Where are you now?

Dear Caramel

Hours turned into moments, and as his eyes closed one last time, he peacefully passed away, succumbing to the relentless grip of cancer.

It was Caramel's mother who found him there, lying still on the couch. Panic and grief flooded her as she desperately tried to rouse him, but he remained unresponsive. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she dialed Caramel's number, her voice trembling with anguish.

Caramel received the call, her heart skipping a beat upon hearing her mother's distressed cries. Without hesitation, she rushed to her mother's home, where they lived with Mr. Hayes.

As she burst through the front door, tears streaming down her face, Caramel's voice cracked as she called out, "Grandpa!"

She ran to him, embracing him in a tight, desperate hug, seeking comfort in the memories they shared and the love they had for one another.

In the midst of her grief, Caramel felt a strong urge to clean her grandpa's room. People would soon be visiting their home for the funeral, and she wanted everything to be perfect. As she tidied his desk, she discovered a letter addressed to her, marked with the words, "Dear Caramel."

Trembling, she opened the letter, her eyes filled with tears. Mr. Hayes had poured his heart onto the paper, revealing the truth of his battle with cancer and the reasons for keeping it a secret. He spoke of their cherished memories, recounting moments of joy they had shared together.

In the letter, he wrote

"Dear Caramel.
My sweet, precious granddaughter, it is with a heart weighed down by sorrow that I pen this letter to you. These words flow from my trembling hands, as I struggle to convey the depth of my emotions. Time slips through my grasp like grains of sand, and with each passing day, I am acutely aware of our limited moments together.

When you entered this world, Caramel, your arrival was a beacon of hope and joy in my life. I can still remember the day I held you in my arms for the very first time, cradling your tiny, delicate form against my chest. In that moment, an indescribable warmth enveloped my soul, and I knew that you were a gift-a blessing beyond measure.

As you grew, we forged an unbreakable bond, one that weathered the tests of time and brought us closer with each passing year. Together, we embarked on countless adventures, from chasing butterflies in the garden to baking cookies in the kitchen. The laughter we shared echoed through the hallways of our home, filling the air with pure, unadulterated joy.

Do you remember the time we went on a picnic by the shimmering lake? The sun danced on the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light and shadow. We laughed as we fed the ducks, their quacks mingling with our mirth. We talked for hours, basking in the beauty of nature and the love we felt for one another. In those fleeting moments, it seemed as though time had paused just for us.

And how can I forget the day we planted a sapling in the backyard? We carefully dug the hole together, tenderly cradling the young tree as we placed it in the earth. We adorned it with our hopes and dreams, whispering words of encouragement to help it grow strong and tall. That tree now stands as a testament to our love-a symbol of the deep roots we have nurtured and the enduring legacy we share.

But my dear, despite the laughter and the memories we created, I must now confront the inevitable truth. My illness, my darling Caramel, casts a long, haunting shadow over our time together. The weight of this knowledge hangs heavily upon me, for I wanted to protect you from the burden of my suffering, to shield you from unnecessary pain. But the ache in my heart tells me that you deserve the truth, as painful as it may be.

Please know, my sweet granddaughter, that every moment we spent together brought immeasurable joy to my life. Your laughter, your radiant smile, and the warmth of your presence have been my guiding light in this world. Even as tears stream down my weathered cheeks, I am filled with gratitude for the time we have shared and the memories we have created.

As I write these final words, I want you to remember one thing above all else: love never truly fades. It transcends the confines of time and space, and it will forever bind us together. Though my physical presence may no longer be with you, my spirit will continue to watch over you, whispering words of encouragement in the wind and surrounding you with a love that knows no bounds.

My darling Caramel, as tears fall upon these pages, know that they are tears of both sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow for the impending farewell that looms before us, but gratitude for the immeasurable happiness you have brought into my life. Hold onto the memories we have created, and let them be a source of strength and comfort as you navigate the winding path ahead.

I will cherish every moment we spent together, my sweet granddaughter, for they are etched upon my heart forever. Thank you for being the light in my darkest days, the reason to smile through the tears. Know that I love you beyond measure and that even in my absence, my love will continue to guide and protect you.

With all the love that my heart can hold,

Your Grandfather."

Caramel's tears flowed freely as she continued reading, absorbing every word her grandpa had penned. He detailed their adventures, the laughter they shared, and the unwavering love he held for her.

As Caramel read his heartfelt words, her sobs grew louder. Through her tears, she managed to whisper a few words to herself, expressing her love and gratitude for the man who had meant the world to her.

And with that, the second part of the story came to a close, leaving Caramel to grapple with the overwhelming grief and the bittersweet knowledge of the unspoken love that had always existed between her and her beloved grandpa, Mr. Hayes.