Artist
That cat is straight from the depths of hell, Lucy! We need to get rid of him! Mary wrinkled her nose in disgust, glaring at the one-eared orange tomcat weaving around her sisters ankles.
How can you say that, Mary? Lucy gasped. Hes a living creature!
Creature? Now theres the right word! Tell me, Lucy, dont you think he takes a bit too much liberty around here?
As if right on cue, the cat arched his back, hissed, and began sidling sideways toward Mary, bristling in defense of his tranquility.
See! See! Mary jabbed her finger triumphantly at the cat and, not too proud, scooted back a step. What did I just say?
Lucy clutched her chest and called gently, Artist, honey, dont. Everythings fine.
The cat paused, looked over at Lucy, and instantly relaxed. He circled Lucys feet, gave her aching leg a nudge, and then sat beside her as if to show that, regardless, he was always on guard.
Delinquent! Mary huffed, keeping her distance. And you coddle him!
Someones got to love him, Lucy sighed.
Three years ago, Artist showed up in Lucys life. That was a dark time for hera time with too many goodbyes. Her husband passed first, then her only son; suddenly, Lucy was alone, save for her sister, and a couple of acquaintancesnever really friends.
There was Mary. Mary was the big sister, but not by much. Mom and Dad always drove it home while raising them:
Marys our responsible one! The one we can trust with anything and know shell get it right, every time. And Lucy… Lucy is our angel. A little joy for the soul. Shes a sweetheart! Just a little absent-minded, thats all… what a handful!
So, the girls grew up knowing: Mary was clever, beautiful, the familys pride; Lucy was the lovable mess.
Why do they praise you? I dont get it! Mary would sulk if Lucy brought home another report card full of As. Doing well in school is just normal! Whats so special?
Im just not as smart as you, Lucy would say. You only get top grades. Mine are all over the board.
Exactly! And still, they brag about you! Mary would puff, while Lucy would hide a smile, not wanting to make it worse.
Mary graduated high school with flying colors, then went off to college and almost disappeared from home.
Hows it going, Mary? Lucy would try to catch her for some news.
Same old! Just wish there were more hours in the day.
Is school that tough? Lucy would ask, concerned.
School? Nah. Its my social life! How am I supposed to meet anyone decent when Im running circles just to keep up on my career track?
Oh, Mary! That never even crossed my mind
Did anything ever cross your mind, little one? Mary would laugh, not caring if her words stung a bit. Those are adult worriesnot for you!
Lucy let insults slide and cheered for Marys wins, even if she had to do it quietly. Stars were meant to shine, after all. And Lucy was happy just to be nearby.
By college graduation, Mary was still single. Guys gave her a wide berthall sharp wit and sharper tongue. Even their moms requests for her to soften up went nowhere.
Mom, you really want me to pull a Jane Austen and just sit there practicing my needlepoint? Please! Thats for Lucy. Not my style.
No ones asking you to change who you are, sweetheart! Just be… a little softer. Guys like that.
Oh, Mom, as if you know what guys like nowadays! Times have changed!
Maybe youre right, Mary… Maybe you know best
Then out of nowhere, Lucywhod been told time and again that college was a waste and she should get a tradebrought home a fiancé.
Meet Sam
Sam instantly won over Lucys parentshandsome, smart, talented. He was a journalist, just starting out on television, already making a name for himself.
But most importantly, he was head-over-heels for Lucyplain, unremarkable, their words not hersLucy, who went to a regular old community college.
Lucy loved making clothes and sewing, so she picked a career letting her do just thatfor herself and for others.
Lucy, seriouslyseamstress?! Mary grumbled.
Mary, I may not be as smart as you, but not everyone can sew up a dress or blouse just so. I just want people to feel pretty, to wear nice things, and smile.
Well, yeahbut whats that even mean? Youre such a scatterbrain.
Maybe. Still, the dress I made you seemed to turn out pretty well.
For who?
For you. For me. For anyone. When people see you in it they say, Wow, she looks great! Isnt that wonderful?
Eh Some of us reach for the stars, others… just hem skirts, I guess.
Still, Mary wore every dress Lucy made for her, loving each one. Lucy didnt trace patterns out of books or copy from magazines. She invented cuts and designs in her own mind, spending hours embroidering Marys hems. Secretly, Mary was proud, toowhenever a friend asked where she found that dress or skirt, she played coy.
Its a secret.
Oh, so its from overseas? You got relatives working for the embassy?
Not telling! Thats classified! Mary would boast, proud her little sister was an underground sensation.
But Sams arrival in Lucys life just floored Mary.
How could it be that the plain, shy, unremarkable sisterwithout even a college degreegot married first, before Mary? Ridiculous!
At the wedding, Mary sat stone-faced. Friends and family couldnt figure her out. For the very first time, Lucya vision in her handmade dressgot noticed.
Shes stunning! And her new husbandwhat a pair! Hope theyre happy together.
That day, Mary learned the taste of jealousya sharp little feeling that made itself at home in her heart.
Your sisters got a handsome husband? Terrific. You, meanwhile, have nobody.
The parents keep doting on Lucy and whispering about grandkids? Good luckwhat kids will you have?
Lucy glows, its as if she stole your light, and now shes the star. Thats what you get! All for her, nothing for you.
Mary snuck out of the wedding early, went home, bit into her pillow, and howled until her parents came home.
Yet, at the first sign of trouble, Mary pulled herself together.
You alright, honey?
Peachy. Dont worry about me.
Six months later, she married someone herselfthe first guy who came along. Her husband was much older, a little round, a bit balding, and sharp as a tack. He figured her out right away.
I can give you what you want. But this is a contract.
What are the terms?
Youll give me a child. Maybe two. Ill take care of your careernanny, housekeeper, whatever you need. I promise you, I wont run around and youll never have to worry about your health. All I ask is loyalty. No cheating. I want a home thats calm, comfortablea place where I can focus. Fair?
Mary didnt even hesitate.
Deal.
Strange as it sounds, their marriage worked. No, there wasnt the warmth that glowed in Lucy and Sams home, where love saturated everything and made even visitors smile. But Mary had stabilitya knowledge that tomorrow would always be just fine.
She had a son, then a daughter, just as they agreed. The kids were watched by a nanny, lives planned out minute-to-minute. Mary barely ever had timedissertation, work, galas where she shined but, as always, kept her fashion source secret.
Lucy, meanwhile, took her time. In the blurry nineties, she sewed clothes at home. Her clients shared her address in whispers.
A miracle worker! Barely takes on new clients. Her regulars keep her slammed.
Shes that good?
Unreal! Did you see my pink dress? Thats her!
Youre kidding me! I thought it was some fancy designer!
You never knowfamous designers started out at kitchen tables too! Lucy could really make it, if she wanted!
Among Lucys clients were wealthy wives, local politicianshalf the citys TV anchors and ballet dancers. She never repeated a design, understanding the scandal if two women arrived at the same even in the same look.
Once life settled a little, Lucy opened a small boutique, quickly known as a hubsome came to network, others to gossip, and others to slip in and out unseen. The shop was set up in a cozy spot on the first floor of a little old house, space Mary helped her find. Mary even arranged the equipment and covered the loan.
Well settle up, she said.
Mary needed to give Lucy something solid to stand on. Looking back, she blamed herself for the envy shed felt toward Lucys glowing family. She saw that the once bright light in her sister was nearly snuffed out. Seeing her own healthy kids, Mary wanted to howl again, because Lucys only cherished boyher sunshinehad been born ill.
Sunny Mary picked up that word from someone and, twisting it, called Lucys son nothing but Sunshine.
Youre my darling! Hey, Sunshine, I brought you gifts! shed greet her nephew.
Hed respond with such open and gentle smiles that Mary wanted to overturn the world to bring him joy.
You love my Mikey more than your kids, Lucy would say, seeing her sonso shy with everyone elserun and hug his aunt tight. Hes been waiting for you
It was only half true, maybe less. Lucy wished, desperately, that Mikey were healthy.
But Mary, knowing how tough it was for her, helped with the nanny search and setting up the boutique.
Work, Lucy! You need this! Sams always traveling. You barely see each other. Why stay home and mope?
I cant, Mary! I have Mikey!
Set up the playroom at your shop. Hire more staff. Ill handle the nanny. Manage things! That way you have Mikey with you, and everyone wins.
Mary, what would I do without you?
Thats what sisters are for! Gosh, now stop making me tear up. I did my makeup just for a meeting tonight!
And so, life went on.
Mary kept a close eye on her sister and nephew, constantly hunting for doctors and answers. Mikey was always sickweak heart, organs not working right.
Mary, what did I do wrong? Why does my boy have to suffer?
Nothing! Its not youits life, or fate, or just… bad luck. But no more tears! Well do what we cansure, Mikey may never be healthy. Lets not kid ourselves. But we can give him comfort and happiness, Lucy. What else does a person need? Family, warmth, love. Can we do that?
Maybe we can
Then lets get to it! Ive found another specialista top neurologist. Sure, theres a wait list but I got Mikey on it already. Well see what he says.
Mary
Shush! Pour me more teaand a sandwich, too. I havent eaten a thing all day.
Marys husband understood her devotion perfectly.
I wish there was more to be done for your nephew. I know youd pull down the moon if you could. Whatever you needlet me know. Ill help.
Those plain words meant the world. Mary realized, finally, that she loved her husbandnot with the wild, youthful love of teenagers, but the steady, sure kind that comes after patience and faith.
Kids grew up, parents grew old, and between the sisters, there were no more misunderstandings. Who else could you trust with your secrets but your sister?
And Lucy, for her part, helped Mary too. When Marys husband had trouble at work, Lucy asked Sam to help. The investigation went on for years and nearly cost Sam his life, but the truth won, and Mary said simply,
You have no idea what you and Sam did for me. I promise, you and your family will never want for anything while Im alive.
And Mary kept her word.
She stayed by Lucys side when Sam fell ill. He faded slowly, while Lucy clung to strengthcrying out just as Mary had years ago.
Why, why, hes still so young!
Standing shoulder to shoulder, Mary helped her bear the loss. Every day was a reminder that Lucy needed to keep goingfor Mikey.
And later, when Lucys Sunshines heart finally gave out, the sisters clung to each other, dry-eyed as doctors explained what happened. Afterward, they wandered out of the hospital on foot, forgetting the car, hand in hand, not speaking as they crossed the sleeping city.
His yellow t-shirt, and his red sneakers
Yeah
They never had to explain. It was just understood; they were sending Mikey off the way hed have liked
After her sons death, Lucy faded. She moved on autopilot, letting her shop run itself. Many times, Mary arrived to see Lucy at her desk, arms limp, unable even to draw a simple line or sketch.
Lucy
Im fine, Ill just rest a bit, Lucy would say, her eyes empty and dull.
It cant go on like this! Mary almost burst out crying.
Its all allowed now, Lucy would smile, sad but gentle. Nothing really matters.
The turning point came the day a cat showed up at the boutique.
No one knew where he came fromragged, filthy, missing half an ear. The street was busy; stray cats were rare.
The cat wandered near the door, only to be shooed away.
Hey, scat! Get lost!
So, he did the only thing that might save him. He collapsed on the top step of the porch, draping his legs and head over the edge, playing dead. Thats how Lucy found him, arriving late to the boutique that day.
Girls, whats this? she asked, eyeing the talented actor of a cat.
Just a stray, Lucy! He came, lay down, and wont budge!
Is he even alive? Lucy nudged him gently with her shoe.
In response, the cat cracked an eye, sighed like a little old man, and flopped his tongue as if to say,
Whats wrong with you, people? Is it not obvious Im dying here? Scouts honor! Therell soon be nothing leftnot even a memory. I dont even have a name, and I havent eaten in days! Heartless, the lot of you
Lucy couldnt help but smile, maybe for the first time in ages.
What a performer! Ladies, look at him! Even Stanislavski would be jealous! Alright, buddyyou win. Food and cuddles coming up.
She scooped the cat up, inspected him, and shook her head.
Nope, vet first! That ear looks nasty. And the rest of you, too
The cat put up no fight. He sat quiet on the car seat to the clinic, tolerated the vets poking, and only hollered once when a shot stung extra hard. Receiving a celebratory helping of pate from Lucys hand, he sauntered after her out the clinic, proud as could be.
Well, Lucy said, I never had a cat before. Hows this gonna work out, Artist?
He struck a sphinx pose, staring serenely at passing cars, and Lucy smiled again.
I get it. Well figure it out. Now lets see what Mary makes of you
Mary, of course, did NOT approve. Not officially, at least. She chased Artist away every visit, secretly pleased when Lucy sparked up in defense. She saw the spark returning to her sisters eyes. Once again, Lucy needed someoneso much so, she forgot her own worries.
That cat looks at you funny, Lucy!
Let him, Mary. No ones looked at me that way in ages!
How?
With love.
Hes a con artist! Hes working you!
Thats fine! He keeps my feet warm when I lay down and watches movies with meyou know, he actually seems to follow whats going on!
Well, shouldve named him Tom or Buddy, not Artist! What kind of name is that for a cat?!
Its who he is! Lucy would laugh, warming Marys heart.
Her sister was smiling again! For that, she forgave the cat anything.
But she didnt truly accept Artist until she almost lost Lucy.
It was a Saturday. Mary hadnt planned to visit but, nearby, decided to stop in. Lucy might be working late again, sewing for the new surge in orders; since Artist, shed been creative again. Her pieces were more popular than ever, her styles subtly shifting.
Lights on, Mary opened the door with her key.
Lucy, Luce! You here?
An orange blur dove for her anklesMary shrieked, feeling sharp claws tear her stockings.
Artist! Are you nuts?! Whats wrong with you?!
He looked unrealhis eyes seemed to burn as he circled the doorway leading to Mikeys old playroom, which Lucy never had the heart to turn into a showroom.
What is it? Mary whispered to the cat, Wheres Lucy?
She rushed to the door, forgetting everything else, and gasped. Lucy lay on the floor, clutching Mikeys photograph.
Lucy!
Ambulance, ER, nearly a day in the ICU
Mary wandered the halls, praying however she could, no fancy words or rules.
Dont take her! Let her live!
Later shed hear how Artist had yowled and run circles around the room where the staff had locked him, bellowing like a bansheesomething he only did longing for his owner. Only after Lucy woke up did the cat quiet, curling up in the corner, refusing food but taking water.
Lucy was released three weeks later.
Mary, were going to the boutique first!
Lucy, why? Ill just go bring your demon furball to you.
No, I want to see him!
Lucy struggled up the stairs; the shop girls laughed, seeing the orange bolt race around their feet, clutch at Lucys legs and purr loud enough to make Mary smile.
Oh, Artist!
Lucy picked up the cat, stroked his healed ear, and admitted,
He called for me, Mary. I heard himfirst the cat, then you. Right before the hospital. Even there
You meanwith you?
I cant explain it. First, it was Sams voice, and then Mikey. But then the cat cut through, and thats all I could hearthen you came
Thats weird Mary fell silent.
But Artist knew, or seemed to. He patted Lucys chin, gazed at Mary, curled up, and purred, banishing their grief, promising peace. Lucy smiled again, comforting Marys heart.
In the end, what does a person need? Loved ones near, peace inside.
So little So much.