The House That Had A Gentle Heart - Part 5

The house they called Home felt a chill. There was a sudden and disturbing change in the atmosphere. An atmosphere it did not recognize, but immediately sensed as dreadful.

Rusty Bristle had crossed the threshold of the Miller house and immediately checked for any signs of a dog.

He didn’t much like dogs. And dogs didn’t much like him. They always knew what he was up to. His senses told him there was no dog.

“Glad you could make it,” said Helen Miller. “You’re all Gentle’s been talking about today.”

“I’m sure we’re going to be good friends,” said Rusty. “I’m a little shy at first, but once you get to know me you’ll never forget the experience.”

“You don’t have to be shy around us, Rusty,” said Helen Miller. “We don’t bite, you know. And where is that chill coming from? It’s been such a beautiful day. If this keeps up I’ll have to put on a sweater. Are you warm enough in those pajamas? I can get you one of Gentle’s hooded sweatshirts if you like.”

“I’m not cold at all, Mrs. Miller.” said Rusty. “I’m as warm as toast.”

“Good,” said Helen Miller. “Go hang your backpack on the coat rack in the corner there. I’ll get Gentle. She so excited.”

***

“Are you sure you want to bother with him, Gentle?” said her dad. “You have so many other friends to choose from."

Gentle was rifling through her dresser trying to find her Supergirl pajamas.

“But Rusty doesn’t have any friends, Dad. Maybe he just has terrible parents. I’m just trying to help. We get on the bus together and we get off the bus together. He never says a word. And everyone picks on him.”

“The world’s not fair, sometimes,” said her dad. “I just wish you’d have invited more friends over tonight.”

”They‘d have only made him feel worse,” said Gentle. “Got ‘em!”

“What?”

“My Supergirl pajamas,” said Gentle.

“Oh,” said her dad. “Well, hurry up then. I think Lex Luther’s just arrived.”

“Not funny, Dad.”

“Meet you down there.”

As Helen and Tom passed each other on the stairway they rolled their eyes and put their hands up in mock prayer.

“Hello, young man,” said Tom Miller. “How about we go sit in the living room and wait for Gentle? Her karate class ran late today. She’s getting dressed.”

“Karate class?” said Rusty.

“Oh, yeah,” said Mr. Miller. “Gentle’s got all the moves down. She can break a brick in half with her bare knuckles and crack a 2x4 with one swift kick of her bare foot.”

“Really?” said Rusty.

“Oh, yeah,” said Mr. Miller. “She’s training for her silver belt.”

“Silver belt,” said Rusty. “I never heard of it.”

“It’s something new they’ve added to the girl’s division.”

“Oh,” said Rusty.

“So don’t make any sudden moves around her. Just this morning I snuck up on her to say, ‘Boo!’ like when she was a baby. It used to make her laugh hysterically. But this time, oh, brother! Take a look at this.”

Tom Miller lifted his shirt and showed Rusty the black and blue welt on his rib cage.”

“Gentle did that?” said Rusty.

“She didn’t mean to,” said Mr. Miller. “But I no sooner yelled ‘Boo!’ when I found myself doubled over in pain. It was excruciating. She’s got some kick that girl has.”

“How you boys getting along?” said Helen Miller.

“Fine,” said Tom. “Just showing Rusty some of my war wounds.”

“Sorry I missed it,” said Helen. “I think.”

“Where’s Gentle?” said Tom.

“I’m coming!” said Gentle.

“Good,” said Mrs Miller. “I’ll start the popcorn. You kids put on the TV. We’ll be back in a minute with the goodies.”

“War wounds?” said Helen.

“Yeah,” said Tom. “See?”

“Ouch,” said Helen. “That’s a nasty bruise.”

“Sure is,” said Tom. “I was trying to start the lawn mower this morning. I give the cord a good swift pull, and the darn thing snapped off on me. I punched myself a good one. Right in the rib cage.”

“Klutz,” said Helen.

“Tell me about it," said Tom.

Jekyll and Hyde - a last minute addition to Rusty’s backpack - were getting restless - and hungry - in their velvet pouch. They were in desperate need of a bite to eat.