“How’s Gary doing?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.
My son Alex was standing at our butcher’s block where our fish tank is, watching our Beta fish, Gary, slowly swimming around.
“Not too good.” Alex said as he put the fish flakes back on top of the tank. “He wouldn’t eat this morning.”
“I’m sorry.” I looked at Gary, who’s brightly colored scales were beginning to dim. “He’s a little old man now.”
“Yeah,” Alex sighed. “I remember when you brought him home.” Alex shook his head and laughed. “You had the biggest smile on your face as you held out the cup he was swimming in with one hand while you took a sip of your Chi tea with the other.”
I had to smile as well. “I do seem to make some pretty crazy purchases when I’m hyped up on sugar and caffeine”
“That’s for sure.” He went over to get his cup of coffee. “Remember that time we were in the mall? You had barely finished your Chi tea when you insisted I buy some snow pants.”
“Hey. They’d predicted that it was going to be a really snowy winter!” I cried. “I was just worried about you staying warm.”
“It wasn’t like I was going to be going out in the snow to play! I was in my twenties!”
“Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.” I shrugged my shoulders. “But I guess that was a Chi tea fail on that one.”
I looked over at the tank as Gary slowly swam to the bottom of it and settle down next to his pineapple house. “But Gary was certainly a Chi tea win. He’s been a fun little friend.” I looked over at Alex. “Remember how frantic he was when we first got him?”
“He would almost jump out of the water when I would feed him.” Alex went over to the tank to take a closer look at him.
“He was an absolute beast when I was trying to net him so we could clean out his tank.” I added.
“He was quick.” Alex agreed.
Gary started to move around in the tank and began to come up to the hatch at the top of the tank.
“Quick! Get his food!” I cried. “He’s ready to eat!”
Alex put his coffee cup down on the counter and went over to the sink to wash his hands.
“We don’t have time for that!” I handed Alex the food container. “We’ve only got a second!”
Alex quickly opened the container and took out a pinch of the flakes. Opening the hatch he sprinkled the flakes on top of the water.
Gary ate some of the flakes then floated back down to his pineapple house.
“YES!” I cried as I turned to Alex and raised my hand for a high five.
Alex give me a high five as he put the flake container back on the top of the tank.
My husband Steven came into the room. “What are you two celebrating?”
“Gary ate his breakfast!” I said as I gave Steven a hug.
“He’s a little fighter.” Alex added as he picked up his coffee cup once again.
“He definitely is.” I said as I went over to the tank to watch him as he settled in for a little nap.
Slice of Life 
Oh such a sweet story. I’m already teary-eyed about a myriad other things and this helped me finally let go. Your tender writing is lovely.
I’ve been keeping notes on the book I should write but it will be massive, and so I’m going to do some sock darning and work on my quilting, just to keep out of trouble.
I’m so sorry that little Gary isn’t doing well. We’re pet people and this fall began the first time we’ve been petless. It’s traumatic. I was ready to bring a young kitten inside after my husband and I tamed her – we feed ferals on our side porch. The night before I was going to bring her in she was hit in our street. Traumatized is putting it lightly, for this kitten was very special.
So, this coming spring I’m planning to find a kitten like her – female, gray/black tabby with little white feet and round face. I’ve saved countless animals of every age, but this might be my last pet so I want to get to know her from very early on to enjoy every minute possible with my little precious (to be). And I’ve babied all our pets but this one will be the only one and I’m going to dote on her…I have had surgery with complications since July 20, hence, my “spring” date for kitten acquisition lol.
P.S. I’m dreaming about “just one” because if I find others my door is always open…
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Lise Thanks so much for your note. You’re so right, losing a pet can be very traumatic. I’m so sorry for the lose of your kitten. Spring can’t come soon enough for your new friend to arrive and your surgery complications to be in your rear view mirror.
My humble advice to you: Write the book my friend! Write the book!
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