October 18th, 2012
"How is she?" I asked my brother, Luke as I entered our Grandmother's house.
"She's seen better days." He sighed, closing the door behind us. "She's awake now, you should go see her, it'll brighten her day."
I nodded and walked through the living room and into the bedroom. When I opened the door I was hit with a strong scent of lavender which I assume to be coming from her perfume. No matter how sick she is she always insists on looking her best.
"Josette," My Grandma smiled, opening her arms to call me in for a hug. She sat comfortably in her bed.
"Hey Grandma, how are you feeling?" I leaned down to the bed and wrapped my arms around her tightly, then sat in the chair next to her bed.
"Oh I feel fine. Little Luke just worries to much." She smiled then coughed a bit.
"So what do you want to do today? We can go to the park, go out to eat, see a movie, oh or-"
"I'm afraid I'm too tired for an outing today, dear. I rather you just sit here and visit with me, if that's okay."
I usually visit my Grandma once a week and take her out of the house. Ever since she lost her drivers' license she's relied on me as her chauffeur, but I'm fine with it. I love spending time with my Grandmother, even if it is just driving her to the grocery store.
I stood up an walked over to the small bookshelf on the other side of the room. "Well maybe I can read you something today? Let's see..." I browsed through what seemed like millions of books 'till I approached one I had never noticed before.
Shoved at the back of the shelf was an old, dusty, leather book.
I wiped the dust off the front to find the word Thoughts written on the front. Was this some kind of diary?
I felt a bulge in the center of the book and opened it up. Intwined in the crease was a plastic red rose.
I smoothed out the petals and believe it or not, it looked good as new.
"Grandma what's this?" I turned towards her, handing her the book, the rose still in my possession.
My Grandmother's eyes widened as if she had seen a ghost. "Oh," She said faint, "I hadn't seen or thought of this in years."
"Could you tell me about it?" I asked as I sat back down next to her bed.
She flipped through the pages, ignoring me. Then all of the sudden her eyes darted to the fake rose in my hand.
"May I see that?" Her finger pointed shakily.
I handed her the rose and she smelled it as if it was real, tears began to rise in her eyes.
"Grandma?" I turned her arm.
There was a moment of hesitation before she said, "How about I read you a story today?"
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-Jules
