I do not own Arthur. It belongs to Marc Brown
It have been five years since Dave got Alzheimer's. There have been a lot of changes since then. 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. Dave moved in with Lucy when he first got sick.
Their grandmother moved in next door last year. She did this to help out while her son and daughter-in-law work late, especially when Jane helps David out with the parties. Sometimes, she'll watch them at their house or she'd keep them at her house if they needed to stay with her overnight.
As for Arthur, who is 13, attends Lakewood Junior High for 7th grade while his sisters attend Lakewood Elementary School. He's old enough 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.
After they had dinner one night, Arthur and his sisters were helping David out by cleaning the kitchen while Jane was on the phone with her sister.
After awhile, Jane comes in and said, "When you guys are done, can you meet me in the living room for a gathering?"
"Um, sure," said Arthur.
He got a feeling this could be bad news.
Jane needed the kids to gather around in the living room.
"What's going on?" asked Arthur.
"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 care of him while he's living with my sister. The doctors are giving him several months to live. I'm getting ready to take a leave of absence from work," said Jane.
Arthur just glared at this knowing he could be losing his grandfather. That was when he got up for his room. Pal started having trouble with his leg not long ago and Arthur made an appointment. Dr. Ramsey diagnosed him with arthritis. Arthur almost didn't believe because his dog is only five years old. So, the vet advised Arthur to give Pal pill and see what happens. If not improving, he can help discuss any next steps. He is not ready to lose his dog, either.
"I have a party tomorrow, so I won't be home. Can you come help?" asked David.
"Sure," said Jane.
After dinner, Jane came in to be with her son.
"How are you doing?" asked Jane.
"I can't believe I'll be losing Grandpa. I knew things were bad when you mentioned the hospice care," said Arthur.
"Would you like to come with me and help me out during the week?" asked Jane.
"Sure," said Arthur. "I needed to keep myself busy."
Later, he texted his friends to give them details and when he checked his phone, he noticed that the first one to reply for his new girlfriend, Francine, whom he have been friends with for years since preschool. That was when his phone rang and he picked it up.
"Boy, did you say your grandfather is in hospice care?" asked Francine.
"Yes," said Arthur. "I had a feeling things are quite bad when Mom mentioned it, so she's taking a leave of absence from work to be his part time caregiver to help Aunt Lucy while she's at work."
"That's a shame," said Francine.
"I already texted the other crew. You're the first one I'm hearing from, so I hope to hear from others," said Arthur.
"Same," said Francine. "How is Pal doing with his arthritis?"
"It's too soon to tell since I just started with the pill," said Arthur. "I'm not ready to lose him."
"You're doing a kind deed to do what you can with him," said Francine.
"After all, he's my dog and they know he have been here since he was a puppy," said Arthur.
"Of course," said Francine.
"I have good vibes. Dr. Ramsey will talk about more steps if Pal is not improving," said Arthur. "My parents trust me because they both know I'm a responsible pet owner to begin with."
"You're right about that," said Francine.
"Have you seen a change with my other friends lately?" asked Arthur.
"Yes. I know they're already ghosting you when Pal started having trouble with that," said Francine.
"I noticed that, too," said Arthur. "They must think I'm busy."
"Probably," said Francine.
"None of them asked me about him like you just did," said Arthur.
"They should at least check to see how he is doing like I'm doing right now," said Francine.
"I know and I'm grateful for that," said Arthur.
"If you need anything, I'm here for you," said Francine.
"Mom asked me if I can go help out every day starting tomorrow," said Arthur. "I was glad because I needed to clear my mind right now."
"Would you like to go help out in case she needs any extra helper?" asked Francine.
"That would be fine," said Arthur. "I don't think she would mind."
"I think my mother would be fine with me doing that," said Francine.
"Oh, good," said Arthur.
After they had a long talk, Arthur went to go tell his mom that Francine offered to help out.
"I'm glad. I don't mind," said Jane.
"She figured you might need an extra helper," said Arthur.
"That's a good thing," said Jane.
Every time Arthur was checking his phone, he noticed no one called or texted him.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Arthur.
This is bothers him. He would even thought his long time best friend, Buster, would've done that. He gave up trying by shutting his phone for the night. He recently got one for his birthday. He vowed himself not to bring it to the dinner table to set an example for his sisters. He knew it was never early to teach them good habits.