot, but they're pretty substantial". Winifred mentioned. "They can be quite something". I added. "Do you plan on retiring soon?".
"Soon, just not as much right now, since I still need to collect some payments for my Widower's policy". Winifred said. "It has been a while since my wife died, but I haven't received any benefits from it".
"Oh, that's too bad". I said, with sympathy. "I received some compensation after my husband's death, but not much". "The entropy of how much we receive is equivalent to how much our spouses left behind". "It is sort of odd, in a way".
"I believe it is as well". "Not much ado about anything at that rate, but if there's some left, we'd be thrilled to handle it". "It is odd how much we cover in a matter of months". Winifred mentioned. "But it is what it is".
"That is true". I replied. Winifred smiled as he put on a new suit coat. Courage came into our bedroom, looking for us. "Hello, Courage". I said, gently. "Good morning, I didn't see you wake up this morning".
"That's ok". Courage replied. "I kind of woke up early because I was thirsty". "I'm ok for now, though".
"I have some Oat Milk in the refrigerator if you would like some". I said, gently. "Let's have some milk, and then we'll have an easy day today". "My back is bothering me a bit today, and my knees have been giving me trouble".
"Ok". Courage said. "That, and our friend has to work until the afternoon, but we'll make us a nice supper later on". I said, gently. "Does that sound good, my Courage?". I picked Courage up, kissing him on the nose. "It does". Courage said. Courage and I laughed as we nuzzled one another again. Courage laid down in the blankets, as Winifred lifted the blankets, gently. "I see you hiding, my boy". "I know you're down there". Winifred laughed and giggled as he tickled Courage's cheek. "Love you, my Courage". "I'll see you later on, and we'll jamboree again". Winifred said, kindly. He and Courage laughed.
Courage smiled as he hid under the blankets, finding comfort under there. I kissed my Winifred's lips, while we embraced. Winifred took his coffee, as he went outside to start his 1976 Impala. "He is such a responsible man". "I love him, truly". I said to Courage as I carried him down the stairs. "I love him, too". "He is kind". Courage mentioned.
"For a kind man, he knows a lot". "Which, commonly you can't say about kind men". I remarked. "But Winifred is gentle in essence". "He is so loving, and kind in his ways".
"He is". Courage said. I sat down in my rocking chair, rocking Courage, slowly. Courage rested in my arms, sleeping soundly. Perhaps it was the amount of dust in the air, but Courage began to sneeze. He sneezed a heavy sneeze, one that might have turned into a cough.
"Courage". I said, gently, as I wiped his nose. I petted his head. "Is everything alright?". "I hope you're not getting sick". "There is something going around this time of year".
"I'm ok, I just sneezed is all….and I've kind of been stuffed up, and thirsty". Courage said. "Well, being stuffy and thirsty is a symptom". "I hope you've been washing your paws, and not touching your face, and nose". I reminded, gently. "I am…and…I'm doing ok". Courage said. "Remember, take the necessary precautions, and you'll be just fine". I reminded, kindly. Courage nodded, as he laid his head down, ready to sleep for the afternoon. As I rocked back and forth in my rocking chair, I petted Courage's fur, letting my hands dig into his fur with kindness. As I allowed my hands to dig in, I petted Courage, with kindness. "Mmm, he is a good boy". I said to myself, watching the television program. Ahhh, yes. This was happiness at its best. I was rocking back and forth in my old rocking chair, watching the television, with a sleeping Courage in my lap. He slept, soundly, letting the soft feeling of petting, and holding nurture him, rock him to sleep.
I even rested my eyes at some intervals as well. In between each rest of my eyes, and each break of news, I seemed to see the television programs that lasted for a bit of time. They were nice to watch. "Hmm, interesting". I said, to myself in between a snore and a glance away from the television. The light from the sun even was a preponderance as well.
While we slept, there was a soft knock on the door. It had to be someone delivering something. When he saw we were sleeping, the postman put the package on the table. For a while, we were content, Courage and I, we were as content as life made us to be. There was that. Hmm…well then.