Page 47 - The Muse 2021

“So, these late-night shows are trash. Who even watches this anyway?” he said, with a chuckle. This was the first time my grandfather ever had spoken while he was watching television.
“Um, yeah. They suck.” I said, I was slightly confused with my grandfather’s sudden will to speak. “Did you have fun at the party?”
“Yeah, I did. But where were you?” I asked.
“Oh, I never go to parties.”
“Why not?”
“Well kid, I’m just not sure I am the kind of person that goes to them,” he said.
“What do you mean?”
“I like being alone. Just me and my thoughts.”
“But grandpa, I remember there was a time where you liked to party and talk to people. I’ve seen pictures of you
doing stuff like that. You looked... happier. What happened?”
“Wow, this show really stinks.” he said. He looked uncomfortable.
“Grandpa. Please.”
“Kid, I’m old. I’ve seen people go, my brother even. He was my best friend, and when he died, I-” he cut himself
out. I could see his eyes were watering. “I’m here for you.” I said.
“I became depressed, and I found no meaning in parties or people anymore. I guess they lost their purpose. I became so sad that I shut myself out from the world. I didn’t want to celebrate, I didn’t want to talk. I didn't want to be happy anymore, there was no reason to be.” He said.
“Aren’t you lonely?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said, “yes I am.”
“Then come back. Join our parties, talk to people, talk to me, to grandma, to your family. Be happy. Your life
isn’t over.” I said, giving him a hug.
“I love you Grandpa Randall.” I said. I could feel his breathing getting quicker. He was crying.
“I love you too kid,” he said. “I love you too.”
The first day of summer vacation was upon us. It was tradition to go to the public pool on the first day, so I
grabbed my swimming trunks, my towel, flip flops, and sunscreen, which I was not going to put on. But as I was walking to the pool, Angela stopped me.
“We are going to a different place today.” she said.
She took my hand and ran toward the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” I asked, trying to keep up with her.
“You’ll see! Just wait!”
We ran towards the woods, at the edge of town. My heart started to pound. I was always scared of the woods,
there were rumors that there were wolves and bears and all kinds of dangerous animals there. Was this revenge? Was she going to leave me there to die? She led me deeper and deeper until we stopped.
“Close your eyes.” she said.
She steered me left and right, leading me to the place she wanted to take me. My heart felt as if it was going to jump out of my chest.
“Here we are. Open your eyes.”
I saw a beautiful little clearing, and towards the end of it was a cliff, from where we could see the ocean. There was a bench too, which she sat on then motioned for me to come sit next to her.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” she said.
“Yeah,” I replied, “this is a really neat place.”
“I come here sometimes when I’m sad. It’s my favorite place, and I wanted to share it with you.”
We sat in silence for a good amount of time. It was a wonderful place in which you could be. The air smelled pure
and clean. I could hear the leaves rustling. The warm summer breeze was flowing through my hair and the view from the bench was absolutely breathtaking.
“Angela,” I said, “I’ve been thinking about what I did to you for a long time, and I realized that I shouldn’t let my anger get the best of me. You are my best friend and the most wonderful person ever. I never meant to hurt you. I love you more than the whole wide world. I’m sorry.”
She hugged me and whispered in my ear,
“I love you too. And I accept your apology.”
We sat on the bench for a long time, staring at the horizon, quietly. There was nothing more to be said.
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