This short story is from <Feel Better Compilation of Short Stories for Seniors> by Bradley Windrow. It is perfect for seniors, even for dementia patients. Be sure to read until the end, as there’s a special gift waiting for you! hope you enjoy it!
The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure very much. –William Hazlitt
Mrs. Alice, a vibrant senior at the retirement home, had decided to bring some creativity into her life by taking up painting. She set up her easel and canvas in the common room, excited to start her first masterpiece. With a palette of vibrant colors and a set of brushes, she felt ready to let her artistic side shine.
“This is going to be my masterpiece,” she said to herself, dipping her brush into the bright blue paint. Just as she made the first stroke, the retirement home’s mischievous cat, Whiskers, leaped onto the table, knocking over her paint supplies. Paint tubes rolled everywhere, and Whiskers darted away with blue paint on his paws, leaving a trail of tiny blue footprints.
“Whiskers!” Alice exclaimed, shaking her head in exasperation as she scrambled to collect her scattered supplies. Settling back into her painting, she was just beginning to find her groove when her neighbor, Mr. Jenkins, decided it was the perfect time to blast his favorite jazz music. The lively tunes echoed through the halls, making it impossible for Alice to concentrate.
“Jim, could you turn that down a bit?” she called out, trying to keep her patience.
“Sorry, Alice!” Mr. Jenkins shouted back. “Didn’t realize it was so loud.”
As the music finally subsided, Alice once again turned her attention to her canvas. However, her peace was short-lived. Her friends Edith and Tom popped in for an unexpected visit, eager to chat and catch up on the latest gossip.
“Hey, Alice, what are you painting?” Edith inquired, peering over her shoulder at the nascent blobs of color.
“I’m not sure yet, Edith,” Alice sighed, her patience wearing thin. “I haven’t had much chance to start.”
“Let’s not bother her too much,” Tom said, noticing Alice’s strained smile. “We’ll catch up later, Alice.”
Breathing a sigh of relief as Edith and Tom left, Alice dipped her brush back into the paint. Just as she began to make some progress, the piercing sound of the fire alarm echoed through the building. A fire drill had been scheduled for the day, and everyone had to evacuate immediately.
“Perfect timing,” Alice muttered, grabbing her coat and joining the other residents outside.
By the time the fire drill ended and Alice returned to her painting, the sun was beginning to set. Determined to at least finish something, she attacked the canvas with renewed vigor. However, the series of distractions had left her flustered, and her once-clear vision of her masterpiece had dissolved into a chaotic mix of colors and strokes as she added the final touches. Whiskers reappeared, this time keeping a safe distance but still curious. His earlier paw prints had dried into tiny blue splotches on the floor, adding to the day’s colorful chaos.
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