Chapter 10

He’d lost Jolly’s mother, so that might have had something to do with it. But he was much kinder to me than I remembered and seemed to have a great time playing Santa for the parade.

He had the bald head and bushy white beard. Even the padding. Just needed the suit. He didn’t seem as tall or muscular as he once was, perhaps having shrunk a bit, and also stooped over. But he seemed to do well in the assisted living facility in Middlebury. It was one of those very nice places where seniors had their own room, laundry facilities, and a dining room for meals.

When we brought Ben home, he had insisted on Jolly and me coming in so he could show off the place.

“This here,” Ben said as he led us to the dining room, “is where I have my dinners every night.” He eyed us. “Dinner is in an hour. You two want to join me?”