97. The Funeral 47

Before the couples got downstairs, they had set the table and waited for them. Soon, everyone took their seats at the dining table, and Uncle Emma declared the dinner open. This time, Oliver had a seat at the table. Now, Uncle Emma began to wash his hands and he recalled that those hands had a handshake with the governor and other dignitaries, and teased. “Thank you, my in-laws, for the opportunity to have a handshake with the number one citizen of the state. I wish I won't have to wash my hands anymore.”

They laughed happily and Oliver relished the joke.

“Big Uncle, I saw you on the television,” Regan pointed out.

“Me?” The bewildered Emma asked anxiously.

“Yes, when you shook hands with the dignitaries,”

“Even when you were walking in and displaying your new walking stick up and down.”

At that point, Emma could not restrain himself from laughing because he was certain that he truly displayed his new cane out of proportion.

“When was the event aired? I would have loved to watch it. I