Joann and Reginald Take a Walk

It was a beautiful morning and Joann, and Reginald were sunbathing on the back porch, watching the pond now and then or the small breeze through the trees beyond. It was a good day for relaxing in the sun. The phone rang, suddenly cutting the otherwise quiet morning, making Joan jump in her chair. She grabbed up her cellphone and pushed the accept call button.

“Hello?” She asked into the receiver.

“Hi Joann!” It was her neighbor, Maxine, a homely widow who loved her sports. It was something she had shared with her husband and even after this passing she kept up on all their teams. "I was wondering if you might like to go for a walk this afternoon? It's such a nice day out and I could the exercise." she laughed.

Joann thought a minute and decided a walk would be nice. "Just around the complex?" she added for clarification.

"Of course! I'll meet you out front in about an hour."

Joann hung up the phone and looked at Reginald who had been watching her curiously. "Well Reggie. I better go change."

She got up and held the door for Reginald to waddle in and followed behind him. She didn't think her current sun dress was appropriate for a walk so she went into the bedroom to find a pair of running pants and light shirt. She knew right where her sneakers were also and set to getting changed while Reginald snoozed in his cozy bed by the window. What a lazy goose she thought to herself!

Soon the hour had passed, and Joann was all ready for her walk around the complex with Maxine. She paused at the door. Reginald would probably enjoy a walk. A nice chance to stretch his legs!

"Reginald, would you like to go for a walk?" He honked in response and she laughed. "Well, ok then!" She held the door open and after a moment of looking at her, he waddled right out the front door and waited for her on the sidewalk. Maxine was already outside and had a puzzled look on her face when she saw Joann walking towards her with Reginald.

"You're bringing your goose?" She asked incredulously. "What if he flies away?"

Joann laughed. "If he does then good for him. But I don't think he will. Are you ready to get started?” Maxine shook her head but then nodded and started towards the sidewalk. "Let’s see if we can circle the place three times." She said excitedly. Joann got the feeling she was the competitive type.

As it turned out she was, but only with herself it seemed. She was content to walk at Joann's pace and kept up a rigorous commentary the entire time. All the while Reginald tagged along with them, not bothering to stray from Joann's side. Now and then, Maxine would comment how well-behaved Reginald was and Joann would just smile. She already knew Reginald was a good little goose and they had a special bond.

The ladies did circle the complex three times and at the end, all were exhausted. Joann invited Maxine in for lemonade and she accepted heartily. While they sipped their cold drinks, Reginald guzzled down water from his bowl, honking loudly now and then in the process. Both ladies would laugh, and Reginald would look up momentarily, only to start the process again. Once Maxine had gone home, Joann and Reginald went back out on the porch to enjoy the sunshine and relax a bit before supper time. I wonder when Reginald will fly, she thought. Could be any day now!