Grandpa Carlos, short for Carlitos, sits in his favorite armchair, engrossed in a book.
Unbeknownst to him, Patricia enters the room, her eyes filled with excitement.
"Grandpa, guess what? I just got accepted into the job I've always dreamed of!"
Carlos spoke in a rough tone, "Wow, Patricia, I didn't know they accepted mediocre students these days."
Patricia's smile fades, hurt by Carlos's comment.
"Oh, Patricia, congratulations. I suppose the university needed someone to fill their quota for underachievers."
Patricia's eyes well up with tears, but she remains silent, not wanting to engage in an argument.
Patricia walks away, Carlos continued talking, "Your lazy father mentioned to me before about how I always favor Louis compared to you all? It's because unlike all of you, I can count on him, I can't count on you"
Patricia cooks, she tried not to listen but she couldn't help.
Carlos sighs in enthusiasm, "Ahhh, I'm so lucky to have a grandchild like him, I mean, what's the use of having more granchildren if I can only count on one grandchild? He sacrifices his school days, rest days for me whenever I need to go and buy my medicine and help me do the groceries, get me a ride home, everything, how about you? Patricia, nothing, you are useless, you and your own father are useless! You are lazy and stupid, just like your brother and father!"
Patricia gripped the knife tightly, tears poured down.
"And Louis is always here with me, he doesn't make excuses, we can count on him, and Louis is literally the golden child, I don't need my other grandchildren in my life, Louis is enough"
And there goes another time...
Grandpa Carlos sits in his favorite armchair, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his grandson, Louis.
He glances at the clock, growing more excited by the minute.
Suddenly, the front door swings open, and Anne, Louis' cousin, enters the room, followed by her friend, Benji.
Carlos jumped up from his chair, "Louis! Hannah! You're finally here!"
Anne and Benji exchange confused glances.
(Actually, Grandpa, it's just me and Benji. Louis couldn't make it today.) She uses her converting app.
Grandpa Carlos' expression changes from excitement to anger, his face turning red.
"What do you mean Louis isn't here? I was looking forward to meeting him and Hannah!'
Anne and Benji exchange another bewildered look.
Benji spoke, "Sorry, Grandpa Carlos, it's us"
Grandpa Carlos slams his hand on the armrest of his chair, unable to contain his frustration.
"This is ridiculous! I've been waiting all day to see Louis and Hannah, and now they're nowhere to be found!"
Anne and Benji exchange concerned glances, unsure of how to calm down their irate grandfather.
(Grandpa, I'm sorry that Louis isn't here, but Benji and I thought we could spend some time with you. We can still have a nice afternoon together.)
Grandpa Carlos grumbles under his breath, still visibly upset.
"No! I want Hannah since she is Louis' friend! Why would I care about this stupid boy you're with? He's not Louis' friend.
Anne and Benji exchange glances once again, their disappointment evident.
Carlitos pushed them away, "You better not come in here unless Louis and Hannah are here!" He slammed the door.
YOU ARE READING
Unspoken Desires
General FictionCheska, a girl whose heart bore the weight of abandonment, had carried the scars of her past with her throughout her life. The wounds ran deep, originating from the neglect she had endured at the hands of her parents. Their absence had left her with...
