What a Goose Egg

What a Goose Egg


Life for Leona became a lonely existence. First, her husband of fifty years passed away and then a month later, Patsy, the family dog died. Tears always spilled down her face.

Some days she just didn’t feel like getting out of bed, but today she dressed, pulled on her worn woolen coat, and donned a knitted hat to hug her ears. Her sensible shoes echoed a clip-clop across the scarred wooden flooring. She collected her handbag and set out into gray morning. She walked with purpose the three blocks to the grocery store never looking left or right.

The bell on the grocer’s door tinkled as she entered.

“Why, good morning, Miss Leona. It’s so nice to see you today.” Sam, the owner always liked Leona. In fact he was sweet on her. “What can I help you with today?” His smile would have melted most hearts, but not Leona’s.

She walked up and down the familiar aisles. Leona’s appetite hadn’t returned yet, but she tossed some fruit and vegetables into her basket and of course his wonderful eggs. She didn’t understand why, but he sold special eggs.

At the register Sam continued to make light conversation, but Leona just nodded and didn’t contribute much. Sam was sympathetic to her plight and offered to have the groceries delivered. “I can have them to you in an hour.”

“Thank you Sam.”

“Happy holidays,” he called as she exited. Leona went about her business and walked the three blocks home. A few minutes later, Larry the delivery boy knocked at her door. “Here you go, ma’am.” He tried not to look at her sad face.

She took the two bags in her arms and closed the door after a quick thank you.

Leona started unpacking items and lined them up on the counter. Everything was there, but there was something more. “Hmmm…looks like Sam made a mistake.” She reached into the bag and her hand closed around a smooth object. “What on earth? It’s the size of a goose egg.” She cupped it in her hands. It was a swirl of many shades of blue and smelled heavenly.

Before she could call the grocer to tell him he had made a mistake, the egg’s shell started to crack. and then it rolled in her hands. Frightened, she laid it on the counter and got ready to smack it with a spatula. She heard pecking from within, and then the entire shell fell away. A gosling flopped out, panted a moment, and then waddled around the kitchen counter.

“Well, I’ll be. Aren’t you the strangest thing?” She smiled. The first smile in months. Her eyes brightened and she started to giggle.

She felt needed by the helpless little ball of fur.

At the sound of Leona’s voice the gosling waddled toward her. With utmost care, she picked him up and cupped it in her hand. The gosling was shocking blue fluff.

Oh Sam, this is just what I needed.



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