It was an unhappy Sunday morning.

Got a phone call from México City. His dear friend Jose had died two

days ago. His wife told him. Due to COVID-19. Jose was about his age.

Had both gone to High School in Pasadena in Los Angeles.

Served military service in the same battalion. Came back home at the

same time. For work reasons, Jose moved to México City. Met the love

of his life and married and had children. They kept in constant contact.

Although, Frank had not heard anything about Jose these last couple of

months. Sometimes that happened, when Jose travelled and got busy

in business. But this morning he got the bad news. He was really

upset. Had no appetite at all. Gave Chico his breakfast. Went outside to

feed his furry friends. Sat in his rocking chair. Thinking and thinking.

He poured himself a strong one. Felt in need of a long long walk.

Had to burn the sour taste in his mouth. Clean his mind as much as

possible. Got only water in his back pack and a couple of oranges.

He and Chico took off. As mad men leaving a building in fire. His mind

was in fire. Yes, the waves of the sanitary crisis had reached his beach.

Stopped at the stream and stayed in the cold water more time than

usual. Trying to numb himself. Chico looked anxious. Didn’t like the

situation. He could smell the scent of sadness coming from Frank.

He had to pull him out of the stream and go home. He started barking

like crazy. Pulling Frank by the arm. Frank got alarmed too. Realized he

was acting irrationally. He got out of the stream and went home.

When they got home, Frank realized needed some nourishment.

Prepared his eggs with bacon and toast with butter and strong coffee.

And sat at the porch.

Yes, life can sometimes be not great. But most of the time is good.

Life was good.

EO