The Departure 1: Anniversary of Quiet

Rose: “So what was it exactly that made Prairie Pug decide that perhaps one must leave, to really know one’s place?”

Paula: “Well, (sigh…) That’s complicated.

Rose: “Begin…”

Paula: “I don’t really know. There was a Thanksgiving…Merry felt that it was a big anniversary and perhaps they might light the candle that Merry’s parents had given them as a tradition to celebrate wedding anniversaries… it had been 28 years that had passed.

Rose: “And…Uncle Chuck came to visit. And…the candle was brought to the room…Merry had even stated that she hoped the anniversary would be celebrated for it was a long time for having lived in this very challenging place.”

Rose: “And then…”

Paula: “Well, the candle was brought out and there was nothing. It wasn’t just nothing…it is kind of embarrassingly sad. Because she had asked for what she wanted, the recognition, and nothing was forthcoming, she made the mistake of saying, ‘And…and…?’ But there was nothing, just a silence that said it all. And Merry was very disappointed, hurt and this often leads to anger, a depression turned outward.”

Rose: “So…what happened next?”

Paula: “Well, the Big Hat who had been the little Hat just lay there, perhaps almost snoozing, likely watching ‘House’, but definitely ignoring the situation with deliberation.”

Rose: “So…I mean, there’s no drama there…”

Paula: “Well, but my brother-in-law was waxing historic on the challenges of having to be the heir apparent (aka executor of the estate, i.e. Merry’s husband). Around that time, not sure if it was before or after the candle event, the brother-in-law to Merry said ‘I’d never want to be you’ to the Big Hat.”

Rose: “And…the new Big Hat said ‘why?’ Or at least turned his head from the tv, I’m assuming…

Paula: “Of course.” “And the brother-in-law, Charles…Well, he said, ‘Because now one can Break FREE!”

“Then, the Big Hat said to the younger Brother, ‘thanks alot!’ (sarcastically).”

“Well, in hindsight, this was probably monumental, at least in Merry’s memory.”

Rose: “So, what happened next?”

Paula: “Well, they made it through the houseguest visit and the next day, Merry headed up to Dodge City. She got a hotel room, had dinner at the casino, and then headed home. It wasn’t pretty when she returned. And the next, day, she had a dental appointment and Garden City but instead of driving home, she just Kept On ‘a’Drivin’…’”