How sad that this happens more that we would want to admit to.

Thought provoking. Aging is not for the fainthearted. Speaking with a lady the other day who thought she was nearly 100. When I reminded her of her actual age, she replied "I'm only 92! Thank god! I thought I was old!"

Oh, so sad!  It just, well, I've never been in this situation so I don't really know, but it feels  like it catches the slow-fast of it all, having time catch up with you and keep going, trying to hold on to what you love when it doesn't want to be held.  The difficulty of leaving what you know and love, and feeling displaced and unwilling, with only fragments to remind you of who you were.  It's really great, though it almost hurts to read, and I especially like the music box.  I have some at home from my grandmother, and the tune (It's a Small World After All) never fails to bring back memories.

Oh, this hits really close to home.  I of course have not been in the position of either of these characters, but I see it too frequently at work.  I am really saddened by the future facing Lucille, because it is something I would have a really hard time handling, and you've made her feelings about it very real.  Many times I see people's rooms at nursing homes, and there is so much stuff piled on every surface, and it feels so cluttered and overwhelming to me to have so much stuff in such a small place.  I forget to think about the fact that "all of this stuff" is only a tiny amount of what they once had, and how hard it must be to part with all of your things, even if you are the least materialistic person.  You've done a nice job showing how her things are an important part of her history and memories.As for Chip, it is kind of annoying how much of a chore he makes this seem and the fact that he can't stay off of his phone long enough to help her or say goodbye.  But even though he doesn't show it, this has to be hard on him as well.  And it is fair for him to be frustrated when she is digging her heels in about doing something that, like it or not, needs to happen.  There is also the possibility that he gets on his phone at the end, because he doesn't know how to say goodbye at this time. Yes, I talk a lot when I feel strongly about something, as you know.  This really makes you give some thought to a sensitive subject.  Thanks for sharing.

Wow.

Very lonely, painful and sad. Shame we are all going to have to travel down that road some day.

Fine work.

Author's Response: Well, thank you so much for taking the time to read it! I know it isn't the fun stuff, and I appreciate that you made the effort for an original work! *squishes you* I am very pleased, and I appreciate your nice words. Thank you much!