A story for grandma

"Are you serious?!" The question came out louder than intended startling the other residents.

"Yes, sweetie." Grandma placed her wavering hand on my chin, "All I ask is that you write down your adventure."

I looked over to my mother who had the biggest grin I'd ever seen on her face, "She is serious. We have been talking about this for a couple of months now." She looked over to grandma and her grin faded. "When she's..." her voice faltered. "...not dreaming," she added solemnly.

"Don't mourn me yet, child. I'm perfectly fine here, just ask Gary!" She looked over to an elderly man with a gold pin that shined brighter than the sun. "I'm coming for ya, Gary!" she shouted at the top of her lungs.

"In your dreams, woman!" Gary shouted back. He grasped the pin and stood, "Luck favors Gary, the golden king!"

Mom and I burst with laughter. As we settled, I noticed a tear streak down my mom's face. I don't think it was a tear of joy.

I twirled the envelope in my hands, "20thousand dollars is a lot of money."

Grandma looked me in the eye “Yes, it is”. She reached over her wheelchair and struggled to lift a brown leather messenger bag.

"Let me help you with that," I picked up the bag and placed it on the table.

"Open it!" Grandma's voiced cracked with glee

I pulled out a little black book. The pages were blank.

"The bag was your grandfather's" added mom. Her eyes were bloodshot from holding back tears.

I examined the bag, "It looks brand new!"

"That's because it was never used," One tear escaped her face.

"The book is mine," grandma reached out to mom's hand. "We were all set to go on a cruise ship to the Caribbean, but..." her voice failed.

"Grandpa's heart gave out" I finished.

Grandma cleared her throat, "In that little book I was going to write the greatest romance novel since that one by Jane... something."

"Jane Austen" mom completed. "Your favorite, do you remember the name of the book?"

"That's not the point, dear," grandma stated. "After your grandfather passed away, I lost all inspiration." She looked me in the eye, "I just want you to follow your dreams. Use that money to go and explore the world. Go on the adventure of a lifetime and polish your writing."

One of the nurses approached us, "It's dinner time Mrs. Grey."

"We'll be just a minute," grandma flashed a smile.

The nurse nodded and stepped back.

I stood and carefully embraced my grandmother. "Thank you," I whispered on her ear. Bitter-sweet tears gushed down my face.

I was waiting for the light to turn green when I realized I didn't know much about my grandfather. "Grandad came was born in Puerto Rico, right?"

"Huh," mom sobbed and brushed her eyes. "Yes, but he came over when he was very young." She looked out her window.

The light turned green and I accelerated. "That's where I want to go. I'll go to the beaches, explore caves and experience the tropical climate!"

Mom chuckled, "You sound just like your grandfather." she cleared her throat, "I'm sorry I've been such an emotional wreck lately."

"You don't have to apologize," I said flashing a smile. "I know grandma's diagnosis has been especially hard on you. I don't know how I would handle it if I were the one in your place."

"You haven't been there when your grandma starts dreaming," mom sank her face on her hands. "Last time I was there she was talking to a chair as if your grandfather was there."

"We could use the money she gave me to get her some treatment," I offered.

"No. You heard your grandma. She is giving you the opportunity of a lifetime. Take that little book she gave you and master your skills." Mom took a deep breath and exclaimed, "That's enough crying for one day."

"You can cry, it's healthier."

"How about you tell me that story I like. The one about the puppy." She looked at me with a smile. "Have you settled on a tittle yet?"