B Whispered Happy New Year To Her Elderly Friend

 Marlee and her Grandma B were sitting in B's kitchen talking like they often did. The subject of Grandma Lu came up. "B, is there something wrong with Grandma Lu? She never comes over anymore and you haven't talked about her for a long time. Plus she hasn't written a story for almost a month! Is she sick?" "No, Grandma Lu isn't sick, but she has been really busy. Her husband hurt his back and a friend of hers has been needing help. She's been having company for Christmas and so has her friend. There has been doctor appointments that she has been giving rides to and the poor thing is about worn to a nubbin." "Marlee asked, "What is a nubbin?" Her Grandma B laughed and said, "Something that is almost worn out. An ear of corn that is really small is referred to as a nubbin. So is a pencil that has been used, sharpened, used and sharpened so many times it is really short. People call that a nubbin. Anyway I think it's probably time I stick my nose into her business and help her out. I'll give her a call and tell her I'm taking her some fresh baked cookies. That will cheer her up then I'll help her put away Christmas. I noticed the other day her tree was still up. She's usually the first one on the block to put her tree away. Why don't you go out to play then we will go over to see her." Marlee asked if she could go to Grandma Lu's house and visit for awhile while B was getting the cookies ready. Her grandma said, "Sure, go ahead, just be careful crossing the street and be sure to knock before you go in."

When Marlee got to Grandma Lu's house no one answered the door. She knew she was home because the car was there. She opened the door and walked into the living room. There was Grandma Lu's husband sound asleep in her chair. He was still in his pajamas! 

Then she walked into the kitchen and said, "Grandma Lu are you okay? Grandma Lu!"

Marlee still didn't hear anything. Then she grinned and thought, "I know where she is. She's in her office writing a story. She's okay. I just know she is."

She quickly walked into the room where Grandma Lu had written so many stories about her and her sister and many other children over the years. There she was on her hands and knees pulling out boxes and talking to herself. "Grandma Lu! What a mess this room is! What are you doing? Where is your computer? I can't even see the floor! Oh, Grandma Lu, you have dolls with broken legs in here with a turkey sitting on top of them! Why do you have your Christmas tree in that copper pot and there are rolls of Christmas paper sticking out of the closet door and all your hats are coming out of a suitcase. Why is there a Halloween skeleton on this old table? I'm going to go get my Grandma B. I think you need help 'cause it smells bad in here too."

About that time Grandma B said, "Girl, you are so right. Come on old friend. Off the floor and into the kitchen. Let's have some cookies and a cup of coffee and then we will tackle your store room or office. Why don't you ever ask anyone for help? Come on!"

Over a cup of coffee Grandma Lu caught her breath and explained that she had been so busy helping her friends and her husband she had not had time for writing, cooking or for that matter cleaning. The Christmas decorations and tree just had had to wait for last. She did say that her husband was at long last getting better, but was still in some pain and was not able to help her like he used to. 

Marlee said, "Do you think you will be able to write anymore stories?" 

Grandma Lu grinned at her and patted her hand. "Of course, I will, but writing stories is my hobby so I'm afraid my stories are on hold for a little bit. Oh, B, the lights are still on on our little tree. They are run off of batteriees. Do you think you could turn them off for me? See there I just asked for some help." They all laughed a little and drank their drinks and ate B's delicious cookiees.

Marlee said, "That's okay. I can wait, but remember you left us in Texas because Mom bought a ranch by accident at an auction. I think you should bring us home when you start writing again." Marlee's Grandma B grinned and said, "Oh, I thought I was going to Texas to help you solve the mystery of the old old book that your friend also Marlee had picked out at the library. I don't know about having you come back to Missouri yet, because your dad thinks that there is still silver in that old mine on the ranch. He wants to stay." Grandma B and Marlee continued to argue and discuss the story line of how Grandma Lu should finish the story. When Marlee looked over at Grandma Lu to plead her case of coming back home she was so surprised. Grandma Lu had fallen fast asleep right there at the table. Grandma B said, "That does it. Lu, come on. Let's get you down for a nap. Marlee and I will put your office back together for you. That's our New Years gift to you. Now you rest."

She walked her elderly friend to her bedroom. Covered her up with her favorite throw and whispered, "Happy New Year, old friend. Happy New Year."