Code: 16B

Chapter Twenty-One

Twenty-One

    After what feels like half an hour, Gramps gave me some food to eat, and I ate the sandwich piece by piece. I couldn’t even remember what was in between the bread slices as I gulped it down with the bottle water Gramps gave me. It wasn’t long until I was pacing back and forth, knowing that it’s the only thing that could keep me sane in this claustrophobic cell.

    Every once in a while, Gramps would say something, probably trying to get me talking. But I refused to speak, even if he does look like an innocent old man who’s trying to make an extra dollar. I just continued to pace, and make the same wishes I’ve been making since I woke. But no matter how many times I’ve wished, no matter how many circles I’ve made, nothing happens.

    “You’re going to get dizzy if you keep pacing.” Gramps said when he looked up from his book.

    And for some reason, it was enough to get me to stop. I sat back down on the bed, already feeling the strange sense of vertigo. When the dizziness finally stopped, I glared at Gramps. “Why do you even bother talking to me? I’m just a hostage, or a prisoner, or…whatever. I’m probably going to die.” I sniffled, and I could still hear the hopelessness in my voice.

    “Don’t talk like that, it’s not the end of the world.” Gramps chastised. “You never know what life has to offer if you have a little hope.”

    “What do you know, you’re working for the enemy.” I muttered, the anger already seething in my tone as I placed my head in my hands.

    Gramps’ face didn’t react to my comment, and for a moment I thought he didn’t hear me. Then, after five minutes of silence, he spoke. “I may be working for the enemy Amanda, but that doesn’t mean that I enjoy it.”

    I finally looked up at him, and see him with the most serious expression I’ve ever seen on an old man.

    And when I didn’t answer, he spoke, this time his voice was even more gravely than I remembered.

    “My family was poor, and I wanted to give my kids a life that I’ve never had. Especially after my wife, Cherrie passed away after giving birth to my daughter. She had preeclampsia, and at the time there weren’t many of the things modern medicine has today. The doctors did all they could, but it was all in vain.” His wrinkled face turned pessimistic, and I could faintly see a teardrop fall down his cheek. But, just as soon as I spotted it, he quickly wiped it away.

    “So, you see, after Cherrie died, I had to find some income somehow in order to feed three children with no mother. This was the only job where the pay was good enough for my family to last.” Gramps said, and the regret was back in his voice. He looked away when I met his eyes.

    I didn’t know what to say, especially after Gramps had just dropped this bombshell. I just stared at him, and I had no idea what my face was revealing. I quickly shook my head. “I’m sorry.” I said truthfully.

    Gramps looked at me, and whatever he saw on my face made him smile. “You don’t need to apologize.” He said with a calm voice, all trace of regret gone. “You remind me of Cherrie, when you talk…a lot.” He laughed, a throaty laugh that causes him to cough just a little.

    “Thanks…I guess.” I mumbled after forcing a light laugh. Strangely enough, Gramps’ stories made me feel better, if only for a little bit. “Do you have any grandkids?” I asked, hoping to change the subject to something light, and hopeful.

    “Yep. A couple of them live in Oklahoma, Georgia, and in Florida.” Gramps said with a smile.

    I was about to ask which city in Florida when suddenly, I heard the sound of a door opening and closing, along with very soft footsteps. A familiar figure appeared on the other side of the bars. I quickly cowered in the corner, sat on the ground, pulling my knees up to my chest and wrap my arms around them, and I began fearing the worst.

    “Finally,” Gramps’ voice echoed. And I could hear the distinct sound of someone inserting keys into a keyhole. I still didn’t look up when I hear the cell doors opening. I didn’t move when the footsteps got closer, and I felt something touch my shoulder.

    It was then I knew that I couldn’t keep hiding from him anymore. I turned around, expecting death to come and get it over with.