«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 do, darling.
– And Dad gave it to Mum straight away! It even had a tag!
– A tag?!
– Yes! Dad explained that it must have accidentally rolled out from a jewelry store.
– Into the sand?!
– Yes, grandma!!! That’s what he said. He assured us it wasn’t from someone lost at sea or stolen!
– Well, if Dad says so…
– Yes, grandma! He also mentioned there’re tons of such rings there! Alex and I have been digging through that silly sand all week, hoping to find just one more little ring.
– Is Alex feeling better?
– Of course he is. When would he have time to be sick?! There’s so much happening here! How’s Jerry doing?
– He’s fine. What are you eating over there?
– Grandma, don’t change the subject. Show him to me!
Grandma turned her phone’s camera to the dog. Jerry was lying next to her, intently listening to the conversation.
– There he is. Say hello, Jerry.
– Grandma, why does he look so sad?!
– He’s fine, love.
– No! I know what he’s like when he’s fine! Jerry!!! What’s up with you?!
Jerry perked up, thinking he recognized a familiar voice. His tail wagged a little.
– Alright, darling, I need to get ready to head out to the cottage. Are you staying much longer?
– Mum wants to stay for another two weeks.
– Two weeks?! – Grandma glanced at Jerry.
– Yeah. We’re having a great time here! It’d be amazing to find another ring… Jerry, want a ring for your collar?!
– Bye, love.
***
– Hi Mum! Lisa said there was something urgent?
– Yes. When are you flying back?
– Not sure. It’s really nice here. Maybe in a couple more weeks. Why?!
– Oh, nothing! Jerry isn’t eating anything!
– What do you mean he’s not eating?!
– Just what I said. Since you left, he only sleeps and stares out the window, but runs to the door barking at the slightest noise in the hall.
– You’re giving him the correct food, right?!
– No, we’re feeding him raw potatoes! Of course, it’s the right food!
– Oh dear.
– Exactly. He’s lost so much weight, you wouldn’t believe it!
– Let me see?!
Grandma showed Jerry sleeping.
– There. Just skin and bones.
– Maybe he should see a vet?!
– A vet?! Are you serious?! He misses you. You’ve been away for a month! You’ve never left him this long before!
– Mum, okay. I’ll make an appointment for him at the vet. Please take him.
– Alright then.
***
– Hi Mum. How was the vet’s visit?
– Oh… Hi. It was something. He bit the vet when they tried to weigh him. I couldn’t hold him still, so we had to muzzle him for the scan.
– Oh dear.
– Exactly. He backed into a corner and started growling. Where he got the strength from, I don’t know.
– So what did the vet say?
– They said he needs a blood test. Physically, he looks fine. It’s probably just stress.
– Why do you think that?
– Why?! You’re still asking???
– Mum, don’t shout! We’re on edge too.
– Oh, do whatever you want…
***
– Mum, hi. Why are you calling so late?
– I think he’s barely breathing.
– What?! Our flight’s in the morning. Mum, please calm down. Don’t cry.
– He hasn’t eaten in days. He used to nibble a little at least…
One of the kids asked from behind:
– Grandma, why are you crying?
– Darling, Jerry isn’t well.
– Dad said… But we’re flying back tomorrow!
– I’m afraid it might be too late…
Suddenly, a girl’s face appeared on Grandma’s phone screen.
– No!!! Grandma, bring the phone screen closer to him, and put it on speaker!
– Darling, he…
– Bring it closer!!!!
She held the phone up to the sleeping dog.
– Jerry, can you hear me?! We’re coming home tomorrow! I know you’re mad at us. You think we’ve forgotten about you! Jerry, listen to me!
The dog sat up. Jerry was listening carefully.
– I get mad too, but then I forget. Otherwise, what’s the point?! Live a sad and angry life?
Listen, Jerry, you’re a Smith! And the Smiths don’t get discouraged when times are tough or scary. Jerry Smith, do you think I’ve forgotten how you stood up to that dumb Rottweiler when it went for me?
You were half his size, but you protected me! You got hurt then. And now you believe I’ve forgotten about you?!
The dog wagged its tail weakly.
– Jerry Smith, I’m asking you to go to the kitchen and eat those brown kibbles! Off to the kitchen!
Jerry slowly walked to the kitchen and began eating from his bowl.
***
When they arrived back the next morning, Jerry forgave them. But not immediately. It took about five minutes. At first, he turned away, went to his corner, then rushed over to shower them with licks. They were a bit dirty anyway, fresh off the road.
