The Long Walk

We have to work to overcome life's greatest battles.

“Don’t tell me you are walking up that hill,” asked Mabel.

Her octogenarian husn]band looked at her with some mischief in his eye.

“My doctor told me I needed to get more exercise. I can‘t think of a better way than walking up this hill to our house.”

“Irv,” she started cautiously, “You have just had a heart scare. Now is not the time to go all macho.”

Irv leaned on his cane. “Can’t think of a better time,” he opined and started walking.

“Don’t expect me to walk with you,” said Mabel as she walked back to the car.

“Being alone is fine,” he intoned.

Irv did what all smart people do. He took his time. He paused when necessary and at times even put on a bit of speed for old times sake. Eventually he got to his house.

As he stood on the sidewalk looking up the steep steps to the front door he could hear the cheers.

“I knew you could do it!” said Boltus who was standing beside the first step.

“Good job,” whispered Charlotte who was at the first landing.

“Only a few more steps to go,” said Jeffrey, who was standing on the porch.

Irv sat in his chair. “Thanks guys. Your cheering me on really helped me out.”

Mabel came through the door with a glass of lemon water. She looked around. “Who were you talking to?” she inquired.

“My great, great, great grandfather. My great Aunt Charlotte. My childhood friend Jeffrey.”

“Ghosts,” she intoned sharply. “You think you were talking to ghosts?” She sighed in exasperation. “There are no such things as ghosts.”

“I’ll take support anywhere I can get it,” he said dryly. He took a sip of his lemon water and smiled. Irv didn't have the heart to tell Mabel that Bruno, his childhood dog, was growling and giving her the once over. Irv flashed the calm sign as Bruno settled at his feet. He would leave all the other ghosts for another day.