Pears Forever

Theo strolls the grounds to think. Bright sunshine warms the air. The scent of fall assails his nostrils. The cool breeze causes him to shiver and button his jacket. He glances at the pear tree branches full of ripe, golden fruit. A branch dangles in front of him proffering its pears for him to taste, to enjoy. He plucks one and takes a bite. The juice runs down his hand and onto his jacket.

A quick strike into the house and he wipes the trickling juice off of his clothes. “Johanna?” He calls out. “Are you here?” He pauses to hear her answer.

“Yes?” She enters the kitchen as she wipes her hands on her apron. Johanna tucks a stray curl behind her ear.

“Could you gather some of the pears for me to take to Vincent?”

“Yes, would you like anything else?”

“Maybe a loaf of that fresh bread you made. It smells wonderful. A slice of cheese too would go well with both of them.”

“Oh, dear. I think we are out of cheese. Would you stop at the dairy farm and pick some up?”

“Yes, dear. Would you like some for here as well?”

“I think that is a wonderful idea!” She kisses his cheek as emphasis.

Theo wonders if he will find new artists to promote their work as he walks to the dairy farm close to their home. I need new artists with new styles. Something or someone to really call attention to the new. It’s time to breathe new life into the art world.

“Good morning,” Theo greets the farmer.

“Good morning,” the farmer responds.

“How are you this wonderful fall day?”

“Enjoying the fair weather, and you?”

“The same. I am on my way to Vincent’s house. I want to take him some cheese to go along with the bread and pears.”

“I have the perfect cheese to go with those lovely pears.”

“Would you like some?”

“Oh, I couldn’t take what you have for Vincent.”

“Don’t be silly, man. I will bring you some upon my return from my visit.”

“Oh, yes. I would love some. Thank you.”

“It would be our pleasure. Now let me taste that cheese.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” He cuts a small piece of cheese from the wheel and hands it to Theo.

Theo takes it and looks at it before taking a bite. He can still taste the pear. What a wonderful pairing! I definitely will enjoy sharing with Johanna tonight. “It’s perfect! Let me also have some to share with Johanna later.”

There’s familiar shouting that Theo can hear as he approaches. Oh, no! Not again. It will take a while to calm him.

“Vincent?” He calls out as he pushes the door open.

Vincent comes out of his room. His clothes wrinkled and unkempt. “Why are you here?” He shouts at his brother.

“I brought you some pears, bread and cheese. I hope you like them.” He holds up a golden pear for Vincent to see.

The sunlight coming through the window highlights the pear. Vincent rage subsides as he starts to imagine a still life of just the pears. He quickly grabs his easel and mixes paints.

Theo smiles and sits to enjoy his brother as he forgets all but the pears. Vincent piles the pears against the wall on the small table. He picks up the pencil and starts to sketch.

“Well, I will leave you to paint. Goodbye for now Vincent.”

“Bye,” Vincent mumbles as his hands move quickly across the canvas.

Theo has a bounce in his step. He hopes Vincent remains content for a while. Upon his arrival at home, he hands Johanna the cheese.

“Johanna, Vincent was in quite the state until he saw those pears. He couldn’t start sketching them fast enough.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful.”

“I promised the farmer some pears. Could you pick some more for me, please?”

“Yes, dear.”

“How about we take some more to Vincent tomorrow and check on his new work?”

“I’d love that. I have always admired your brother’s paintings.”

Theo takes a basket of pears to the farmer. He leaves them on by the front door and returns home.

The next day Johanna and Theo walk to Vincent’s house. It’s unusually quiet.

“Vincent?” Theo calls out as he opens the door for Johanna.

Johanna holds her breath and lets it out with a sigh. Theo smiles.

“Vincent must have been up all night painting this!”

“It’s so lovely, Theo. He outdid himself with this one.”

“Yes, he did.”

They see the easel with the newly painted Still Life with Pears on it.