You Mean So Much to Me

It was about 5:30 A.M. Time to wake up Grandfather so he can take his medicine and get ready for the day.

I slipped the covers off of me and sat up in my bed, waiting for my groggy state to wear off. I should be used to it by now, it's routine. I've been doing it for 3 years now, since he has gotten sick. Shaking off the thought of this delicate subject, I yawned and stretched, leaning over to switch on the lamp by my bed. I winced a bit at the sudden brightness in my room and squinted until my eyes adjusted to the light. Finally, I scooted myself off of the bed and opened my door, walking across the hall to Grandfather's room.

"Grandpa, it's time to wake up now." I said softly as I walked into his room and switched on his lamp.

The elderly man coughed and opened his eyes slightly.

"Good morning, Armin." He smiled softy.

"Good morning, Grandpa." I replied, returning the smile.

I came closer to his bed and helped him with the covers, then helped him out of his bed. I took his hand in mine and walked slowly to the bathroom with him as I opened the door and turned on the light, leading him inside. Letting go of his hand, I opened the cabinet above the sink, pulling out two bright orange pharmacy pill bottles and placed them on the counter. Next, I took a small cup, like the ones that you use at the dentist when they ask you to do fluoride, from the drawer under the sink and filled it up with water. Grandfather grunted as I opened the bottles and took two small pills from each, the prescription dose. I laughed quietly to myself, Grandfather hated taking medicine, but he never complains because he knows that it is helping him feel better and stronger to help take care of me. Not that I honestly need that much help, I am thirteen years old, but even then, I have almost always taken care of myself. I don't mind it, though, I like it. But those times where Grandfather feels strong enough to help with things like, making dinner, or making my bed, it gives me a sense of hope.

I watched as he swallows the pills and drinks the water to help them go down. He's usually good with this, he always paces himself so he doesn't swallow too fast and choke. I place my hand on his shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile.

"You should get ready for school, Armin. I'll be alright. If you need me, I'll be in the living room, as always." He cracks a smile and ruffles my hair before making his way, slowly, to the living room to sit on the couch.

Blowing my light blonde hair out of my face, I make my way back to my room to get dressed for the day. I throw on my white long sleeve shirt and a blue sweater and a pair of light pants that were not too skinny, but not too loose, either. Glancing over at the clock, a wave of happiness flowed through me. It was only 5:54 A.M. I still have an hour before the bus comes.

I walk over to the bookcase in my room and pull out the World Atlas that Mother had given to me when I was five years old. I have always loved the ocean. How large and beautiful it was, open to so many creatures. I have never seen an ocean with my own eyes before. Grandfather and I don't live close enough and Mother was horrified of it after what had happened to her sister. I don't like to think about that much. I carefully opened the Atlas and ran my finger along the pictures of the Earth and it's oceans. What a beautiful world, I had always thought. Hopefully one day I will be able to explore it.

My thoughts were interrupted as my phone buzzed. A text message from Mikasa. I unlocked my phone and opened her message.

Mikasa: Armin, take it easy on Eren today. He is having trouble sleeping and is very vulnerable.

I frowned slightly. I have known Eren ever since I was 4 years old. His mother, Carla, had just recently passed away after being crushed from the falling debris of their old, burning house.