The Retired Camper

The newly retired couple came to Florida escaping Canada’s winter. Emerging from his camper shortly before noon each day he sat in a chair under an awning. I never saw him reading or going anywhere, except short trips to the grocer. His only interest seemed to be cigarettes as he puffed throughout the day. I cringed each time I heard him cough—a shallow and congested sound from unhealthy lungs. When I think of him I feel a sadness. Our camping neighbor last year died before returning home in the Spring. I wonder about this neighbor, will his wife also call us with bad news?