It was early on Christmas day morning that I saw her write the note.
She was sitting down at the kitchen table her eyes screwed up. She would normally put on her glasses when writing, but today she was behaving odd. Going from one side of the kitchen to the other not really doing anything, just pacing. When I asked for my breakfast she just ignored me.
Her face was red and blotchy and her hair stuck out all over the place. The corners of her mouth drooping to her chin.
There were pans and dishes all over the kitchen. And in the sink, bowls and plates were piled high.
I watched as she put down the pen and read her note. Then she wiped her face with the sleeve of her cardigan. Leaving the note on the table she stood up and walked out of the back door ignoring me
He came in yawning, still in his dressing gown. He went to the kettle, switched it on and sat down on the seat that she had been sitting on. He scratched his head and picked up her note. His forehead wrinkled into deep lines and he scratched his head some more.
Standing up he walked through the house shouting her name. I ran after him and tried to tell him that I was hungry and wanted my breakfast but he just ignored me. He was running on the landing, going into rooms and opening drawers and cupboards. At last he was still. He sat on their bed, her note still in his hand. His face was wet, a wetness that crept all over, and down into his neck. He looked at me trying to blink the wetness away and waved the note at me and shouted.
‘The turkey’s in the coal bunker.’
His voice sounded different, not like his voice at all. He stroked my head. ‘Merry Christmas Archie’ and then he lay down with a terrible noise coming from his throat and his body shaking.
I jumped up onto the bed and tried to make him feel better. I licked his face and curled up beside him.
–
(c) 2024 Lillian Bradbury.
“The Turkey’s in the Coal Bunker” is a charming and humorous tale that captures a slice of life through the eyes of a family pet. The story unfolds on Christmas Day, with our canine narrator observing the peculiar behavior of his human family. As the day progresses, we’re treated to a series of comical events, including a misplaced turkey and a frazzled mother leaving an amusing note. The dog’s innocent perspective on these human antics adds a layer of warmth and wit to the holiday chaos, making it a delightful read for anyone who’s ever experienced the joys and frustrations of family gatherings.
This story is part of Lillian Bradbury’s collection “Welcome to my World,” a heartwarming anthology of short stories and poems inspired by life in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Pickering. Bradbury’s writing style is both whimsical and provocative, offering readers a glimpse into her vivid imagination and deeper musings about life’s possibilities. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the mind of your furry friend during family celebrations, or simply enjoy stories that find humor in everyday situations, this book is sure to bring a smile to your face. Why not treat yourself or a loved one to this delightful collection and explore more of Bradbury’s charming world?
