Eddie and Donna play their weekly chess game at the Shady Grove Home for the Elderly. Donna feels lonely since her husband Earl passed away. During their game, Eddie notices Josephine, his pet cat, is missing and calls out for her in concern. Josephine eventually comes running to Eddie, revealing a ring around her collar. Eddie tells Donna that he and Josephine would like her to join their family, bringing Donna to tears as she realizes she will no longer feel lonely.

1. Josephine
Eddie and Donna were sitting down for their Wednesday chess game, as they did
every week at the Shady Grove Home for the Elderly.
“I wish I had a bond with someone like you have with Josephine,” Donna said.
Eddie smiled as he said, “Check.”
Donna looked at a painting on the wall of a field. She admired the rich colors
in the painting and the way it made her feel. The painting brought back memories of
how she used to paint, when she was younger. She really missed those days of being
young and in love with her husband, Earl. When Earl passed, she knew she’d be
alone forever.
“Donna, it’s your turn.” Eddie realized Donna’s thoughts were wandering.
Donna nervously laughed, “Oh, I’m sorry. Where was my mind?”
Earl watched as Donna got herself out of a bind and was no longer checked.
“Clever,” Eddie said as he sat, staring at the chessboard.
Donna couldn’t stop her thoughts from wandering, “So how is Josephine? I’m
surprised I haven’t seen her around here yet today.”
Eddie grinned, “My little lady? She’s doing very well. She’s probably napping
right now. We’re not the only ones getting older everyday.”
Donna knew that all too well. Everyday, each new ache or pain would
remind her how old and lonely she really was. She always wished that Earl could
have made it just a little longer, even if it was just to ensurethat she would not have
to be alone for so long.

2. Donna swept her hand through her hair and took a deep breath. As she
moved her knight, she noticed there was a chip on the steed’s nose.
“You know, it may be a wise investment to get a new chess set,” Donna
commented as she moved the piece.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” Eddie said quietly. He was acting a little jumpy.
Donna figured that his stomach must have been acting up.
“Your move,” Donna said, noticing Eddie leaning over in his chair. It
appeared as if he was looking for someone.
Donna looked intently at Eddie as she asked, “Everything alright?”
Eddie snapped out of it, “Oh, yes. I guess you just made me think of
Josephine…where do you suppose she is?”
Donna raised her shoulders to show that she did not know.
“Perhaps I should call her,” Eddie said as he cupped his hands around his
mouth, “Josephine! Josephine, darling!”
No one came. Eddie began to look nervous.
“Josephine! Where are you Josephine?” Eddie was very concerned, which
made Donna worry.
“Josephine!” Donna joined Eddie.
“Here, Josephine. Here, Kitty,” Eddie yelled, as Josephine, a small Bengal cat
with a ring around her collar came running.
“Ah, here’s my little lady,” Eddie said.
Donna was puzzled, “What’s that around her collar?”

3. “Well, Donna,” Eddie said as he looked at Josephine, “We would like to invite
you to join our family.”
Donna threw her arms around Eddie and got teary eyes as she realized
thatshe would never know what it meant to feel lonely again.
Author: Morissa Schwartz
To Read More Short Stories:
http://www.shortstoriescorner.com