Legacy

- 1 -

Kathleen was still in the bathroom when she heard her cell phone ringing. Hoping it was Ben heading back for dinner, she hurriedly grabbed a towel, dried her hands and ran into the main room. She managed to answer it right before it went to voice mail.
“Hello, Katie,” said a very familiar voice.
“Hi, Mom,” she replied.
“Your father tells me you are still in Massachusetts looking at that big house. Do you have any idea when you are coming home?”
Kathleen had spoken with her father right after they toured the mansion. They probably had assumed she was leaving right away.
“I’m sorry, Mom, I really don’t. Why? Is something up?”
She was surprised when her mother’s tone turned suddenly serious.
“Well, there is something I’ve been wanting to speak with you about for some time now, but your father always seems to be around when we talk.”
“Dad? Is something wrong with Dad?”
“Oh, no, dear. Don’t be alarmed. There is nothing wrong with your father physically. It is his mental state that I am worried about.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, in the last year or so, your father has become very bored with life.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You see, when your father first retired, he enjoyed the freedom. He loved playing golf with his friends. He had a ton of projects he wanted to finish around the house. But lately, golf has lost its appeal and the projects around here are all done. He volunteers some at the church, but he spends way too much time in front of that blasted TV. I think he’s slowly losing his mind from the boredom. He’s out right now buying pickle relish for the hot dogs we’re grilling later. It was just an excuse to get out of the house. I’m really worried about him.”
“I see.”
“I was hoping maybe you could stop by the house more often and visit with him. He talked about your predicament at the bank for two or three days after you left. I think he enjoyed the fact that you asked for his opinion.”
A smile spread across Kathleen’s face.
“Mom, I have an idea. Could you please ask Dad to give me a call when he comes home?”
“Of course. What is your idea?”
“Let me talk to him about it first. That way you can be surprised without lying to him.”
“All right, my dear. I’ll have him call you first thing.”
“Thanks, Mom. Talk to you later.”
She tossed her towel onto the bathroom counter just as she heard Lizzie talking to someone.
“The place two blocks down has wonderful subs. Lenny’s. It is a quiet little place.”
“Thank you, Ms. Liz. That’s where we’ll go,” said Ben.
Kathleen slipped on her shoes and grabbed her purse. She pulled open the door to see Ben with his hand in the air, ready to knock.
“Hi,” he said.
His mood was clearly lifted. She suspected it was from some time in prayer.
“Hi,” she responded. “Lenny’s, huh?”
“How does that sound?”
“Great. I haven’t had a po-boy in a long time.”