1/15/14
He stopped pacing to check the grandfather clock again. Almost midnight. Lifting his chin enough to slip his hands behind his long, grey beard he folded his arms across his chest. He held this position only a moment before he exhaled sharply, slapped his hands to his side, and resumed striding back and forth.
Abruptly he stopped and cocked his head so his good ear was forward, then straightened up to face the door as soft footsteps approached. He imperceptibly inhaled and held his breath as the knob turned and the door opened. Suddenly relaxing he said, “Oh, it’s you.”
Closing the door quickly against the frigid air and crossing to stand before the fireplace, she turned to him. “I came to help, if I can.”
“Thank you. Having a friend here will make it easier. I’m ready. Yes, long past ready. Even so, it’s hard to leave with so much yet undone.”
She took his hand in hers and stroked it gently. “It’s been said, one loves dearest that which is nearly gone.” Her smile was betrayed by a tremble of her lip and the glitter of tears in her eyes.
He opened his mouth but before he could reply the clock began to chime. Looking upward and inhaling deeply he straightened his back to stand erect to his full height. Looking back into her eyes he softly announced, “It’s time.”
They moved to the door and he pulled it open as the grandfather clock finished chiming. On the threshold of the portal he paused to listen as the distant church bells still slowly tolled the hour. Coming swiftly through the swirling mist was a horse-drawn carriage with a heavily cloaked driver. Turning to the lady once more, he whispered in sadness and farewell, “Happy New Year.”
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