An Act of Devotion

An Act of Devotion (Edition 2)

T A Ashcroft

Copyright 2012 by T A Ashcroft

Smashwords Edition

Chapter One

Another sunny morning greeted the residents in the city of Denver, Colorado. The skies were blue with the odd wisp of cloud and the sun shone its perfect warmth for all to share. The trees swayed and the flowers stood poised in full bloom, standing proud for everyone to admire.

He remained sitting on the front porch awaiting the first of his many daily duties.....and the time was finally here! He sprang into action. Could he do this and make this a new world record......'YES!!! He'd caught the newspaper from the paperboy for the 10th morning in a row!

Proud of his achievement, he entered the back door and greeted Ms Collier or Aggie if you knew her and she was Mum to him.

Ms Aggie Collier was a wonderful elderly lady who was a spritely 83 years of age, with her hair as white as the pure snow of winters gone by and her cheery kind and loving face a picture to behold every time you glimpsed at her. He'd been living with Aggie for 3 years now, coming to live with her at the age of 4 months. She had a beautiful tidy home with everything all neatly situated and photos of her late husband that had been placed around upon crisp white lace doilies. The dark wood polished floors gleamed as they did many years ago when they had first been laid. The decor of rich cream wallpaper with pastel coloured flowers covered the walls. The gardens always matched the neatness as her home, all thanks to Aggies' wonderful friend George Thornton who had helped Aggie by doing her gardening for her the past 10 years or so now. With Aggie not being as mobile as she once was, she often found getting around difficult at times, and although a proud woman, she appreciated George's help.

George was a neighbour from across the avenue. He was 67 years old and had a lovely kind and considerate nature. He had a head full of tight curly grey hair and deep meaningful brown eyes that seemed to speak more to you than the wise words of wisdom spoken from his lips every time you talked to him.

And then there was Franklin, her 3 year old Labrador. He took life as it came, chased the odd cat, rummaged amongst anything new to him and only now and again did he get into a little bit of bother. He was chocolate brown in colour with big mischievous eyes. Aggie had called him Mischief when he first came to live with her but George insisted he looked right for the name of Franklin so he'd been Franklin ever since.

Now time for his morning walk to look at what was happening in the neighbourhood. With his dark brown lead attached to his collar, Aggie stepped out into the enchanting sunlight.

'Hello Ms Aggie' called a familiar voice from not far away.

'Oh, good morning George' Aggie replied. 'The sun has once again graced us with another beautiful day.'

'It has that. And how are you today? Are you keeping alright?'

'Yes, I'm fine thank you George. And yourself? '

'Can't complain, taking it all in.'

'Okay George. You take care and would you like to join me later for afternoon tea?'

'That'll be lovely.' George replied with a small salute of his right hand.

Aggie and Franklin continued down the avenue past the corner shop ran by Mrs. Cookson. It had always been a sight to behold with fresh vegetables displayed daily and tasty looking cakes adorning her shop window everyday through every season. They crossed over the road and entered the park, Franklins' all time favourite playground. Once within the park's boundaries, Aggie lent forward and released him from his lead. He bounded off. The familiar sights of the swings and slides shone against the bright sunlight as children called to one another. Couples walked holding hands and gazing into each others eyes, people sat on the benches eating their morning brunch whilst catching up with the latest news in their newspapers or taking in the fresh air; this is the life. After his run around the park a few times, playtime was upon them. How he loved to chase his bright blue tennis sized ball which Aggie would throw for him, albeit not too far.

On returning to the old wooden bench with his tail wagging, he realized Aggie didn't have his ball with her. He sat looking up at her.

'Oh Franklin my dear. I'm sorry but I'm not too well.' Aggie whispered as she stroked his right ear. 'Maybe we can come back later and play with your ball?'

With this, she lent over and reattached his lead to his collar and they began the journey home. Just past Mrs. Cookson's shop Aggie stopped with her hand pressed against her forehead. Why was Aggie acting in this way? What was happening? They continued to walk on with Franklin becoming more than a little bewildered and scared. With their white picket fence now within view they were nearly home. He looked up at Aggie, how he longed to be able to help her as something wasn't right. With their fence now being but a few feet away, Aggie took hold of it to help her with the rest of the short walk to the house. George was still out in his yard and glanced up at them. Within what seemed a flash, he was at Aggies side, taking her hand and leading her to her door.

'Ms Aggie, now let's get you inside and sat down.'

Aggie lent on George's arm as he led her in, where he sat her down on a comfortable chair. Franklin sat down at her feet and gazed up at her. Where had the rosiness that usually glowed within her cheeks gone? Was she tired? Unwell?

Franklin stayed by her side whilst George continued to sooth her with his words and a welcome cup of tea.

'Now Ms Aggie, you sit down and try to tell old George what the matter is?'

'George, there is nothing to be concerned about. I am tired and need to rest. Now I thank you for your kindness but you return to your jobs; I will be fine.'

'Ms Aggie, if I call the doctor...'

No.' replied Aggie 'I will be alright, I need to rest. Please George; I shall see you later when you join me in afternoon tea'.

With this, Aggie closed her eyes. George gazed down at Franklin and he hunkered down beside him.

'Now you listen here Franklin. I know you can understand me. I want you to keep an eye on Ms Aggie and if she needs me, you must come and get me.'

He stroked Franklin's head and returned to his feet, gazed down at Aggie and left at her request. Curled up beside Aggie, Franklin soon drifted off into a light sleep...

A few hours later, he woke to the sound of Aggie singing away as softly as ever and on looking up, he realized the colour that had left her cheeks earlier had reappeared again. She was busy preparing afternoon tea for both herself and George. The aroma of newly baked cake filled the air and the kettle whistled loudly as the steam escaped from the spout like a steam train running at full pelt. Taking the china cups and saucers outside to the rear veranda, she stopped again, her hand once more against her head as she had earlier as though she had been trying to remember something. She continued to set the table with china side plates, polished spoons and forks, and put the cake in the centre of the table. It looked so delicious.

'Afternoon Ms Aggie' said George with a small salute as he came around to the rear garden. 'Are you alright now?'

'Yes thank you. Now you sit yourself down and have a slice of this cake. It's a Victoria Sponge; I know it is your all time favourite.'

She placed a piece of sponge on a plate and handed it to George along with a hot cup of tea. When Aggie turned to get herself a piece, George placed a small bit of cake down on the wooden floor for Franklin and winked. Franklin did like George; such a genuine and trusty soul. He curled up and returned to his slumber whilst the two old friends chatted and reminisced over by gone years.

He awoke to the glorious words of 'Come on you lazy little bundle, your food is ready!' Aggie knew how to wake him up for sure! As he ran over to his delicious gourmet meal, he didn't notice the bag of refuse presently sat on the back door step and the next thing...well, what a mess! Empty cartons and packets scattered everywhere. Aggie stood with her frail hands on her hips shaking her head. He knew he had done wrong.

'Oh Franklin, you silly boy' exclaimed Aggie with a smile breaking out. 'How many times have I told you to slow down and don't be in such a hurry?'

She knelt down towards him with her hands coming to rest either side of his bewildered face. She kissed the top of his head and held him close to her.

'You may be silly but I love you so much my little scallywag. What would mummy do without you? You're enough to brighten up the dullest of days and the darkest of nights.'

He wished the moment would have lasted forever as having love from Aggie felt so sincere and meaningful, making him realize how much he loved her and made him think of how lucky he was.

Aggie turned to the mess he had created and placed the contents in the garbage bag. As she walked towards the trash can she called over to him 'Go and eat your food. Remember we still have a date at the park this evening with your ball!'

Once Aggie had finished her evening meal and cleaned away the dirty dishes, she got her favourite long grey cardigan and headed for the door.

'Come on Franklin, let's go and have the game of ball we didn't get to play this morning'.

With his lead attached to his collar, they headed off. Being early evening now, the sun shone beautifully as it began its descent from the glorious blue sky above. Although still warm, it started to feel a little fresher than earlier. The trees swayed back and forth as though they were singing in harmony. Once they'd walked past the corner store, they crossed the road and entered into the park. It sure looked different from the scene here earlier today. The children on the slides and swings had left, gone were the people sitting on the benches eating their brunch, reading or taking in the relaxing tranquil air. In fact, the place seemed quite deserted.

Aggie lent forward and removed his lead. Out of her small handbag she took the blue ball. She raised her hand and threw it. He gave chase, pushing the ball further afield with his nose so that Aggie thought she had thrown it further than she had. After he had collected it like a prized trophy he headed back and released it from his grip. Aggie in turn picked up the ball and threw again and this continued for a further quarter of an hour. She sat down on a bench and beckoned him to sit with her. They sat together in perfect silence for what seemed an age, gazing at the unspoilt beauty of nature surrounding them. No words needed to be spoken as she stroked his head and ears with her touch as light as a feather and as soft as the breeze currently enveloping them both in happiness.

Aggie returned to her feet and attached his lead to its collar, ready for their return journey home when she sat down quite sharply. He glanced up at her, she looked pale again. The rosiness from her cheeks had disappeared and this time Franklin noticed the expression on her dear face, one of discomfort and fright. He placed his right paw on her lap trying to reassure her she was not alone, he was with her. What else could he do? Should he run back and somehow tell George? After all, George did say he needed to do this if Aggie wanted help. Aggie managed to rise to her feet.

'Come on dear' she whispered 'let's go back before the sun sets and the darkness draws in'.

They got back although Aggie did make a few stops along the way.

Once inside, Aggie took off his lead and collar placed them on the hook by the side of the rear door. She removed her cardigan and knelt down beside him.

'Now Franklin. Please remember no matter what, I love you and I always will. You are the light of my life, the sun that shines within my eyes each and every day, my true soul mate. You deserve so much happiness and goodness within your life.'

With this she kissed him on the top of his head and said 'Goodnight dear, sleep tight and remember I love you.'

She stood up and locked the back door as she always did and then switched off the lamp standing at the bottom of the staircase. With the aid of the handrail, she climbed the stairs, stopping midway, turning to him and blowing him a kiss from her adoring fingertips. She entered her bedroom and closed the door.

Franklin sat deep in contemplation. He knew she loved him with her whole being; she told him so many times every day yet this had been different. Something had altered in her voice, within her actions, something different, but what? He stood up and made his way to the couch that sat beneath the front lounge window. This was the place he called bed, with a comfortable thick throw shaken and replaced every morning by Aggie. Here he would contemplate the goings on of the day, whilst looking up at the dark night sky glistening with lots of bright and inspiring stars. The moon would creep along its familiar path, silhouetting the trees and houses as it did so. He never did manage to witness its complete path as sleep always beckons him after a busy day.

He climbed onto his bed, lying down with his back against the rear of the couch, his head rested upon his crossed paws. His whole life seemed perfect. Aggie was perfect yet something was dreadfully wrong. Then sleep caught up with him and he drifted off into the far away land of dreams...

Franklin woke to the sound of rain, heavy rain knocking against the window. The sky displayed a deep leaden grey colour with clouds racing along looking fierce and angry. The rain lashed the sidewalks and road, the trees blowing in the strong howling wind. He snuggled deeper into his warm and comfortable throw and turned his head to rest upon his crossed paws. He decided today would be a day of relaxation for both himself and Aggie. He would sit by her as she crocheted another square for her blanket. They would enjoy some television together and he would listen to Aggie singing if she had her radio on. Yes indeed, a day inside for today.

Yawning, and with a hungry tummy, Franklin eased his way down from the couch and strolled over to his breakfast. Inspecting his bowl, he realized it was empty. He must be too early. He had a drink and meandered back towards the couch. The clock read quarter past nine. Aggies’ always up by this time. That was one of her many qualities, routine. Every morning she would rise about eight o'clock and appear for him to greet her at quarter past eight. But where was she? Maybe she didn't feel good and had decided to rest a little more. This seemed strange. He remained hungry but returned to his couch where he sat a little while longer, looking out upon the dreadful weather dealt for them today.

However, no matter how hard he tried to rest, too many thoughts kept whirling around in his head. The paperboy will be here soon and the paper would be sodden through with all this rain. He had to retrieve it otherwise Aggie wouldn't be able to sit and read with her morning tea as she always did. Why did Aggie hold her head so often and why did she say those words yesterday evening? Maybe he should try and get George. He would know what was wrong with Aggie.

Getting up again, he made his way over towards the front door. It wasn't any good though as it was bolted with the mortis lock on. Hopping up onto his hind legs, he peered through the frosted glass paneling of the door only to be met with the rain still hammering against it. Maybe if he barked someone would hear him but that was a hopeless idea too as no one was about, everybody remained within the security of their homes, keeping warm and dry. He went to the foot of the stairs. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't be allowed up. He had to stay downstairs but he couldn't stay sat there. The clock currently read twenty past ten and he knew that something definitely wasn't right. He had to check if Aggie was alright. Gingerly, he made his way up the wooden stairs, pausing every so often hoping he would catch a hint of movement but the only sound that could be pick up on was of the rain and the howling wind. At the top of the staircase he paused. There were 3 doors, one of which was ajar; the other 2 closed. He slowly crept to the open door and hesitantly peered inside. The room stood filled with the gloom of darkness due to the angry skies outside. A bath, sink and lavatory of pale cream colour stood gleaming with cleanliness upon an old wooden floor, with curtains lavender in colour hanging to compliment them. With this room being empty, he went to investigate the other doors that had been closed. He sniffed at the first door and did the same to the second one. This was Aggies room! He smelt the sweet fragrance of the perfume she wore. He lifted up his right paw and scratched at the woodwork. Aggie will scorn him for doing this but no matter, at least he would know everything was alright. He stopped and listened with all of his might but still no noise escaped the room. Next, he put both of his paws to work, scratching a little higher up the door this time. Again, he stopped and listened...nothing. He now stood upon his two strong hind legs and scratched with all of his strength and might, stopping every few seconds or so to check for any movement. He barked and listened...nothing. This appeared to be no help at all. He had to somehow try to raise the alarm, and Aggie needed help, fast! As he slipped on the wooden landing, he headed down the stairs and to the back door. Again he clawed and barked and stood on his hind legs to see if anyone could see him. He turned and ran towards the lounge, leaping up onto his bed. He started to bark and pace up and down the width of the couch, jumping up so that he stood on top of the rear of the couch, barking more than he had ever done in his life. With his heart pounding faster and his tummy aching for food, he knew that he had to help Aggie! He continued to bark and claw at the front door and the rear door, as well as trying to raise the alarm up at the front lounge window. Someone had to hear him, someone had to see him, they had to!!!

He didn't remember falling asleep or how long he had slept for. The clock displayed the time of five past one. He ran back up the stairs to check for any change but alas, nothing had changed and he would have heard any movement if there had been any. He clambered back downstairs and glanced at his still empty bowl but food wasn't his priority now. He then detected that the rain had ceased and the wind had calmed down to a moderate breeze. Again, he took upon the task of clawing at the front door and in turn the back one, barking as he did so. He ran and leapt up onto the couch...George!!! George stood in his driveway! He had to get George's attention, now being his only hope. Standing on the rear of the couch he barked with vigor and determination. He jumped down and pushed himself behind the couch which was a tight squeeze as it sat cozily within an alcove, but he did it. Leaping up at the window he barked again, clawing against the glass as he did so. George stood up in his driveway from where he'd knelt pulling out a few odd weeds from the paving that lined his driveway. With his hand upon his