“He woke up a week ago. The doctor said there’s no major issue for now, but being old, a serious illness has taken a lot out of him, and he needs to rest,” Bianca said from behind.
“Nelson always worries and comes to visit every day. Grandpa was afraid it would disrupt his work, so he told him not to come. I didn’t expect him to tell you, making you worry,” Callie said sadly. She finally understood why she always felt an inexplicable closeness whenever she saw her grandfather.
It wasn’t until she sat by the bed that her grandfather reacted, slowly focusing his gaze on her face. He stared at her for a few seconds and blurted out, “It’s Maeve…”
Callie’s heart seemed to be gripped by something.
Bianca was startled, “You’re confused, this is Callie, not Maevelyn.”
Callie signaled that it was okay and then held the old man’s bony hand, trying to smile. “Grandpa, it’s me.”
It’s me, I am Maeve and also Maevelyn.
Grandpa smiled too, tears welling up in his dry eyes. “Yes, I remember, I’m not confused.”
His mental state wasn’t good; he was actually quite muddled.
But Callie choked up and nodded. “You’re not confused. I came to see you. How are you feeling?”
“One has to die eventually, Maeve. Don’t worry about me,” Grandpa said slowly, dragging out each word as he looked at her longingly.
The more he spoke, the more Callie choked up. By the end, her eyes were red, and she started sobbing, pressing her forehead against Grandpa’s hand, her back trembling.
“Why are you crying? Didn’t eat well? Didn’t sleep well? Maeve, you mustn’t stay up late. Eat on time. You’ve grown up; Grandpa hasn’t seen you in a long time.”
Callie’s suppressed tears burst forth uncontrollably. She cried not just for these days but for all these years.
Why didn’t she recognize him the first time she saw Grandpa? Why didn’t she realize after so many things happened?
Memories flashed by like a revolving lantern; she blamed herself.
Callie cried so hard that even Bianca, who didn’t understand the situation, felt sad.
Only Grandpa patiently comforted her as if treating his own granddaughter.
“Did Nelson bully you? Tell Grandpa, I’ll deal with him!”
Mentioning Nelson finally calmed Callie down gradually.
“… I’m just tired, so tired.” She took a deep breath, showing her true self.
This scared Grandpa so much that he almost sat up. “Who bullied you? Tell them you have the entire Oconnor family behind you. Let them come to me!”
Callie’s heart warmed, and she smiled through her tears. She asked Bianca for a towel and wiped Grandpa’s face.
Fortunately, she found out the truth not too late.
The worst fear is wanting to care for someone when it’s already too late.
Grandpa let her move as she wished, seemingly getting more confused. He said to Bianca, “See, having a granddaughter-in-law is nice. Nelson never lets me rest easy.”
Bianca smiled wryly in agreement.
Grandpa looked at Callie and suddenly asked, “Have you been well all these years?”
Callie paused.
“Not as good as being by your side.” Even without her memories restored, Callie could feel Grandpa’s warmth and could imagine how good he had been to her back then.
Grandpa patted her hand. “Stay by my side from now on, okay?”
“Okay.”