«I haven’t forgotten!»
“Grandma, can you believe it? We found a gold ring at the beach today! In the sand! Dad just happened to dig his hand into the sand, and there it was!”
“No way!”
“Yes, Grandma, don’t you believe me?”
“Of course, I believe you, darling.”
“And Dad gave it to Mum right away! It even had the tag on it!”
“A tag?!”
“Yes! Dad explained that it probably rolled out of the jewelry shop and somehow ended up in the sand.”
“In the sand?!”
“Yes, Grandma!!! That’s what he told us and Mum. It wasn’t from a shipwreck or stolen!”
“Well, if Dad says so…”
“Yes, Grandma! And he said there are lots of rings like that there! Alex and I have been digging in that silly sand for a week now! We just need to find one little ring.”
“Has Alex’s cough gone away?”
“Of course, it has. When would he have time to cough?! There’s so much to do here! How’s Jim doing?”
“He’s alright. What are you eating there?”
“Grandma, don’t change the subject. Show him to us!”
Grandma turned the phone camera to the dog. Jim was lying there, listening intently to the chat.
“There you go. Say hello, Jim.”
“Grandma, why does he look so sad?!”
“He’s fine, dear.”
“No! I know what he’s like normally! Jim!!! What’s going on there?!”
Jim thought he heard a familiar voice. He wagged his tail.
“Alright, love, I’ve got to get ready for the garden. Are you staying there much longer?”
“Mum wants to stay another two weeks.”
“Two weeks?!” Grandma glanced at Jim.
“Yeah. We’re having a great time! If only we find another ring… Jim, do you want a ring for your collar?”
“Goodbye, sweetheart.”
***
“Mum, hi! Lisa said it’s urgent?”
“Yes, when are you flying back?”
“Not sure. It’s really nice here. Maybe another couple of weeks. Why?”
“Nothing! Jim isn’t eating anything!”
“How come he’s not eating?”
“Well, he just isn’t. Ever since you left, he just sleeps and stares out the window, and the slightest noise in the hallway has him running to the door, barking.”
“You are giving him the right food, aren’t you?”
“No, we’re feeding him raw potatoes! Of course, it’s the right food!”
“Darn.”
“Yeah, darn is right. He’s lost so much weight, you wouldn’t believe it.”
“Show me!”
Grandma showed Jim sleeping.
“There you go. Skin and bones.”
“Maybe he should see the vet?”
“What vet?! Are you serious?! He’s just missing you! It’s been a month! You’ve never left him alone for this long!”
“Mum, here’s the plan. I’ll make a vet appointment. Please take him.”
“Alright.”
***
“Mum, hi! How did the appointment go?”
“Oh… Hi. We went. He bit the vet when he tried to weigh him. I couldn’t hold him. We had to use a muzzle for the ultrasound.”
“Gosh.”
“Yeah, it was a scene. He curled up in the corner and growled. Not sure where he got the strength.”
“What did the vet say?”
“Said we need to do a blood test. Everything looks normal outwardly. It’s probably stress.”
“Why?”
“Why?! Do you really need to ask?”
“Mum, don’t yell! We’re stressed too.”
“Alright, do whatever you want…”
***
“Hi Mum, why’re you calling so late?”
“I think he’s barely breathing.”
“What?! Our flight’s in the morning. Mum, calm down, don’t cry.”
“He hasn’t eaten for days. He used to at least nibble…”
One of the kids asked in the background, “Grandma, why are you crying?”
“Sweetheart, Jim’s not well.”
“Daddy said… But we’re flying home tomorrow!”
“I’m worried it might be too late…”
Suddenly, the little girl’s face appeared on Grandma’s phone screen.
“No!!! Grandma, put the phone close to him and turn on the speaker!”
“Sweetheart, he…”
“Do it!!!!”
She brought the phone near the sleeping dog.
“Jim, can you hear me?! We’ll be back tomorrow! I know you’re upset with us. You think we’ve forgotten about you! Jim, listen to me!”
The dog perked up. He listened carefully.
“I get upset too, but then I forget. What’s the point in staying sad and upset the whole time? Listen, Jim, you’re a Smith! And the Smiths, when things get tough, don’t give up. Jim Smith, do you think I’ve forgotten how you jumped at that silly rottweiler when he charged at me?”
“You were half his size but you protected me! You took a beating that day. And you think I forgot you after that?!”
The dog wagged his tail weakly.
“Jim Smith, I’m asking you to go to the kitchen and eat those brown pellets! March to the kitchen!”
The dog slowly walked to the kitchen and began eating from his bowl.
***
When they arrived in the morning, Jim forgave them. But not right away. After about five minutes. First, he turned away, went to his corner, but then dashed over to lick everyone. After all, they were a mess from the journey.
