A Friend In Need ...

The little white feather fell so slowly it appeared to be weightless. Swinging from side to side it jumped back up a foot or two several times veering left and right or away from me then back and eventually landing between my feet.

Picking it up I realize it's a down feather with lots of fluff and so light a thought could deflect its downward path . . . rise ohh little feather . . . But my thoughts didn't seem to affect it.

I jumped when Patty dropped onto the park bench next to me, "Hi, Louise. What's up with you today?"

"God, Patty, don't surprise me like that, it gave me a small heart attack."

"What's wrong? I said hi two times before you heard me."

"The doctor found a lump. She says it'll take three days for results but others on the net say it can take a couple weeks. Jesus, I think I'll die if it takes that long."

She put her arm around me and pulled me close, "look sweetie, I'm here for you. Remember last year with mine? I didn't die, you won't either, but you'll feel like you should just to get it over with. More time just means the lab's busy."

"But what if it's positive? I'll lose my right boob!"

"Yeah, you could, but that doesn't mean you'll die. C'mon, lighten up a bit."

"I just want to disappear!"

"What good would that do?"

"But ..."

"No! Stop pre-deciding for them. They're the professionals."

"But..."

"Stop! I'm up for a good stiff drink! I know where we can get the thickest vanilla shake on the planet. You have to eat it with a spoon."

"Very funny. Okay, lets go, but I want chocolate."

"Vanilla's better."

"No it's not! Vanilla is so much more ..."