Chapter 18 - When Boone Needed Arthur
Boone’s health declined the following winter.
Slowly.
Then quickly.
His heart medication stopped working as well.
Walks became shorter.
Stairs became difficult.
Arthur carried his water bowl to wherever Boone wanted to rest.
One evening, Boone tried to stand and couldn’t.
Arthur lowered himself beside him.
“I’ve got you.”
Those were the same words I had told Arthur after his stroke.
Now he whispered them to Boone.
We knew time was becoming precious.
Lily visited.
Thomas visited.
George visited.
Diane sent a handwritten note but did not intrude.
Arthur slept on the living-room couch so Boone would never wake alone.
One cold February morning, sunlight came through the windows.
Boone lifted his head.
Arthur sat beside him.
The dog placed one paw over Arthur’s shoe.
Exactly where he had rested his chin during that anniversary dinner.
Arthur smiled through tears.
“I’m staying too, buddy.”
Boone closed his eyes.
He was peaceful.
Safe.
May you like
Loved.
And he was not alone.
