That night, the two of them danced a social dance in the square, accompanied by the songs of the square dance. The people who were originally dancing suddenly stopped and watched the old couple. Without saying a word, the love between them could be felt by everyone around.
In the end, they embraced each other in the applause, and Micah helped Hattie adjust her scarf, feeling the warmth emanating from her face. He bent down slowly and placed a kiss on Hattie’s forehead.
…
A person’s life is both long and short. Micah wanted to accompany Hattie forever. They were already old, approaching the end of their lives, but he always felt that it was a bit short. If only time could stop.
Up to now, Micah had no regrets. If he had a wish for his death, he hoped that he could accompany Hattie until her last breath. The one left behind would always be the loneliest.
If he left first, leaving Hattie alone, he feared that no one would take care of her.
As Hattie grew older, her memory worsened. Sometimes she would forget things when turning around, not knowing what to do, and had to think for a long time, unable to remember where she had put important things.
She couldn’t sleep well at night and couldn’t get up in the morning without Micah guiding her step by step.
After retiring, they had a lot of free time. Micah planted an orange tree in the balcony and yard. It had been several years, but it had never borne fruit. This year, it unexpectedly bore some flowers and a few immature fruits the size of baby fists, green and sour even through the skin.
Micah watered the orange tree and sprayed insect repellent on it. “Maybe this year we can eat some oranges.”
Hattie nodded, while the dog beside them drooled while staring at the fruits.
…
Sometimes Micah truly felt that time had slowed down. They walked the dog slowly along the road, cooked and ate slowly, and talked slowly. Because of forgetfulness, they would always repeat the same topic, and Micah would patiently explain it to Hattie.
Year after year, the wind blew, and time passed slowly.
Micah truly believed that he and Hattie could live to be a hundred years old, and he could accompany her until her last moment. But he never thought that he would be the one to leave first.
The day before Micah’s 70th birthday, people were already calling to greet him on his health. Several married students in a group chat were expressing their desire to have a meal at Micah’s house.
“It’s been a long time since we had a meal cooked by Teacher Micah and Teacher Hattie. Teacher Micah, you should let us come. We promise not to bring any expensive gifts.”
“We’ll come by ourselves, without our wives and children.”
“We should have a good get-together.”
Micah hung up the phone and told Hattie, “Those little rascals are coming to our house for dinner tomorrow.”
“Then let them come. It will be lively with more people. You are 70 years old, so it’s good to have a gathering.” After all, they still didn’t know how many more years they had left.
Micah replied in the group chat, and the chat erupted with cheers and excitement.
There wasn’t much food at home, so they needed to prepare more since people were coming. Micah decided to go to the supermarket to buy some groceries.
The weather was drizzly today, and Hattie’s legs were hurting. Micah applied two patches and a hot compress on her legs. “You stay at home and wait for me. I’ll be back soon after buying some groceries.”
“Okay.” If her legs weren’t hurting, she would have wanted to go with Micah to the supermarket.
Micah put on his coat after changing his clothes. His birthday was in October, the same month as Hattie’s, and the weather fluctuated between cold and hot. At home, he didn’t feel it much, but he needed an extra coat to go outside.
As Micah was about to open the door with his keys, he felt a tug on his pants. Without thinking, he knew it was the dog, Coco, pulling him.
Micah looked down, sighed, and said, “Coco, be good. Stay with your mom. I’m going out to buy groceries, not to play. I’ll take you out tonight.”
The golden retriever held on to Micah’s trousers and didn’t let go, looking extremely pitiful, as if it would cry instantly if Micah didn’t take it out.
This dog was a born drama queen. Micah didn’t think too much. Normally, whenever someone left alone, it would also bite their trousers or clothes and not let them leave.
Coco was quite obedient. If Micah said something to it and patted its head, it would let go.
Micah squatted down, and as soon as he touched the dog’s head, it release…