I do not own Arthur. It belongs to Marc Brown
It have been five years since Dave got Alzheimer's. He have been living in Elwood City to be near family. There have been a lot of changes since then. D.W. and Kate (who was a baby) are making out fine. It have been tough for Arthur because he has been struggling adjusting at first. He came around later that day when he and D.W. made a memory album with a help from Francine.
He is now 13 and attends junior high school while his sisters attend Lakewood Elementary School. As he was getting older, he gets to stay up for another hour on school nights now, but later on weekends. He usually brushes his teeth either before or after his sisters so he can have free time until he goes to bed. Kate have no problem going to bed early. D.W. got jealous, but her mom reminds her she needs to set an example for her little sister.
One night, at the dinner table, Jane said, "I have something to discuss with all of you. I had a phone call from my sister. Your grandfather is entering hospice care and will be taken of while living with my sister."
When Arthur knew this means he could be losing his grandfather.
"May I leave the table, Mom?" asked Arthur.
"Of course, sweetie," said Jane.
Arthur gets up and leaves for his room.
"The doctors are giving him several months to live. I'll be taking time off from work to care for him," said Jane.
"I thought the album helped Arthur," said D.W.
"I thought so, too, but I know that he has trouble adjusting it since your grandfather got sick," said Jane.
"What else can I do to help him?" asked D.W.
"You can always help by being there for him," said David.
"I agree with your father," said Jane.
"I thought he came around," said D.W.
"He did for awhile. I'm just worried it would make his depression worse," said Jane. "David, can you help handling the kids for the time being because I'm not going to be around much?"
"I won't be home tomorrow. I'll be catering for a party," said David.
"Don't worry about it. I think your mom can help out," said Jane.
"What about Arthur?" asked David.
"He might want to help me out while I'm at Lucy's house, so don't count on him," said Jane.
"Okay," said David. "I have no issue with that."
Later, Arthur was sitting on his bed trying not to cry when Jane came in to be with him and said, "I wanted to see how you are doing?"
"I just can't believe I'll be losing Grandpa," said Arthur.
"I know things aren't easy," said Jane.
"Why can't he just move in with us especially since you won't be around too much?" asked Arthur.
"Unfortunately, our house is too small for him to live with us. It was better than putting him in an assisted living. Your Aunt Lucy takes care of him, but she asked for help when she's at work. She doesn't have time to help out," said Jane. "How about you can come me and you can always help out during the week?"
"Sure," said Arthur. "It's just tough to stay strong."
He was putting his arms around his mother while he was sobbing.
"I know. It'll be alright," said Jane comforting her depressed son.
The next day, Jane said, "Arthur will be coming to my sister's to help out with my father. I'll meet you to help you as soon as my sister gets homes from work."
"That's fine. My mom is going to be here to baby-sit while you help me out," said David.
"Okay," said Jane.
Later, at school, Arthur had trouble focusing on classwork, which never happened before until recently. He felt one of his teachers do not understand what he is going through: another words; strict about getting about anything done or it will be for homework or can be kept after school for not paying attention in class. The rest aren't like that. He was lucky that Mr. Ratburn was the only who helped him when he was in third grade and still does if he needs a teacher to rely on. He knew his teacher cared about him.
At lunch, he'd spend time alone because his friends- including his long time best friend, Buster- aren't being supportive. The only person who does care is Francine, who have been friends with him since preschool. She sees that and tells them to help him out.
"We're just giving him space," said Brain.
"Why? He needs friends to rely on," said Francine.
"He is always in a bad mood when we're all trying to help him," said Muffy.
Arthur couldn't believe what Muffy is saying and leaves the lunch room. When Francine saw him leave, she says in her angry voice, "I hope you're happy. Arthur just heard you. You guys need to understand that he's depressed and he's about to lose his grandfather."
After school, he was at his locker when Francine comes to him. He doesn't have any of them in his classes, but they see each other during lunch.
"How Muffy be so rude?" asked Arthur.
"Ignore her," said Francine.
"Mom's going to be a caregiver for awhile and I'm going to be with her while Aunt Lucy is at work," said Arthur. "My own friends act like I'm invisible. It feels like no one cares."
"I do," said Francine. "You were counting on them to be supportive."
"Exactly," said Arthur. "Mom says it's normal to feel that way while I'm feeling depressed."
"I know how you feel," said Francine.
Arthur knew what she was talking about. "Did you feel that when your bubba died?"
"Yes," said Francine.
"I'm just worried he's running out of time like Mom said," said Arthur.
"Maybe I can help go with you and help out if she needs extra hands," said Francine.
"Okay. We can go now," said Arthur as they left the school.