Dust in the Wind

Smith turned onto the cobblestone driveway and admired the burnt-red and amber leaves clinging for life on the branches of the century-old maple trees that lined each side of the road. These silent and impotent giants stood sentry on the half-mile path leading to the camp.

He pulled up in front of the opulent rustic dwelling that had been built as a retreat for the Golden family in the late 19th century. The tribe had made their money in the banking industry in the gilded age of robber barons. The impressive two story building never failed to disappoint, with its delightful combination of massive old-growth timber and cold steel-gray granite foundation, mined in a local quarry. Two massive wrap-around porches on each level offered a breathtaking view of scenic Lake George. A gentle fall breeze rippled the gray blue water just now. Smith was struck that he could never remember anyone sitting on the dozens of custom-made Adirondack chairs, crafted by the Amish and covered with expensive plaid cushions, which lined the decks.

Smith sighed and parked his purple BMW Gran Coupe, with its New York custom plates ‘Vetted’. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, preparing himself for his visit with Miss Golden and Butch. Smith muttered the ‘Serenity Prayer’ quickly and laughed aloud when he thought about George Costanza's father yelling, “Serenity Now!”, when he needed to remain calm. Smith grabbed his black leather bag containing the phenobarbital and needles that would send Butch to doggie heaven, if needed. As Smith climbed the timber stairs, he reminded himself that annoying clients like Miss Golden helped to pay off his massive student loans and enabled him to expand his budding practice. He thought, “ Poor Butch! He might welcome the needle!” Smith let himself in through the huge timber doors with large white birch handles, as he had been instructed.

The great room was stifling hot. It was filled with the competing smells of woodsmoke emanating from the roaring blaze in the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, combined with the strong scent of Chanel No. 5. Miss Golden sat on the massive western leather cowhide sofa, with a blue chenille coverlet draped across her lap.The bird-like woman was stroking the cream Lhasa Apso by her side. Butch was dressed in yet another ridiculous outfit, this one sporting a designer leopard print. His long dense hair covered his eyes and his sides rose heaved rapidly, as he struggled to breathe.

Smith locked eyes with April, Miss Golden's personal assistant, as he strode across the room to the sofa. April shook her head from side to side. Smith knelt in front of Miss Golden and Butch,

Miss Golden's voice attacked his ears, not so much with the content, but with the tone. Akin to scratching nails on a chalkboard. “ Like we feared, Smith. His time is near, as we discussed in your office a few days ago.” Her crispy enunciated words flew from her heavily-lipsticked lilac lips, the spittle raining down on the unfortunate kneeling veterinarian.

Smith nodded and was undeterred, as he had experienced much worse bodily fluids on a regular basis. He thought, “Everything is relative.” In one practiced motion, he opened his doctor's bag for the stethoscope as he pulled Butch's lips apart to examine his gums. Butch peered at Smith through his golden dense hair covering his chocolate brown almond eyes. The two shared a moment of perfect understanding. As if Butch was relieved to be leaving and pitied Smith, not the other way around. Butch sighed, emitted a sharp bark of farewell and was gone.

Smith's brief moment of peace was suddenly shattered by the weight of Miss Golden throwing herself on top of him and Butch, always asserting her dominance and control. Smith chose his words carefully through his clenched teeth, “Please. Let me listen to his heart to make sure.”

April ran across the room and gently pulled Miss Golden upright. Her tone was soft and sympathetic. “ I know this is hard, but Smith needs to do his job.” April handed Miss Golden a Kleenex, sat down on the other side of her, and patted her back. The two watched Smith as he finished his quick examination.

Smith sighed, shook his head and started to put away his stethoscope before he spoke. “I am sorry, Butch is gone. Take comfort in the fact that you have done everything that you could for him.” Smith realized his statement was half-true as he quickly rose to his feet to avoid a repeat pile-on. Sure enough, the words were barely out of his mouth when Miss Golden threw herself over her deceased dog. Her floral perfume rose up in the air, as though the funeral had already started. Smith contemplated how he could make a quick escape.

Miss Golden put an end to Smith's plans. She shrieked like a banshee, the tears rolling down her face. Smith understood her grief, having been through this process so many times. He felt guilty about how he plotted to make his fast exit. April returned with tea and cookies and persuaded Miss Golden to allow her to wrap Butch in a small fleece blanket.

Miss Golden regained control and nibbled at a cookie. She took a deep breath and exhaled, the crumbs flying out of her mouth. ”You know, this is the closest that I ever felt to Butch. I didn't need to keep him on a leash these few months while I nursed him through heart failure. He seemed perfectly content to stay in the same room as me.”

Smith and April looked at each other knowingly and waited for Miss Golden to continue.

“When I arranged to get him from Tibet ten years ago as a puppy, I hoped he would be a constant companion, like my Cleo and Archie were. Butch had his independent streak and preferred to be by himself or outdoors.”

April and Smith nodded, each catching the other's eye. Smith had to clap his hand over his mouth and April had to bend over, to keep from laughing.

Miss Golden said, “ Smith, I hope you do not have any more appointments for today, so you can attend to Butch.”

Smith's eyes grew large with astonishment. “What more can I possibly do for him?”

“Why his cremation, of course!”

Smith relaxed. “Certainly! I will be happy to make the arrangements. I apologize for forgetting to offer. I can take Butch with me and bring him back in a few days. I assume you want him cremated by himself, without other animals along with him?”

“ I can't bear to be without him for more than a few hours, let alone a few days. This will not do!”

Smith said, “I have a few more appoint…,” his voice trailed off when he saw Miss Golden's drippy mascara face. “Excuse me while I make a few phone calls.” Smith stepped outside for five minutes and returned. “Everything is arranged. I shall take Butch now to Glens Falls and will return him here in about four hours. My acquaintance Fred, who owns the crematorium, owes me a favor and says he will undertake the chore…I mean this great honor, himself.”

Miss Golden dabbed at her raccoon eyes. “Thank you so much! I would like to accompany you there, but the thought of such a place…,”. She burst into fresh tears, then recovered. “Of course, I’ll send April with you. I'm going to take a Valium and take a nap. April, we’ll have to pack our suitcases later for the New York trip tomorrow.”

April's mouth hung open. ”When did we plan to go to New York?”

“Since my darling Butch passed, of course. I’ve spoken to my jeweler, Pierre, about Butch's illness at length. We’re turning his ashes into a diamond, so I can keep Butch with me always. I hope to get at least three karats out of him.”

April and Smith's jaws hit the floor. Smith recovered first and stammered out a reply. “ Have, have you con, considered your…options? You could plant a ..a tree. Or spread his ass..ashes at sea. Or shoot him into space.”

“ I have given this much thought. The matter is decided. You and April better be on your way. I have a sick headache.”

April scooped up the small bundle in stunned silence. Miss Golden took out her cellphone, snapped a pic, placed an object in April's purse, and then planted her purple lips on Butch's head- the kiss of death. Smith and April exited the grand lodge in stunned silence and Smith volunteered to drive. April sat in the passenger seat with the small parcel in her lap, tears streaming down her face.

After an uncomfortable silence, Smith attempted to shift the mood. “ Did you know that the Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed, over one thousand years old? They were considered good luck charms and were revered by the Tibetan monks as companions and guard dogs.”

April smiled through her tears. “It must be in his blood. I took him hiking on a few of the peaks. Butch loved the Heaven Hill Trail and Mount Jo.” She clapped her hand over her mouth, then patted Butch. ”Please don't mention this to Miss Golden. She would have a fit. I felt so sorry for him, always being tied to her with a retractable leash or trapped in a room with her. When Miss Golden took a couple of day trips without him and had a brief hospitalization, I took him hiking.” She paused. “Of course, nothing strenuous and not after his diagnosis.”

Smith grinned.“ I am so glad to hear it! I was hoping the poor sucker was able to find a little happiness. I always try to assess a dog's body language. It has helped me to avoid a few painful bites. This little beast seemed to cringe at the sight of her.” Smith sighed. “And that grating voice, although she can't help herself.”

April smiled, exposing the small gap between her teeth. She nodded her head, but did not disparage her employer. “I can't believe she's turning him into a diamond! I was as shocked as you. Reminds me of Rumplestiltskin, turning straw into gold. Except this is much more troubling. Some pets might welcome being forever attached to their owners, but poor Butch can't escape Miss Golden, even in death. Most marriage vows have the line, ‘Until death do you part.’ At least death is a reprieve.” April emitted a loud peal of laughter. “I'm thankful that Miss Golden never considered arranging a wedding ceremony for Butch. I would be the event planner, and both he and I would be further humiliated.”

Smith smiled and he announced, “We're here!” Smith slowed down and found a parking space behind the squat ugly building located in the industrial section of Glen Street. Smith jumped out and opened April's door. April clutched her precious bundle against her chest as they walked across the lot. Once they reached the door, Smith rang the buzzer. They waited several minutes until Fred appeared in the doorway and ushered them in.

Smith introduced April to Fred, and the trio made their way down the long hallway to the sterile cremation room. Fred was especially cheerful and deflected Smith's apologies about the short notice. “Think nothing of it! I don't mind at all. You've come to my rescue a few times.” He glanced at April. “ You can set..Butch? down right here and I can see what we've got!” Fred pointed to the steel table on wheels. April carefully lowered Butch to the rectangular surface and stepped back.

Fred unfolded the blanket, stared at Butch and exclaimed, “Dear God! The poor thing!” He looked over at Smith and asked, “Are you sure he didn't die of shame, from having to wear such an outfit?” Without waiting for an answer, he undressed Butch, removed his jeweled collar and handed it to April.

Smith said, “That's not the half of it. Tomorrow, April is accompanying Miss Golden to the city, and Butch is going to be turned into a diamond.”

Fred's cheerful face turned into a frown. “You've got to be kidding ! That's a new one for me. The ideas rich people get in their heads!” He shook his head from side to side and sighed.

Fred patted Butch and looked at Smith and April. “This will take about three hours. First, I will put him in that chamber over there.” Fred pointed to the steel unit. We call it a ‘retort’.”

April asked, “How hot does it get?”

Smith showed off his knowledge. “About 1400-1800 degrees.”

Fred nodded. “We let the bones cool down and then grind them into a fine powder in that cremulator over there.” Fred jerked his head in the direction of the piece of equipment in the corner. “Then we put the cremains in a wooden urn.”

April dug into her large purse and produced an antique enameled box with Chinese characters. “Miss Golden instructed me to have Butch's remains put in here.”

Fred shrugged his shoulders and took the container. “It's your funeral. You can wait in my office or come back around four.”

April and Smith looked at each other, deciding. Smith said, “ I know a great diner down the street. It's right next door to the laundromat. My washing machine broke down and I have my laundry in the trunk. I could throw it in while we have a late lunch. My treat.”

April grinned. “I might even help you, except for your underwear.”

The two nodded at each other and April walked over to the table to say goodbye to Butch. She smoothed the hair over his eyes and whispered to him,” I hope you find peace and happiness now.” Smith and April walked through the doorway as Fred called after them, “See you at four!”

Smith threw his clothes in the washing machine as April added the detergent. She couldn't help teasing him about the Teddy Bear logo on the container.

April followed Smith's advice and ordered the Pilgrim sandwich and pumpkin bread topped with whipped cream at the diner. They talked about their families, college days and hobbies. Smith was especially interested in April's adventures hiking the high peaks, since he was from the city. April was amused by Smith's battles with hostile felines. The only break in the conversation was when Smith ran next door to switch his clothes to the dryer. After Smith paid the tab and they picked up his laundry, the pair fell into companionable silence on the short drive to the crematorium.

April cleared her throat and said, “This is some weather for late October! It is so hot and humid, it feels like summer.”

Smith nodded. “ We could be on the beach at Lake George and think it was August.”

They were quiet and somber as they picked up Butch's ashes from Fred. Unspilled tears formed in April's hazel eyes as she thought about how the small dog who had hiked with her could now fit into a box in her hand.

Even Fred's mood seemed subdued. “I'll send Miss Golden the bill. I know where she lives. It's the only house on the road.”

Fred saw Smith and April out, while April again clutched the box protectively against her chest. Fred called after them, “Be careful, a storm may be brewing!”

When they were thirty yards from Smith's car, they heard the sharp yips of a dog. April's face blanched and she exclaimed, “ There are scratching noises coming from inside the box!”

Smith stared at April, unwilling to believe his own ears. April was unable to contain her curiosity and gingerly lifted the lid of the box.

The sky turned a sickly green and their ears filled with a noise that sounded like a thunderous freight train. Smith wordlessly pointed at the rotating black and orange-hued funnel cloud in the foreground. Smith suddenly found his voice, yelled ‘tornado!’ and dove on top of April, pushing her to the ground. The ancient Chinese box containing Butch flew out of April's hand and swirled and twirled in the air. Garbage cans, tree limbs and dirt combined forces and joined the howling gale, becoming sharp weapons. Butch's ashes escaped from captivity and floated and danced in the wind, rising higher and higher to the Heavens. An ear-shattering, triumphant howl of a wolf reverberated in Smith's and April's eardrums. Just as suddenly as it started, the wind stopped. The empty Chinese casket dropped from the sky, hit the pavement, and emitted a loud clank. Smith and April disentangled themselves and ran over to the empty coffer.

Smith and April stared at each other, in disbelief of what had just happened. April's smile lit up her face. “Butch is free! He went home to the mountains of his ancestors!”

Smith nodded. April then slapped her palm against her forehead and the tears gathered in her eyes. “ What am I going to do? There are no ashes for Miss Golden's diamond!”

Fred came running from the building and shouted, “Are you two okay? I thought this place was going to be ripped off its foundation.”

Smith said, “ We're fine, but the wind took Butch's ashes.” He shook his head slightly from left to right towards April, warning her not to elaborate on the more surreal aspect of the storm. He continued, “ Fred, can you help us out, so April doesn't get her ash handed to her?”

Fred and April groaned at the lame joke. Fred recovered and snapped his fingers. “I cremated a cat yesterday. I liked seeing him around and left food out on the step, but I could never get close. He was feral and hung around the area for years, but didn't belong to anybody. When I found his body, I wondered if he ever had or wanted an owner.” Fred paused, then grinned. “Well, he's got one now. Ring, necklace or bracelet?”