Spindle Spinning

“Just a few more adjustments, and I can finish the final chair for today. I’m sorry it’s taking so long, Puss. I guess I’m getting old and slowing down,” Benjamin told his cat.

Benjamin had been a bodger for fifty years, and time was catching up to him. When he started, he’d easily finish ten chairs a day. Lately, three chairs was a good day.

“Shall we stop by Tom’s and pick up some haddock for you?” asked Benjamin.

Thumbelina sensed he was talking about dinner and gave a polite meow. “Haddock, it is, my sweet,” replied the man.

Benjamin had found the cat abandoned near the wharf and decided he’d had enough of being alone. So he took her home.

“Tomorrow I shall call on John Stanton and see about getting us some cheese. What do you think?” asked Benjamin.

Hearing the word “cheese” sent Thumbelina over to Benjamin’s leg, where she gave it a good rub.

“I take that to be a yes,” said the man.

The bodger stood and walked to his lathe to attach the repaired tool. He spun the spindle and removed the remaining wood, leaving a perfect shaft.

“Seeing we are both tired and hungry, why don’t we call it a day?” said Benjamin.

Benjamin put out the lamp, and he and Thumbelina headed down to the fishmongers.

Benjamin wasn’t sure how long he or the cat had left. He was determined to enjoy the simple pleasures as long as he could.

“When you die, you can’t take it with you. Remember that Thumbelina. Only time we have is what’s right in front of us,” said Benjamin as he paid for the haddock.

The two made their way to their room above the pub. There, they would soon enjoy bread, milk, and fish in the company of friends.

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