“Little One. Did you see this Fig tree?”

“Yeah. It’s getting some new leaves.”

“Well, that’s not good. There’s more cold coming.”

“Don’t you think the fig knows what it’s doing?”

“I’m not so sure. These crazy winters have most plants confused.”

“These begonias seem to be doing sorta okay.”

“Yeah, for now. Wait till a freeze hits.”

“These roses are getting new leaves too.”

“I sure hope they aren’t sorry. I’m going over to the patio.”

“What’s over there?”

“There were a bunch of flowers in pots. I want to make sure they aren’t budding as well.”

“If they are, what are you going to do?”

“Well, they’re not, so your question doesn’t need an answer.”

“Lucky for you, ’cause I don’t think you had an answer.”

“You may be right. How about we play in the yard.”

“I see a bud here, Lucy. What are we going to do?”

“You know everyone dislikes a wise guy.”

“Good thing I’m a girl, then.”

“How about a game of hide and seek?”

“Great, you’re it.”

“One one thousand, two one thousand….”

“No peeking.”

Please be aware this post is about a serious subject.

Hello, friends of Lucy and Twiggy. We have all enjoyed the adventures of these two, and in some ways, we have become family interacting with their experiences. It is fitting for you to know that Lucy has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. There is nothing that can be done but to keep her comfortable. She is on medication that keeps her pain-free and eating and drinking normally. It is a matter of time, now unknown, before we will have to let her go. We feel that to have Lucy disappear and then explain after the fact would not be faithful to the time you have invested in her stories. Although this information is hard to communicate, I think we owe you transparency regarding her condition. The stories will continue for as long as possible, and we won’t be mentioning cancer again. Lucy is talking to Twiggy.

“So what did the doctor say?”

“She said I have inoperable cancer, Little One.”

“What does inoperable mean?”

“Well, it means they can’t fix it.”

“If they can’t fix it, what’s going to happen?”

“It means I’m going to be taking a trip.”

“Trip? What kind of trip?”

“I’m going to go and find Bailey over the Rainbow Bridge.”

“I don’t think I understand. When will you be back?”

“Well, Little One, I won’t be back if I find Bailey.”

“Won’t be back? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It is the way life is, though. There is a circle that we all move in.”

“If it’s a circle, can I go with you?”

“No, that’s not how it works. You have a full life ahead of you. Besides, mom and dad will need your help.”

“Please let me go with you, Lucy.”

“Twiggy. You have your job to do here. Don’t worry when it is your time. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Promise?”

“You have my promise, Little One. Now let’s get mom to give us a treat.”

“I love you, Lucy.”

“I love you, Little One.”