The Last Smile of Mr. Abernathy
Once there lived a curmudgeonly old man named Mr. Abernathy. Now Mr. Abernathy wasn't always this cantankerous, but over the years, life, with its ceaseless trials and tribulations, had imparted on him a bitter countenance, a persona entirely removed from the cheerful young man he once was. Mr. Abernathy once had a family. A beautiful compassionate wife, three charming children, and a quaint little house that was always brimming with joyous laughter and fond memories. However, an unexpected accident claimed the harmony of his life.
As the years passed, Mr. Abernathy, celebrated his solitude and gradually detached himself from the rest of the world. He lived in his secluded house, estranged from society. His solace was the quaint little garden outside his house where he spent countless hours, nurturing the flowers and plants. His bitterness had one exception, the soft spot he harbored for the children in the neighborhood. Although he rarely interacted with them, he loved watching them play from his porch. Their innocent joy brought him temporary reprieve from his profound loneliness.
One summer day, a new family moved into the neighborhood. They had a young boy named Joey. Joey resembled Mr. Abernathy's youngest son, and witnessing Joey's vivacity tugged at his heartstrings. Joey was a ball of energy, full of life, and curious about everything. He held no reservations, often striking conversations with strangers, and inevitably, his path crossed with Mr. Abernathy.
Their first encounter was an awkward one. Joey, with his innocent questions, and Mr. Abernathy, with his curt replies. However, with passing days, they found a strange connection, an unspoken bond. Joey slowly chipped away at Mr. Abernathy's hardened shell, with his persistent visits and incessant chatter. One day, Joey asked Mr. Abernathy about the old photographs he found in a dusty corner. This marked the first of the many stories Mr. Abernathy would share with Joey about his past.
Their friendship grew, and in Joey, Mr. Abernathy saw reflections of his own children, once full of life and laughter. The walls of Mr. Abernathy's forlorn existence started showing cracks. He began to open up, revealing things he hadn't shared with anyone. He found in Joey a confidant, a sympathetic ear to his sorrowful tales.
As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, the bond between Mr. Abernathy and Joey only strengthened. Joey's family worried about their son's regular visits to the old man's house. However, noticing the change in Mr. Abernathy, they allowed their friendship to progress, seeing the happiness it brought to Joey, and the spark it instilled in Mr. Abernathy.
Winter arrived, bringing with it the cold winds that seeped through the bones. By this time, Joey's visits had become a daily ritual. One day, as the snow fell relentlessly, Joey rushed to Mr. Abernathy's house, panic-stricken. Mr. Abernathy was down with fever and was steadily losing strength. Joey's family immediately rushed him to the hospital where he was kept under close observation.
Joey was inconsolable, praying fervently for Mr. Abernathy’s recovery. He waited outside the hospital room, hoping for any good news. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctors came out, their expressions sombre. Mr. Abernathy was not responding well to the treatment; his condition was precarious.
Sensing Joey's distress, the medical team allowed him a brief visit. As Joey held Mr. Abernathy's frail hand, he noticed a faint smile on his face. It was as if Mr. Abernathy, amidst his suffering, wanted to reassure Joey that everything would be fine. That unforgettable image of Mr. Abernathy's last smile stayed with Joey, imprinted in his memory forever.
Mr. Abernathy passed away that night. The neighborhood mourned his death, but more importantly, celebrated his life. Mr. Abernathy's story, his friendships, particularly his bond with Joey, was an inspiration for everyone. They remembered him as a man who found a reason to smile again, despite life's cruel jokes.
As for Joey, he missed Mr. Abernathy dearly. Nevertheless, every time he felt a wave of sorrow, he remembered Mr. Abernathy's last smile. It served as a beacon of hope, a reminder of a friendship that echoed through the seasons, and the transformative power of love and companionship.