River Town Box Set by Grant C Holland

Author:Grant C Holland [Holland, Grant C]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-05-11T23:00:00+00:00

25

Lessons of the Past

Alan took a second bite. The cabbage was crisp, and he let the sweet taste mingle with the sour on his tongue. “What did you do with this slaw, Auntie Erin? It’s delicious, but I don’t remember having it in the past. Is it a new recipe?”

“You like it? I found the recipe in one of my magazines. It has pineapple with the cabbage. I thought it sounded good, so I gave it a whirl.”

“Pineapple,” repeated Alan. “I never would have thought of putting that in cole slaw. It’s a creative idea.”

“That’s why you should always stay open-minded,” said Auntie Erin. “You might discover something that you like.”

“I’m impressed. I think most people assume older people are stuck in the past and never want to deal with anything new, but I look around your place, and you’re as up-to-date as me.”

Auntie Erin lifted a glass of iced tea and sipped. Alan noticed her perfectly painted long fingernails while she enjoyed the tea. Alan loved the way Auntie Erin looked at him. He always felt like there were perhaps a hundred thoughts behind her gaze that she left unsaid. “Here’s the way I see it, Alan. Most of the new creations in the world are meant to make our lives easier or more fun. Since my body makes life a little harder as each year passes by, why wouldn’t I try something new to try and pull myself even? It’s the people that create new ways to destroy things that we need to avoid.”

Alan laughed softly. “You are always so wise, too.”

“Are you enjoying the house? And how is Boomer? You must take me into town so I can greet him. I feel a little claustrophobic some days now that my vision is too poor to drive.”

“Oh, any time, Auntie Erin. Give me the word. You can join us for dinner. Yes, I love the house. It’s beautiful, and I wish the walls could talk. I’m sure there are many stories they could tell.”

Auntie Erin leaned forward and whispered, “They know a few that nobody should ever hear.”

Alan stood up to clear the plates from the table. He said, “I spotted a pie on the counter when I arrived. Is it apple?”

“Of course. I know that’s your favorite. Slice me a tiny piece. I’m already full, but I can never turn down an apple pie. Those apples are from an orchard over in Wisconsin. My friend Gladys went with her kids and brought me back two dozen.”

Auntie Erin watched closely as Alan carried the dishes to the kitchen. She saw slumped shoulders and clipped movements that lacked Alan’s usual youthful energy. She called, “There’s vanilla ice cream in the freezer. Add a scoop to your pie, but I don’t need any right now. I eat my ice cream before bed.”

Alan brought the plates to the table and sat down. He was quiet as he handed Auntie Erin a fork. Taking his first bite, he said, “Oh my, this is yummy.

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