She was always the life of the party, telling raunchy jokes just to make the other adults squirm and groan. Always ready to wrestle with us boys, or go shopping with the girls. The favorite aunt who was really more like an older cousin.
Now, she stood in her den, welcoming friends and family who offered condolences, dressed in a black dress and matching heels. She smiled wanly, and her eyes flickered, a tear always just on the other side.
She had married late, but not for lack of suitors. She would always say, "When I marry, it's gonna be to someone who makes me laugh, and laughs with me."
She found Tony at 38, and he was 50. They fell in love, married, and began enjoying life.
Tony had received a huge settlement from an accident, millions, they whispered, though no one dared ask. He showered her with the finest things, bought her a place here on Long Island, along with a winter condo in Boca.
I remember, when I was about 10, they took me to Disney World. They were so happy to share their good fortune and their lives. So in love, and I would smile, and think, "When it's my turn, I hope I am as happy as them."
Now, at 48, here she stood, alone. Tony suffered a massive stroke, and hung on long enough for her to have lost weight, but since she had put on some pounds in the last few years, she looked lovely and fit.
She caught me staring and winked at me, giving me that forced smile. I touched my heart and pointed to her, our sign of affection, and she returned the gesture.
Aunts, uncles and cousins were running around, making sure drinks were full, and food was on the tables, more fitting for one of our Irish wakes, than Tony's few Italian relatives would have preferred, I'm sure, but Tony had been adopted by us, as one of our own, due specifically to how he made Kate feel.
I did what I could, still thinking about the ball games we'd go to, video arcades where Tony would have rolls of quarters ready for me. And how we would laugh at the silliest things and have our own inside jokes and one-liners. At 20, I shouldn't be crying, but I think it was more sadness for Aunt Kate than Tony. She's the one who was suffering.
Sunset came, and people began filtering out, offering one last "sorry" as they left. Mom and Dad were among the last.
"Thanks again, honey," Mom hugged me, "I know you have a long drive tomorrow, but I hate to think of her alone tonight in this big house."
"I told Lou about how special they both were, so he said I could take another day, if I needed."
"He sounds like a good boss," Dad chimed in.
I smiled. "He has his moments, but he's big on family, so he understands."
Soon, it was just Kate and I, cleaning up glasses. All perishables had been put away, my suit jacket was off in the summer heat, and i said, "Why don't you sit for a while, you must be exhausted."
She smiled again. She straightened up, put her hands on her back and arched her hips forward, making a cracking sound with her mouth as she did. "These old bones need an overhaul."
At five-seven, with a 36D chest, she seemed younger than 48, even in these trying times. The splash of freckles acros her nose, gave her additional youth, and except from crow's feet from smiling so much, there wasn't a wrinkle on her. I always thought she could have ben Miss America if she could only sing!
"I can run you a hot bath? No? How about some nice tea?"
She cricked her neck. "Is there any Scotch left, or did Uncle Harry finish it off?"
"I had to make a run for more, plus vodka for Aunt Helen. We have plenty."
"Then pour me three fingers....no, make it a fistful! With ice."
I got the bottle for both of us, along with a water bottle for me. She had plopped down on the couch, finally kicking those heels off.
I paused again, getting myself under control. The last thing she needed now was a weepy kid next to her. I brought in the glasses with a large cup of ice and the bottle of Glenlivet, she and Tony's favorite.
I sat beside her and scooped the ice into her glass and poured an inch or so.
"More."
I gave her a splash more and she smiled. "Don't
hold out on me, buddy, and don't forget yourself."
I poured ample amounts of us both and Kate held hers up, then said "Here's to you, Tony, you made me laugh and you made me cry, and I will love you til the day I die!"
She drank heartily, then smiled at me again. "Okay, that's over. Life goes on, and so do we." She clicked glasses with me, and we both drank, solemnly.