He saw the Creeping Charlie had nearly obliterated the outline of the grave, knitting the edges of the sod to the surrounding ground. He needed to find a big rock or something to mark the place before the outline disappeared all together.

He still felt really bad about Duke. Billie had taken Duke to care for when Kathy went to the hospital. The old hound had not adjusted well to life in a city duplex. He was used to roaming as he pleased, hated the leash, and pined after aunt Kathy somethin' awful. Billie gave him all the attention he could, but he had to work, which meant Duke was closed up in the apartment all day. The neighbors hadn't been too happy either. He'd howl mournfully at the sound of a trainwhistle, or sometimes just from a lonesome spell. Billie had taken up to Aunt Kathy's when he met Louie there to work on the huse, but ended up having to keep him tied. The old dog would disappear into the hills on them. Once, Billie had to spend the night at Aunt Kathy's, waiting for him to show back up. One evening, Duke apparently decided he'd had all the city life he was going to tolerate. He slipped through the opend door one evening as Billy was entering the apartment and took off running. Billy took off after him, but couldn't catch him before he ran into the street in front of an on-coming car.

Kathy patted the chair beside her, beckoning Billie to come and sit beside her at the folding table where Easter breakfast was now laid out. It was simple. there were both scotch eggs and pickled eggs, cold biscuits and a canned fruit salad. Kathy asked Big Bill to say the blessing.

Heavenly Father
We give thanks for the return of spring, the promise of life renewed. We that our veins not be clogged by this cholesteral we are about to eat.

Kathy snorted, half amused have annoyed, but made no ther comment.

They didn't linger over the meal. The day was sunny but not particularly warm, and Kathy was obviously wearing out.