Chapter 4
Awaking much later, the afternoon sun had left its way in, sneaking its preponderance in through the window, only to make the plants on the kitchen windowsill much better at growing. I stirred awake, petting Courage's head, gently. "Time to wake up, lad". "It's becoming a waning 12:30, we should be getting lunch". I reminded gently in a soft whisper. "Ok". Courage said, as he woke up, slowly. He kicked his hind legs a bit, moving around in a positive manner. It was as if he was working on waking up. "Come now, let's get some brie, and Jambon". I reminded, kindly. Courage nodded, as he hopped down from the chair, walking to the kitchen. We both had some sandwiches, eating plentifully as the time seemed to pass us, colloquially. "Do you need some help, swallowing, my Courage?". I asked, gently. "No, I'm ok". Courage said, finishing his sandwich. "I just kind of am tired, today". "I might go lay on the couch, or lay upstairs".
"How about we sit for the duration of the afternoon?". "I'm a bit tired as well". I remarked, yawning. "There might be a swingtime special on the television in the afternoon". "Who knows what we're up against".
"Hmm, we might have to cook Winifred a delicious meal for this evening…and I still have some rhubarbs left". "We could make rhubarb pudding". I mentioned, gently as I stood up from my chair. I walked a bit towards the refrigerator, taking out some more rhubarbs, as the telephone on the wall began to ring.
I answered it, recognizing who it was immediately. Come to think of it, it was my Winifred. "Hello, darling". "Enjoying your lunch?". I asked, gently. I twirled the phone cord a bit, playing with the phone as it was. "Yes, I am, indeed". "It's more or less the Jambon sandwich you made me this morning, but it was delicious". Winifred replied. "Anyhow, I wanted to remind you that tonight I will be bringing home a delicious pasta dish from Mirriocoli's". "That, and I have some desserts I made just for the three of us". "You won't have to cook a thing this evening". "We can cook tomorrow, if need be, but tonight, I thought I would treat you".
"Oh, thank you, darling". "I'm looking forward to some treats this evening, as is Courage". I said, gently. "We're looking forward to some pasta, as we haven't had any in a while, have we my Courage?".
I chuckled a bit, petting Courage's head. "Nope, but I'd like some". Courage said. "Wonderful, pasta for each of us". I said, gently. "Lovely indeed". I smiled a kind smile, twirling the phone cord a bit. "Perhaps this evening, I'll let Courage have the extra bowl of clams, as he's always wanted some of those, and an Oat Milkshake". Winifred said, as he smiled within his voice.
"That would be lovely". I said, as I chuckled. "Thank you for calling this afternoon, I appreciate it". "You are wonderful". I chuckled, blushing a bit as I stood on my tippy toes. "Yes, you are wonderful as well". Winifred said, gently. "I just called to tell you and Courage that I love you, and I'll see you when I come home in a few hours". "I have a surprise for us I installed this morning, if you look outside". "It was originally for Courage, but I have it for all of us".
"Well, I'll take a look at it…I can sort of see it through the window now….is it a new hot tub?". I asked, with calm glee to my voice. "Yes, it is, and it has some jets to it, as well as a colorful light". Winifred said, romantically. "Oh my….how much fun is that?". "Well, we will have a time with it". "Thank you, darling". I said. "You're most certainly welcome, well, lunchtime is over, and I have to complete some orders in the office, and there's one more call I have to make, but I will be home soon, my love". "Take it easy between now and then, don't do anything strenuous like pull rhubarbs, or tend to the barn". "Just rest for a while, and we'll eat some pasta". Winifred said, gently. "I will certainly take care, and you take care as well". "See you later now". I replied. "Love you".
"Love you too". Winifred said. We both kissed, and talked, as Winifred hung up now. I smiled a kind smile, knowing Winifred was in a good place. Courage and I were in a good place as well, as we fell asleep far into when Winifred came home.
The smell of food wafted through the kitchen into the T.V. room, as Courage smelled it, lifting up his nose to sniff. He hopped down from my lap, coming into the kitchen to see Winifred. "Good evening, Courage". Winifred said, gently. "Fancy a taste my boy?". "It's pasta with marinara and clams, that and I have your favorite…a bowl of clams". Winifred said, gently. "Clams are good". Courage said, as he came over to wash his paws. "They're my favorite as well". "I might have to split some with you, that way we have some clam-destine". Winifred joked, making a pun. He and Courage laughed. "Alright, maybe you can sit at the head of the table, right where the King always sits". Winifred said, gently. "Thank you". Courage said. "That, and let's wipe your face a bit, so we're prepared for whatever dinnertime events might take place". Winifred said, gently, wiping Courage's face with a mini wipie. It was a wipie that was gentle on the face, to the touch. "There you are, my boy". "I love that face so much". Winifred said, gently, kissing Courage's nose, gently.
"Did you wash your paws before we eat?". Winifred asked, gently. "Yes". Courage replied. Winifred smiled a kind smile. "Let's sit down now, tie this napkin around your neck for safe eating, and use a plastic fork and spoon, big ones can hurt us, and have a magical time". Winifred said, gently. "Ok, Thank you". Courage said. Winifred served some of the take-out pasta onto Courage's plate, putting some Himalayan Pink salt on the pasta. I just happened to yawn, walking into the kitchen. "Hello, is everything going well?". I asked, gently. "Everything is going swimmingly". Winifred said, gently. "We're ready to eat now, have some pasta, and have a swell time". "You're welcome to join us, if need be".
"I would be thrilled to". I said, kindly with a smile on my face. Washing my hands, I helped Winifred serve the pasta onto the plates. "This looks swell, doesn't it?". "Pasta, some salad, and some Himalayan salt". "I'm impressed we put this together". I commented on the supper itself.
"I am, as well". Winifred said, as he sat down, sitting adjacent to Courage. "Hmm, well, that's a fascinating eating position". I commented again. My, I've noticed I am quite ebullient this evening. "I'm planning to help my Courage eat a bit". "I noticed he just works so hard, he needs someone to make it easier for him". "I love my Courage". Winifred said, gently.
"Oh, well that is so sweet". I said, smiling. "I'm happy you're helping him". "My two amazing boys".
"That's it". Winifred replied in his multitasking endeavor to help Courage eat his supper. Gently and with tender, concentrated, gentlemanly grace, he twirled the pasta onto the fork, lifting up just a bit, as he fed Courage the pasta. "Open wide, the airplane is coming". Winifred said, gently. As Courage enjoyed the pampering, he opened wide, letting Winifred feed him. He knew it had been a tough year, why not let Winifred baby him a little. "There you are, my boy". "You're getting there". "Just a few more bites". Winifred said, gently. Winifred fed Courage more bites of pasta, helping him eat each one. "There you go, Courage". "Wonderful job, swallowing my boy". "A few more". Winifred said, kindly, as he petted Courage's head while feeding him the spoonfuls. Courage ate the spoonfuls, being happy that he was being babied. "Nice work, Courage". "You're swallowing so well". "I'm so happy you're swallowing, you're doing such a nice job". Winifred said, gently as he fed Courage the spoonfuls. "Thank you". Courage said. Winifred still fed Courage his bitefuls, being sure to help him swallow as well. "My, you're ready to eat this evening". "Well, be mindful and slow, don't take too big of bites". Winifred recommended, gently. "Smaller bites mean more time to enjoy".
"Ok". Courage said, as he finished. That night, Courage had two plates of spaghetti and salad. "Well done, my boy". "You finished your spaghetti, you are so amazing in so many ways". "I love you so much". Winifred said, gently. Courage nodded, as he and Winifred shared a laugh. I looked on with dreaminess, and romance. Knowing that Winifred wanted to spoil my Courage, and indulge him just as much as I did, knowing that he was friendly, and understanding towards Courage. He loved Courage just as much as I did, and I could see in his eyes, (Courage could see as well), that he just wanted to spend quality time with Courage. He wanted Courage to like him, and bond with him. While he wasn't forceful, he wished for Courage's approval. He looked up to Courage in a way everyone did when they met him. Courage looked at Winifred, with a look of love, and happiness. "I love you, my Courage". Winifred said, gently. Courage smiled a happy smile, glad to be beside Winifred.
As Winifred finished his meal, Courage licked the bottom of his plate. "Courage". I said, gently with some kind guidance and prompting. Courage looked up at me from his licking. "Be mindful now". "Use your manners". I reminded, kindly. "Oh, ok". Courage said as he stopped his licking. Winifred chuckled a bit. "He loves it so much, to the last drop". "He's a connoisseur for the pasta dish". Winifred chuckled as he glanced around. "Mm, but it was yummy". "That was a good place I ordered from". "It was especially nice that I got it at a market price".
"Yes, it can be nice in its essence". "But it's a competitive market right now". "Everyone wants to have some sort of take out in their evenings". I said. "I love take-out just as much as the next woman, but I'm not going to pay full price for an item we only get a small serving of". "Oh well".
"Perhaps, but the important thing is that it was yummy and delicious". Winifred said. "And our Courage loved it as well". "My best friend, and hero". Winifred smiled a gentle smile, as he petted Courage's head, kindly, kissing him. Courage glanced upwards, nodding, as he came to my lap. Courage laid his head down. "Yes, you are my Courage…and I love you, my best friend". 'I am beside you, and I will never let you go". I said, gently. "My Courage". I nuzzled Courage gently, as he smiled. Winifred smiled as well. "Well, I was perhaps thinking we could…become a bit…stripped down, share a bottle of wine, and have an evening in the jacuzzi". Winifred said, romantically, as he smiled a golden smile. "Oh, I would love that". "I love seeing your face after we share a nightcap". I said, kissing Winifred's lips. "Do I have to go to bed now, or….?". Courage asked. "well….I'm sure you can come in….if indeed, it's alright with Winifred". I said, gently, with some indecisiveness about me. "Courage is welcome to share the evening with us". "The Jacuzzi is his, so he decides". Winifred said, kindly, winking at Courage. "Yeah, let's go in". Courage said, as he passed out Eclairs, and we went to the hot tub.
Yes, even for cartoon characters we change outfits. We had our swimming suits on, and were ready to go into the water. "Well, this is lovely". "I never thought we would have a jacuzzi all our own…but we do, and it is so lovely". I said, with glee. "Thank you ever so much, Winifred".
"Well, they don't call me the magic money man for nothing". Winifred said. We both laughed as we shared a kiss. "This is nice, isn't it Courage?". I said, kindly. "It is kind of nice". Courage said. "I like it a lot". "It's a nice jacuzzi".
"It feels really relaxing, and really warm". "This Eclair is delicious, too". Courage said. "I'm happy you enjoy the Eclair, my boy". Winifred said, gently. "I knew we both enjoyed sweets, so I had some delivered to us, so we didn't have to cook". "That's what makes us best friends….is our common enjoyment of sweets".
"My best friend, my Courage". Winifred said, gently. "Thank you". Courage said. The three of us enjoyed the jacuzzi as it seemed to go on. "Well, our thoughts aside, we've had a substantial occurrence to it". "Jacuzzis are relaxing, though Eustace and I could never afford one". I mentioned. "Well, whatever we have left over, we could put into redecorating the house, or making a larger estate for ourselves". Winifred suggested. "Perhaps we could do that". I agreed. "I know having a redecorated estate is important for us, it's important to add new elements, such as a nice kitchen, and a full bathroom".
"Subway tile has always been good for me". Winifred said. "I like market tile just as much".
"Market tile has a new, sleek look to it". "That would go nicely in our bathroom, the master bathroom, that, and if we had a new bathtub, that would be lovely". I said, gently. Winifred and I chuckled. "You won't redecorate Eustace's part of the bed….will you?". Courage asked. "I'm just curious, that's all".
"I might, but then again, I might not". "Eustace wouldn't mind if I redecorated, I'm sure". "Eustace's memory is preserved by the love I give to myself, and how I'm able to move on". I said, gently.
"It certainly is". Winifred agreed. "Oh…right, right, yes, I'm aware…I know, but I was only curious, that's all". Courage said. "I'm not upset or anything…if anything I'm ok with Eustace's side being redecorated".
"Well, I hope you're not upset". "It was just an idea we had". I said, gently. "No, it's ok". Courage said. "It's ok, a lot". "I'm happy for you". I could see that Courage was genuinely happy, and enthused. "Thank you ever so much". "I'm happy to have you, my Courage". I said, gently.
"You're welcome". Courage said. He and I shared a happy smile. Courage drank his Oat Milk, as we talked, shared stories, and had a fun time. At the end of the evening, Courage grew tired, and decided to go upstairs. He shook the water from his fuzz. "Goodnight, Courage, my boy". "Get some rest, and I'll see you, my best friend, in the morning". "I love you so much, more than anyone". Winifred said, gently as he planted a few kisses on Courage's forehead, cheeks, and nose. "Goodnight". Courage replied. Courage looked up at me, with a tired look on his face. He looked to be exhausted, in nature. "Goodnight, my Courage". "You're doing so well, and I love you so much". "You will always be my hero, and my little boy". "I love you to the moon and back". I said, gently, with soft kindness. Courage nodded. We nuzzled with one another, kissing one another on the noses, as Courage licked my face. We did Eskimo kisses, nuzzles, butterfly kisses, and kisses on the cheek, as we kept close with one another. Courage looked up at me, as I held him close in a hug. One more goodnight kiss, as Courage said goodnight, going to bed after some time.
Courage went to bed, as I stayed in the jacuzzi overlooking the dusty, barren crop field, that was the backyard. "Mmm, I love Courage". "He truly is such a good boy". Winifred said, romantically. "He is, and he is so mature as well". "I've never met anyone as mature, and understanding as he is". I said, with romance as well. "I have always loved my Courage". "My Courage is an amazing boy".
"I just wish one day, he finds someone amazing, and brings puppies along". "I know he's been in love with a poodle known as Shirley". I said, glancing away for a second. "Mmm, I love seeing my Courage happy". "He is my everything". I commented on this, sighing, looking up at the moon. "Yes, Courage is your only one, so you must feel for him, deeply, as do I". Winifred said. "Ever since I adopted him, he has been". I replied, but I love him just as much as I love you, which is a lot". "I love you a lot, Winifred". "I know one day, we will go on to do great things".
"We definitely will". Winifred said. "We have the world at our fingertips, we can do anything…which is why one of these days, I'll marry you, my darling Muriel". Winifred closed his eyes, dreamily, as I closed mine with dreaminess as well. We both leaned in, kissing one another's lips. We kissed, just kissed, for the longest time. Our kissing was met with love, desire, and the moon's red glow above us. The moon in a dark sky, on what looked to be a honeymoon evening, glowed above us. We just kissed, keeping our essences locked. We were close, closer than we had ever been, as we kissed, laughing and giggling in our tranquility. "I will one day Marry you as well, Winifred". I said, peacefully. We both kissed, and for a long time, for the twelve minutes of kissing, we were the only two people in the world. It felt like so, since we were quite actually in the middle of Nowhere.
We kissed, hardly drinking our wine. When we drank, we only had a sip. The rest of the evening, we kissed, feeling as peaceful as ever. We were the only two people ever. Everything was fine, even later on, when we went to bed. We were content, being who we truly were. A night of love, and romance. Forever and ever.
Courage woke up, in the middle of the night, no, interestingly enough it wasn't a nightmare. He just woke up, as I met him, sitting on the side of his bed. Looming above him. "Courage". I said, softly with kindness, and gentleness. I knew he was mature enough to have an important conversation with. "I was hoping you and I could have a nice talk". "I wished to discuss something with you". My voice was soft, yet deep and alluring.
"As you know, Winifred and I have been seeing each other for quite some time now". "As seen, he and I have been engaging in intercourse". "We've been having sex". I explained, softly with a different tone of voice. "What is….?". "What is sex?". Courage asked, a bit frightened. "It is when two individuals come together in a moment of intimacy, and share their reproductive organs". "I know it has been some time since Eustace has died, but I have always loved Winifred, and his body is perfect". I said, softly in this alluring tone. "He has shared his organ with my organ, and it has happened".
My face was still there in the darkness. "Never as much to say, but I will never forget you". "You are an important aspect, and I value your opinion in many fine ways". "You are the best thing to happen to me, and I love you". "Which is why I'll focus all of my attention on you once the matter is disclosed". I said in my soft, alluring voice, in the midst of the evening.
"Ok". Courage said, still a bit perturbed. "He is an excellent man, I love him, and he loves us". I said, as I glanced down at Courage. Courage nodded, unsure of how to proceed next.
Courage was still a bit unsure, as the ghost of my face disappeared, and Winifred's face came to call. The 78 million dollar man, as I've nicknamed him. Winifred with his man's enigma and face came into play, meeting Courage. "Courage". Winifred said, gently, with a soft, serious tone. Courage looked upwards. "I know this is hard to grapple with, and it usually will be, but Muriel and I, did have sex". "Not to say otherwise, and I know I'm not your father, but I want you to know that Muriel and I have intimacy, and I do plan on being with Muriel". "Her body is perfect, and in some ways, I will want more of it". "We'll work our way through it, and we will build the family I know we have always wished for". "There's nothing to be afraid of". "Let's keep this a secret, and not tell anyone, alright?". Winifred requested, softly.
Winifred had the cheekbones, and the wrinkles of a strong, able man in his 80's. Winifred, an agile man I was in love with. "Ok". "I won't". Courage promised, with the new, gentle information he had been supplied with. Courage was someone who was honest, mature, strong, and thoughtful. He could handle "conversation". He could understand concepts, and information. I trusted him with a lot of information. This kind…I knew he wouldn't tell anyone. Because he was my boy. My Courage, who had known quite a bit. We went to sleep, knowing tomorrow would be better.