Read Mattie's Call for Free Online

faced the window. “I bet you all talk about me behind my back, don’t you?”
    â€œNo. Hell, most of us may as well be toys in misfit land. A weak bladder, expensive medication, and a little forgetfulness, and we get tossed in here. Most of us, anyway. I know I’m blessed to have my daughter looking after me, but I know everybody’s not so lucky.”
    â€œMy time’s almost up here too,” she muttered.
    â€œBeg your pardon?”
    â€œNothing.” Mattie opened a bottom drawer and retrieved her purse. “Will you do me a favor?”
    â€œSure.”
    Mattie gave Kauthon her phone. “Call my children to see if they’re coming to the pageant tonight.”
    â€œWhy don’t—” He amended his question. “What are their names? I know your son is Joshua, but I get your daughters’ names mixed up.”
    â€œGabrielle and Alice. Scroll down the contacts to the first letters. I called the girls earlier in the week with no luck. Joshua said he was coming, though. It’s close to start time and they haven’t made it.”
    He spied her message icon. “You have a text message.”
    â€œOpen it.”
    He manipulated the device in his large hands and read, “Running behind but have a big surprise for you. Love you. Josh.”
    She beamed. “I pray he’s here soon. They all need to get here soon.”
    He left voice messages for Gabrielle and Alice. “You think they’ll find it odd hearing a man’s voice?”
    â€œThey know I can’t stand that cell phone. Karen leaves messages for me all the time. I use my phone every blue moon.”
    He stood. “Let’s head on down to the rec room. I want a good seat.”
    They headed to the recreation room, moseying past Agatha who stood outside her door. She smirked but didn’t speak.
    Kauthon grabbed Mattie’s hand; she welcomed the gesture by gripping his hand tighter. Her children were nowhere to be found, but her friend was near. That was good enough for her.

7
Here But I’m Gone
    M attie half-watched the children’s interpretive dance. Outfitted in sparkling red leotards, red stockings, and green tutus, five girls pranced around the rec room in sync, lifting their hands and moving to the rhythm of a familiar gospel song. Mattie eyed the door. In the fantasy she’d entertained since being seated, Joshua, Alice, and Gabrielle would slip in, take a seat next to her, and enjoy the scene. Kauthon, swept up in the performance, lifted hands in praise to the words being sung, oblivious to her wringing hands. Around the room sat mothers with sons and daughters, aunts, and uncles, enjoying the program and each other. Some of her hall mates were without relatives, but many were joined by their “adopted” kin, young men and women who volunteered at Grand Oak and visited the residents frequently. She’d eyed the door so long, she didn’t realize the dance was over. Applause broke the trance the door held over her.
    â€œWeren’t the Honeysuckle Dancers marvelous?” said Nancy Ford. Each year the pageant was grander than the last. Nancy took pride in her title as activities director, and this year was the best yet.
    Nancy also took the Ugly Sweater Contest too seriously. This year’s getup was a red sweater dress with gold tassels around the collar and hem, and a 3-D Santa sewn in the middle of the dress with blinking lights in garland encircling his fat frame. Nancy had taken care to wear makeup and style her hair, usually kept in two flowing braids. The microphone stand had been adjusted earlier to accommodate her petite stature. She stood behind the stand and swabbed her face with a pink handkerchief.
    â€œThis is by far the hardest part of the service. Grand Oak Acres is a family, and when we lose a family member, we lose a link in our sturdy chain.”
    Residents nodded. A round of whispers arose as volunteers took