So began
the daily routine of Tucker being at home in the day and sleeping at Cynthia’s
every night. Cleo was home alone, but
that was how it had to be. Tucker rather
enjoyed being in Cynthia’s home. He had
always felt comfortable there. He liked
her dogs and he liked the cat.
Apparently the cat liked him too, since she always leapt on his lap as
soon as he set down. The recliner was
hard for him to get out of, so he was dependent on Cyndi to push the foot rest
down. Tucker had always been independent
and never needed anyone, but now he let Cyndi do things for him. He even ate a little Cream of Wheat every
night and every morning. He had the
upstairs bedroom and she slept downstairs.
Once he even thought about how nice it would have been to share the
bed.
On the third night of the new routine,
Anton called. Tucker had finally
admitted that he was not well and it would be alright if Anton wanted to come
for a few days. So this phone call was
to work out the details concerning the visit.
He would be coming on Amtrac since he was afraid to fly and did not want
to drive. He would arrive at noon on
Monday and Cyndi could take 3 days off since that is how long he would be
there. Tucker thought not. He was used to her. He needed her. Anton was his brother, but she was his what
ever she was. Fiancee, he wished. He
liked the sound of it. Maybe he would tell her some day, but for now, just get
the brother visit over.
So, on Monday, Tucker and Cyndi were on the
porch when Anton drove up in the rental car.
It was awkward to say the least.
Anton was shocked at the big brother who was now a very thin, pale big
brother and it showed.
Cynthia watched the body language of the
brothers as they greeted each other. It
seemed very strained, but then this had to be hard on Anton especially. He was 15 years younger than Tucker, but he
would be without a brother very soon.
Surely he could see that. There
were 3 brothers and Anton was the only one that had married. He had two sons and those were Tucker’s only
nephews. If the family name was to be
carried on, it was all on Anton’s shoulders.
Cynthia smiled as she saw Tucker smile at
Anton and grab him in a bear hug. Anton
was taken aback and this made Cynthia laugh.
She knew Tucker was not a touchy feely kind of guy and she assumed from
the look on his face that Anton did not expect this at all. A simple hand shake was all he was used to
having from his brother, but here he stood wrapped in his arms. Anton had a lot to learn and Cynthia could
only hope he was a fast learner.
When the brothers broke apart, Cynthia took
her leave and headed home. Tucker knew
she was as close as the phone and she assured him that she would be there if he
needed her, or if he just wanted her there.
She looked in the rear view mirror and said a silent prayer that the
visit would go well and they could say their goodbyes.
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