I poured myself more tea and walked to the window. From the eighth floor, I had a sweeping view of the city and the distant hills.
Phillip mentioned that he and Melinda were going to a birthday party tonight. He asked if I would stay with the kids, but it was really a statement.
They never asked if it was convenient. They simply presented me with a finished decision.
I turned to him with a manufactured smile and said I had a new book I wanted to read in peace. Melinda pulled a yogurt from the fridge and said that was great.
She then mentioned that she noticed I used her French shampoo again. She asked me not to touch it because it was expensive and she bought it specifically for her hair.
I had not touched her shampoo because I had my own regular supermarket brand. But there was no point in arguing with her.
I apologized and said I would not do it again. She accepted my apology like a queen receiving tribute and sat down beside Phillip.
They began discussing their evening plans as if I were no longer in the room. I finished my tea and placed the cup in the dishwasher before retreating to the sanctuary of my bedroom.
Passing Jace’s slightly ajar door, I heard soft music. He had returned to his room right after breakfast.
My grandson was absorbed in a game with his thin shoulders tense. I asked if he would like to go for a walk today because the weather was lovely.
He turned and pulled off one headphone for a moment. He said he could not because of an online tournament.
I told him I understood and made one last attempt at a smile. He nodded and slipped the headphones back on.
We used to walk all the time. I would show him plants and tell him stories from my nurse days.
But over the last year, he had retreated into the virtual world. He chose that over the constant tension in our apartment.
I did not blame him. Back in my room, I pulled an old photo album from my nightstand.
I looked at the photos of our wedding with George and Phillip’s birth. I saw his first steps, his school days, and his graduation.
There was a photo of him introducing us to Melinda when they were young and happy. Then there were Skyler’s baby photos and Jace’s.
The last pictures with George showed him gray haired but still vibrant. Who could have known a heart attack would take him so suddenly?
After his death, I held on. I worked in the emergency service for two more years before retiring.