Make Up a Story
Stories from Around the World
The Dance
January 13, 2021
They're at the nursing home.
That's her grandson, he came to visit for a party. I don't see a cake or anything, but everyone is wearing hats and colorful necklaces. They're dancing, he's embarrassed but super happy, and people are watching around the circle. She's super happy and is showing him off. Someone is playing the piano. It's New Year's Eve.
Joan is dancing. I like the kid; I think he's cute. His name is Noah. The lady in the wheelchair didn't remember her name when I asked her. She has Alzheimer's. She said she didn't know, maybe she just didn't feel like talking. She's the great-grandma.
They must be playing the piano because I can't see loud music going on. I hear Joan talking and Noah laughing because he's so embarrassed. The old man behind Noah keeps saying, "Come on, Come on, you can do more!"
I smell cafeteria food cooking, cake, deodorant, strong old lady perfume, bleach, and a lot of air freshener.
They were all sitting down, and Joan grabbed him for a dance.
They'll be done dancing soon, and then I don't know what. I think he's going to get out of the dance as soon as possible. He's looking at the ground, they're interlocking fingers, so they're close, but he wants to get out of there because he's embarrassed. He's doing it because she wants him to, but when they're done, he's done. He doesn't like being the center of attention.
You can't really give a gift to a generation younger than you, because they're like us. They don't listen. They'll listen to authors and actors and famous people, but not regular people. If you got it published, they'd listen.
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Image Credits: Non-commercial only - Attribution: John Michael Kohler Art Center