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Do
By four in the afternoon, Do
The box he’d built was placed next to the grave with the lid leaning against it. Inside he’d laid his Momma’s favorite quilt and a needlework pillow that had both her boys name’s on it. Do
Going over to the rose bush where she’d cut a rose each time she visited Billy, he clipped one for her and laid it on her chest.
Staring down at her, the tears began again as he prepared to place the lid over her. He would never see her face again.
After saying a small prayer, he willed himself to slide the lid over the box and hammer in some nails to seal it. Using some rope, he managed to lower the box into the hole. Taking the shovel, Do
“Goodbye, Momma. I love you. I sure am going to miss you. Rest now.”
Do
****
The sun blinded Do
He got up and tried to stretch. Every muscle complained. He was sore from the work but his mind felt refreshed. He brushed himself off and went in the house. His stomach growled as he rummaged through the fridge looking for something to eat. A tub of plain yogurt, with some maple syrup on it, would have to do. After wolfing it down, he thought to look at the clock. He was surprised to see it was almost noon.
Do
It will do fine. Momma would like it.
He nailed it to the cross and sat at the foot of the grave while he watched the sun sink behind the horizon. It reminded him of what they would do each night on the porch together and he was glad she was close enough for them to still share it. When it finally disappeared, and dusk started to turn to dark, he stood.
“Goodnight Momma. I’m going to see Billy now.”
****
Do
“Hi Billy, I did what you suggested. Momma is buried behind the garage. She’ll not be alone there, and I can visit whenever I want. We watched the sunset together tonight.”
Billy smiled as if reacting to something.
“I’d like that too. Maybe when we’re done, I can have you moved next to Momma. I’m sure she would be happy to have you near.”
The rose his mother had left several days before had blown into the grass. It was wilted but Do
“Okay, Billy. I understand. The rooms are the priority and I’ll work to have them done as quickly as possible. I know what size and shape but what should I put in each room?”
Do
“Got it. We’ll have this done soon and you can rest. I can feel everything is going to be fine.”
Do
“Hey! This is different and besides, that was a long time ago. I won’t make the same mistake again, not this time. I’ll keep my facts straight and won’t let the wrong person know what’s going on.”
Do
“I gotta go, Billy. There’s a lot to do and I need to pick up supplies. Love you. I’ll be back soon.”
Do
****
Do
He put his cart load on the check-out table.
Four padlocks, keyed the same. A large box of screws. Twelve pieces of steel rebar, each one foot long. Four pieces of chain, each three foot long. Four heavy eyebolts. Another package of four padlocks, also keyed the same. Five-gallon buckets with their lids, four of them. Four latches that accepted padlocks and four thick moving blankets.
“Whatcha’ makin’?”
Do
“Oh, it’s a 4-H project for my son.”
The cashier smiled at him while she rang him up.
“Cool. I was in 4-H. Loved it but I don’t remember any projects like this.”
Do
“Well, you know how it is. Things change.”
The cashier let it go and gave Do
There was a H-E-B Foods on his way home, where he would stop for some groceries, and then to the house. He eagerly anticipated the next morning when he would be able begin the final steps of his mission. His mind raced with the possibilities of the next step in the plan. Billy still hadn’t shared what it was but each time Do
****
Six straight days of hard work had brought Do
Do
Do
Ed Garland, his brother’s best friend. Suza
It was time to choose the first name and Billy had left it up to Do