Paphos People

GOLDEN OLDIES

It was Sunday evening, a bit stormy but the rain had held off. The old man was walking the dog they were both slowly ambling along the hedgerow, the old man and his dog sniffing at every opportunity. The old man because it was cold and the dog because he was a dog and that was in his job description. The old man was enjoying the peace and quiet until a tug from the dog jerked him back to reality.
“Good Boy, I think it’s time we headed back to see Mum it’s almost dinner time”
As they turned to go home something caught his eye. In amongst the wild flowers was a beautiful deep red tulip bloom. Stooping down he plucked the flower from out of its wild cousin’s bed.
“That should cheer her up” he said to the dog.
The dog stopped and raised his leg.
Arriving back home they were greeted by the delicious smell of a Sunday Roast, carefully putting the flower in the cloakroom, removing his coat he strolled into the dining room and proceeded to lay the table for dinner. Every Sunday they had a traditional sit down meal. The best china and cutlery, only this time there was a tall slender glass vase with the single tulip flower standing proudly at the head of the table.
“Everything ready in there just need the food” he said with a smile to his wife.
“Did you see anybody out here?” followed with “Did he go?” she said busily preparing the vegetables.
“No and Yes he was a good boy tonight weren’t you boy”
The dog sat patiently waiting for a titbit or two as was usual.

Taking the carving knife and fork he sliced the joint of beef, cooked medium rare, just the way they liked it carefully laying out the meat on the platter with the roast potatoes, parsnips and of course the home made Yorkshire puddings! Carrying the delicious fare through to the dining room and he placed it in the centre of the table. Opening the wine he poured two full glasses of merlot.
His wife followed him in with the vegetables and the gravy boat, she gasped.
“Oh how beautiful – thank you”
“Not nearly as beautiful as you darling” he said with a smile.
“Once maybe before it all started to fall apart”
He reached over and held her hand. They had a romantic dinner that night, and the dog enjoyed what he got as well.

After dinner the table was cleared everything washed up and put away except for the tulip, which was left in the centre on an embroidered placemat. She gave him a smile then they went through to the lounge to watch some TV.
The next morning, they rose early and the dog was taken for his customary walk by mum this time. This was at a much faster pace than dad, who was busy doing his job preparing the breakfast in the kitchen. When she got back the captivating smell of hot coffee and toast greeted her. The dog sat down in expectancy of his toasty treats.
“Oh just one more thing” she said getting up and going to the dining room.
“OH NO” she cried out as she opened the door.
Hurrying to her side he looked in.
She just stood and stared with a tear in the corner of her eye.
The single stem of the tulip stood in the vase with six petals lying where they had fallen on the table.
“It was such a beautiful thought of yours but now it’s gone”
Taking his wife in his arms he looked into her eyes.
“Just because you are falling apart doesn’t mean that you aren’t still beautiful”
She laughed at him and all three of them enjoyed their breakfast a bit more that morning.