Deluxe

(This is from a series I have started based on the journal I have been keeping for 35 years.)

On my way home from the shelter today I went to visit Polly at her apartment. Even though I was tired I wanted to keep going. When I stepped inside Hollis skittered over and sat at my feet wiggling everywhere and went to the bathroom on the floor. Oops, Polly said, she does that sometimes when she is excited. That’s okay, I reassured Hollis, I do that too now and then. I rubbed her head between her ears and tickled her side. It did not take Polly long to show me around the small space. It has a lot more light and brightness than its low ceiling and few windows seem they would allow and Polly has thoughtfully arranged pictures of family and friends on wooden and wire shelving in the kitchen and dining area. In the living room she hung a handsomely framed map of Boca Grande. I’m working on my wall, Polly said. Among the pictures she’s included candles and books and art and other mementos. Her couch and bed she’s piled with squishy pillows and fuzzy blankets. Hollis seems to like nesting there as much as Polly. She curled up at the top of it and shifted her eyes from side to side as if to say, Shh, don’t say anything, In the kitchen I almost overlooked the refrigerator squatting in the corner across from the sink. It held only probiotics for Hollis. Cooking more for herself might be Polly’s only area of improvement and maybe some dusting on the shelves. Along with the toaster oven and hot plate Polly showed me a scale she bought to weigh Hollis. She’s sixteen pounds now! Polly said. She’s gained nearly four in as many weeks. Polly also bought a clay mold kit to make a print of Hollis’ paw. By the door she has a small rack with hooks saying Hollis’ Leashes! For mother’s day Polly gave me a gift card to Sparkle Brite car wash. As I opened the envelope I was really hoping it was not a Dairy Queen gift card since I go there so infrequently now. Even better I need to have my car washed and vacuumed. Polly got me the deluxe package. I can go there tomorrow.