Gilly continued, "Karl and Dolly, took half a day off from their respective workplaces, just to go and see Harold the next day. They spoke rather mysteriously about a family emergency, Harold having moved out to a nursing home and their colleagues all went along sympathetically and told them to take time off if needed.
The three visited Harold, chauffeured in a luxurious van that came with a provision for wheelchairs. Dolly had bedecked herself in her best dress and ornaments, had Karl put on his best suit. Clare had the simplest attire of all. All of them looked scrubbed, neat and their very best. They attracted considerable interest in the neighbourhood with the comings and goings of very expensive looking vehicles to and from the house.
Soon, they all entered Harold's room which was like a large suite in a fancy hotel with a bit of medical equipment all around. He was very happy to see Clare. She wheeled herself up to him and he stood up, bent and leaned over to hug her and kiss her on the top of her head. He welcomed all of his visitors and asked them to be seated. There was a helper/nurse on call for him 24 hours. Harold was not much changed, but he seemed to have a little bit more energy than usual. His demeanour was one of someone looking forward to an exciting adventure or trip, while still being relaxed physically.
"How often can I come and visit you?" asked Clare.
"As often as you want. I would like to see you as much as I can, since it is only another couple of weeks before I move to the West," said Harold.
"She cannot come often, she cannot miss her physical therapy classes. We have a tough time taking her there as it is, since you fell ill," interposed Dolly almost accusingly.
"Oh, yes! I understand. But I can arrange for her to be taken there and back. She can even come here - they have the facilities and experts. Since I will try to see if they can get her own therapist to come here and work with her. That way, she can visit me and get the therapy done in one outing. I shall arrange for her to be picked up and dropped off safely," said Harold in a matter-of-fact manner.
Karl and Dolly exchanged glances! The old man was now behaving as if he himself had come into a big fortune. They could not believe that Billy was that wealthy and would just give away so much to this old man, even if he was a friend.
"Oh! I think you might want to lie down and rest. Are you sure you know what you are saying?" Dolly could not resist a smile.
"I am certain. I know what I am offering Dolly. You can confirm it with my lawyer if you want. Please do so," said Harold, calmly.
"Well, that will save us the trouble for the time being. Well, we will have to find alternate arrangements to take Clare to the therapist after that anyway," said Karl thoughtfully.
"Don't get too used to all this fancy vans and chauffeurs, Clare," Dolly chided her,"This is just for a little while."
Clare looked a hurt, as she had not said anything and had no say over the matter. Harold looked at her silent swallowing of the taunt. He turned towards Karl and Dolly.
"Karl and Dolly, I would to do something for Clare and hope you will let me, please!" said Harold in the tone of a supplicant.
"What is that?" asked Karl, sounding a bit cautious.
"Of course, she is your grand niece.You can give her anything you want. We are just her guardians. We will take on the responsibility to make sure she get it," Dolly was quick, again, with visions of a slice of the 'good fortune' coming in within her own control.
"I would like to arrange for Clare to be driven to and from her doctor's and therapist appointments as long as she needs to be," said Harold.
Now, Karl and Dolly were both stunned and a bit disbelieving.
"Are you sure, you know what you are talking about, Harold? Are you really OK?" Dolly was getting a bit annoyed at what she thought was a bit of crazy talk.
"Can we speak to doctor or someone, please?" Karl asked, actually a bit worried about the impact of such grand promises on Clare, if they turned out to be empty ones.
"Of course, you may. Would you like to speak with my lawyer now?" asked Harold.
Everyone looked a bit shocked. Harold pushed a few buttons next to him and the voice of his lawyer came over a speaker.
"Yes, Harold, How are you? How can I help?"
"Hello, Brad! Karl, Dolly and Clare are here visiting me. I offered to arrange Clare to be driven to and from her doctors and therapists for as long as she requires it.Karl and Dolly are not sure it is a serious offer or that I am able to do so. Can you please confirm my offer on your authority?"
"Sure! Hello, Karl and Dolly! Are you there? I am Harold's lawyer."
"Yes, we are here!" Karl was shell-shocked, Dolly was impressed too.
"I just want to confirm that Harold is in a position to make good on his offer and promise. I can send you documents confirming the offer and with the details of the van service. They are the same people that drove you today. Can Clare please confirm that she would accept being driven by them? If she is there, can she say her assent to the arrangements as well you two?" the lawyer was very pleasant in his tone.
Karl looked at Dolly for a few seconds and she decided not to let go of this in case Harold or someone changed their minds. Clare sat silently, watching. and listening.
"I have one question," Dolly asked,"Is it only for Clare to be taken or can we go along too? You know we often combine the doctor's trips with other chores and shopping. It will be a bit of pain planning separate trips."
"Both of you, please feel free to go along with Clare wherever else you need to go on your rounds when you go to see the doctors or therapists," the lawyer was very clear.
"Then of course, we will accept the offer," Dolly was quick on the mark.
"Clare, what do you think?" asked the lawyer.
Clare looked at Harold, who was nodding towards her encouragingly.
"Yes, I would like that. I would like to see Harold here and do my therapy sessions here before he moves West. Please convey our thanks to Billy," Clare said simply.
So it was all settled and the lawyer signed off. Soon Karl and Dolly were invited to dinner that evening by Harold.
"What, do we want hospital food for dinner?" Dolly asked mockingly.
"Well no. There is a good cafeteria down the hall. You can order from the menu. It is very good," said Harold.
"Sure, let us see what all Billy Boy can afford!" said Dolly laughing and intensely curious to gauge the level of 'good fortune' that Harold had come upon, which must still only be a fraction of what Billy must have struck in some mysterious dealings in life!!
Soon, they all went over to the excellent cafeteria that had a menu, prices and ambience to rival the best restaurants in town. They had a memorable meal and then decided to head home. They said their goodbyes to Harold who walked back slowly to his own room.
Karl and Dolly were very impressed with the place and facilities of the nursing home. Experiencing the understated elegance and the level of service only added to their awe and both were shaking their heads and exchanging meaningful glances as they. It started to mess with the minds of Dolly and Karl."
Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved
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