Uncle Stone

Dumpling spent the rest of the morning leisurely walking to the end of the spit, her bamboo stick leaving regular marks ahead of her boot prints. She missed seeing the slight but evident paw prints of her companion. "But I am here," Spirit assured. "We don't vanish when we die, nothing does." Philosophical was good, she loved a good banter and discourse about life, the one you see and the one you don't see.

"I miss your furry face, Sweetie Pie."
"But you don't miss the dander?" It was a sour sticking point, and one neither liked admitting Dumpling was allergic to cats.
"I miss the purring." Dumpling was trying not to go down on that old banana peel, but the tears pushed out and over the dam. Spirit brushed against the little woman's shin sending the purr across those invisible borders.
"I notice the birds and chipmunks don't miss me one little bit. Little beggars. I see them on my porch and under the steps."
"Yeah, they know you're gone. Know your scents no longer." Eagle circled above, golden eyes keen on the foot traffic on his beach. Spirit went automatically in a defensive posture with her head tipped up, neck tucked tight against her shoulders. "No nevermind honey. She can't hurt."

The small grey pouch weighed next to nothing in Dumpling's pocket. She was curious, but if there was one large lesson Dumpling Woman had eaten and digested it was curiosity could kill the cat. Creepy things grew close to the ground eating what they found in close proximity the woman who was kin to squash and pumpkins learned early how to duck and cover. For now, the contents waited for its rightful recipient, her life was full enough.

The two friends walked without much talk. Spirit ran ahead, leaped onto Uncle Stone and waited. "You should go now," the old man said in a whisper. He knew about change and loss. "You never get used to it, but time does have a way with the pain. She has something important to help with. That will take her mind off of you. I'll tell her you ..." The boulder's voice rumbled to match the slow incoming time.

Dumpling reached Uncle Stone and she could tell Spirit was gone. "She'll be with you every time you really need her."

"Promise?"

"I don't lie." Dumpling thought she heard the joke in that, but just to be sure she looked around to see if anyone else was on the beach. Two Eagles had reclaimed the spit, and more Crows scolded from the trees. There are things you need to finish before the picnic, she said to herself. Dumpling wanted to make soup, too. Linda M would supply some delicious sandwiches and dessert. She ran her hand deeply over the place where Spirit, and the chunks of scone had been, "Thanks."

Uncle Stone purred.