Granny's Walking Stick

Granny Grace was very popular among her many grandchildren. In spite of her age she was full of life and laughter. Our parents thought she encouraged our mischief and overlooked our shortcomings.
“When you are with the children you behave like one of them,” scolded Mother.
“Let me be,” Grandma answered, “I enjoy their company more than I like spending time with any of my children.”
“How could you enjoy our company when all you did was scold and correct, all through our younger days? At least you could tone down your volume when you dance around with these brats.”
Grandma only turned up her nose and thumped vigorously on the piano as we broke into song and dance.
            But Grandma was getting older and problems of age were catching up. There were spells of absentmindedness that made her forget where she had put her false teeth or her slippers, and we’d all go on a treasure hunt to find her belongings.
            When I came home from school one day, I found my siblings giggling and pointing to granny.
“I know I put it here somewhere,” she mumbled, “Where has it gone?”
She was unaware that she was sitting on her spectacles.
            But the funniest was yet to be. Coming in from a stroll in the garden she said, “I’m tired. I need to sit down and relax.”
However, the poor dear placed her walking stick on her chair and went and stood in the corner, where her walking stick usually stood.

© Eva Bell