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Kathy, by Phyllis Souza

18/6/2021

 
'All that live must die, passing through nature to eternity.' --William Shakespeare

The writer's group, at the Seniors' Center, wrapped up at eleven. I was thinking about stopping at Starbucks for a morning coffee when I heard: "I like Pope Francis. He says dogs have souls." Kathy's voice. She had her hands folded on top of the conference table. Her powder-blue cardigan curled around her shoulders.

I paused. "You're kidding?" I raised a brow and chuckled.

"That's what the Pope said. And did you know there's no more Purgatory or Limbo?"

"Really?"

"Yes, there's only Heaven or Hell."

"So, it's up, or it's down?"

"That's right." Kathy raised her chin. "I'm a lapsed Catholic."

"So am I. Hope you're right about Purgatory. I hate to think of being stuck waiting to get a get-out-of-jail card to pass. Go!"

Kathy flashed a smile.

"Gotta think about what the Pope said. Sure, as hell, I don't want to go down." I chuckled. "See you next week." I walked out of the classroom.

Kathy loved to write stories about growing up a Catholic and how, as an adult, she challenged some of the teachings, especially birth control.

Another week rolled around.

At nine on a rainy Wednesday morning, I walked into the room with ten copies of my story.

Donna, the group leader, passed around the sign-in sheet. I signed next to my name. I noticed that Kathy, usually one of the first to arrive, had not. Although I didn't know her well, I did know she rarely ever missed a meeting.

Soft talking. No laughter. Something was wrong.

"What's going on?" I glanced at Donna.

"Kathy died Saturday. She went to bed and never woke up." Donna wept.

After the meeting, while walking toward Starbucks, I thought about Kathy and the fleetingness of life. Then, a mangy dog crossed my path.
Swapan k Banerjee
18/6/2021 12:03:04 pm

Ephemerality, thy name is Life. Very well done, Phyllis.

phyllis souza
18/6/2021 05:21:31 pm

Thank you for the comment. Glad you liked the story.

Susan F. Reid
18/6/2021 12:59:44 pm

Phyllis,
I think Kathy's soul was in the mangy dog to tell Donna she made it to Heaven.

phyllis souza
18/6/2021 05:29:43 pm

Kathy's soul is in Heaven and dog came along at the right time. Strange things can happen. Phyllis

Jim link
18/6/2021 03:48:23 pm

Loved the dialogue here - just so well done. A sad end, yet, with the little dog passing by, a "spark" of hope symbolically?

Nice one
Jim

phyllis souza
18/6/2021 05:32:53 pm

Thanks Jim... I always appreciate your comments! We can all use a "spark" of hope. phyllis

Pamela Kennedy
18/6/2021 08:11:31 pm

Such a lovely story about life, death, and faith values...

phyllis souza
18/6/2021 10:03:07 pm

Thanks for your comment. Deeply appreciated.

Sue Clayton
19/6/2021 06:26:49 am

I hope she stroked the dog and gave it a part to show she understood. Maybe even took it home to care for it, and Kathy's, souls.

phyllis souza
19/6/2021 04:51:49 pm

The poor little dog tugged at her heart and flooded her eyes with tears.

Thanks for reading. phyllis

Mary Wallace
19/6/2021 05:05:24 pm

Pretty sure Kathy went up without the wait.

phyllis souza
19/6/2021 05:11:18 pm

Without a wait, she passed Go! Amen.😇 phyllis


Comments are closed.

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