Elaine M DeGroot

"Today, I'll beat the pants off Clark." Ellis clutched a bag of dominoes to his chest. "We're playing with my dominoes. No more of his fancy hand-carved soapstone ones."

 

"Get in the car, Grandpa." Petra stowed his walker in the back seat and drove away, headed for the zoo.

 

Twenty minutes later, the questions began.

 

"Are we there yet?"

 

"Almost."

 

"Are we there yet? I can't be late."

 

"Don't worry, we're here."

 

"About time."

 

She parked in the lot nearest the community gathering spot and unloaded her grandpa and his walker. He slung the bag of dominoes over his shoulder and scuffled off to his customary table, only to find Clark and his grandson already there. Petra followed, carrying his snack.

 

"Dagnabbit, we're late." He shuffled to the table. "Put away your dominoes, Clark. We're using mine today."

 

"Fine, you old curmudgeon. I'll beat you with your own dominoes. Patrick put these back in the case and be careful with them."

 

Patrick relinquished his seat to Ellis, rolling his eyes at his grandfather's instructions.

 

"I'll help you put them away," Petra said, after handing her grandpa his snack.

 

"Thanks, but my grandfather is particular about how they go into the case."

 

"Okay, so I'll hand them to you."

 

"That works, thanks." He opened a velvet-lined case and laid dominoes inside with reverent care. "I'm Patrick. You're Petra, right?"

 

"I am." She admired the pieces in her hand. "These are gorgeous. Do you play dominoes with your grandfather? Mine makes me play with him on a daily basis."

 

A laugh answered. "I never learned how to play. Guess I dodged a bullet."

 

"You did. Would you like to grab a coffee?"

 

"Sounds like a plan. Better than watching those two battle it out." He set the filled box beside his grandfather. "I'm going with Petra for coffee. Do either of you want anything?"

 

The men were too busy complaining about aches and pains to pay him attention.

 

"I don't think we'll be missed." Patrick offered his arm to her, and they strolled past monkey cages and tiger enclosures on their way to the snack kiosk.

 

With coffees in hand, they sat on a nearby bench.

 

"I'm glad they play dominoes at the zoo. I wouldn't come here if not for their weekly competition," she said.

 

"Same for me. Should we return to our grandfathers?"

 

"They're probably still playing their first game, so why don't we wander around the grounds? It's so peaceful here."

 

"I'd enjoy that."

 

***

 

While they gazed at the polar bears lounging in their pond, an alarm sounded throughout the property.

 

"Attention: all visitors are to exit the zoo immediately. A clouded leopard escaped her habitat. If you see her, do not approach but contact the nearest zoo official. Thank you."

 

Their peaceful day ended with the announcement. Panicked, they raced back to their grandfathers.