Walter A Good Deal Of Little Johnny example essay topic
Oriana was her name. She was six years old now, the daughter of Walter's lone son John. John wasn't a part of Walter's daily schedule, but Oriana was. Walter had never talked with Oriana, and, Oriana had never met Walter.
While standing at the fence, Walter was suddenly overcome with memories from earlier times. He remembered standing at this very same spot waiting for Johnny to walk out after his first day of school. Johnny loved his father very much, but, he was six then, now, he was a grown man living near the city, a well-known doctor. Walter was proud, although, he would never admit it.
When Helen died, no one was left to mediate their arguments, so, harsh, and cruel things were said that neither meant. However, as so many of us do, John and Walter both had terrible tempers and held wicked grudges. Walter shook this image out of his head and continued to watch the little girl. Oriana reminded Walter a good deal of little Johnny all of those years ago. She had brown hair. Tied in pigtails, huge blue eyes that reminded Walter of ink in a pen, and freckles all over her tiny nose.
Walter's thoughts were suddenly interrupted -- "Excuse me, Sir?" came the squeaky voice of Oriana. "Could you please throw me my ball, Tommy threw it over the fence and I can't come and get it". Walter just stared at the little girl. This was the first time she had ever talked to him. "Sure, Walter's low voice rumbled, I'll get the ball for you". The little girl clapped her hands and jumped up and down and then patiently waited for the old man to retrieve the ball.
Walter waddled over to the ball and ever so slowly bent over to pick it up. He snatched the ball off the ground and walked back toward the chain linked fence. Oriana tried her best to be patient with the old man; but, eager little girls can be hard to please when you can hardly button up your own coat. Walter stepped close to the fence and held the ball over his head. This was quite a funny site for Oriana and so, she giggled still waiting for him to heave the ball over.
Walter counted to three and let out a groan as he hurled the ball upward. Much to his surprise, the ball went over the fence and landed at the little girl's feet". Thank you so much!" she giggled". Your very much welcome Oriana", replied Walter's growl of a voice. Oriana took a step back and looked a little frightened.
"How do you know my name?" Walter's mind was racing, he thought long and hard for a reasonable explanation. A logical one at that. She is only six years old, what does she know about logic and reasoning, Walter thought as he stared down at his shoes". Your his angel, aren't you?" Oriana asked not realizing that comparing Walter to a sweet looking Angel was quite odd". Who's Angel?" he replied becoming very confused".
My Daddy's", Walter tried to reply but the little girl continued to talk. "Ever since daddy first got cancer; he told me that the man in the picture with him was his angel and that he was watching over him, watching over all of us". The little girl continued to talk excitedly". Daddy is coming home from the hospital today, is that why your here? So you can tell me that he is doing better?" Walter couldn't find the right words to say, he wouldn't have to, for, at this moment, he was no longer alone on his side of the chain-linked fence. The unmistakable voice of Karen, John's wife, soon filled Walter's ears".
Sweetheart, go tell Ms. McMaster's that I'm here, you get to leave early today Oriana". With that, the little girl turned and started running toward the rest of the children on the playground to find her teacher. Karen turned toward Walter, "How are you?" she asked with a pleasant smile". Good", he replied with a soft award tone, "how sick is he Karen?" Karen proceeded to tell Walter all about John's trials and tribulations in his fight with cancer. She informed him that they hadn't told anyone outside of the family and that she didn't contacted him for John didn't want him to worry. She also told him that things weren't looking very good for her husband and that he wants to be taken off all of his medicines.
Walter's heart dropped. He stood in place and absorbed all of the words Karen spoke to him. Once the little girl had returned with her book bag and lunch box, Karen invited Walter to join her, John and Oriana for dinner the following night. She said that she would be more then happy to pick him up and drive him home.
In the end, Walter reluctantly agreed; Karen and Oriana drove off to the hospital in the city to take John home. Walter watched them leave and then turned toward where his house lay, he walked home in what seemed like only a few minuets. During that walk, Walter seemed to have a change of heart about various aspects of his life. By the time he reached his front door, he had a smile on his face. He unlocked the door and threw his coat and had down on the overstuffed couch.
He walked around the living room and drew back the gray curtains allowing sunlight to flood the musty room. He spent all afternoon drawing back curtains and talking to the stray cats that lived in his alley. Normally, he would have forced him self to sit in front of that old typewriter. Walter went to bed an hour later that night and slept until 7: 30. He sat up, smiled, and the yawned. He walked down to the kitchen not bothering to change out of his pajamas.
Once in the kitchen, he headed strait for the tin full of hot chocolate packages. He made him self a large cup of it and set it on the table. Next, he went to the backdoor and retrieved the newspaper. He walked back into the kitchen and sat down at his old metal table.
He took a sip of his hot chocolate and reached for the telephone. He then proceeded to dial". Operator assistance, how may I help you?"Yes, I'd like the number for the local newspaper" Walter said with a grin.