Old Man Sanchez

Chapter 1: Moments Before the Heartbreak

     "Papa! Papa! I'm a big kid now!"
     Sanchez looked down at his granddaughter as she was hugging his legs. Exclaiming that she was a big kid, Sanchez eyes became a little watery.
     "Tomorrow, you'll be a big kid," replied the old man. The little kid's birthday would be there in less than 8 hours.
     "But I'm one now!"
     Sanchez began laughing as his granddaughter's grip began getting tighter. Leaning down, he picked her up from her arm pits and kissed her on the cheek.
     "Ok, Marie," replied Sanchez. "You are now."
     "Yay!" Marie flung out her arms and leaned forward, hugging her grandfather's neck.
     At that moment, the doorbell rang.
     "It's daddy," exclaimed the little one, moving frantically.
     Putting her down, Sanchez walked over to the front door. Opening it, a man appeared.
     The little girl couldn't help but run over to her father as he knelt down to the ground.
     "Hey, birthday girl," greeted the young man.
     As Sanchez watched Marie rush over to hug the young man, Sanchez started conversation.
     "How was work," he asked.
     "It was... work," replied the young man. "My boss is firing people involved in the 'heartworm' incident. But, no worries."
     "You has nothing to do with it, then,"asked Sanchez.
     "No, dad. I wasn't at work that day. I had taken off for Marie's recital."
     Nodding his head, Sanchez turned around, heading for his wallet and keys. Getting up from the ground and putting his hands in his pocket, the young man approached his father.
     "Thank you for watching her today," thanked the young man. "Same time tomorrow?"
     "Of course," replied Sanchez. "I'd give anything to watch this beautiful princess." Saying so, he bent over and began tickling the child, making her laugh and asking him to stop.
     "Well," began the old man. "I'll be on my way."
     Walking toward the door, he twisted the knob and waved goodbye.
     "Bye, Papa," yelled the little girl. "Can't wait to play tomorrow."
     Closing the door, Sanchez put his wallet and keys in his pocket, sinking his hands within them right after.
     Sanchez is at the age of 60 years. His past is filled with many achievements that he could brag about all day, but chooses not to. He raised a wonderful son along with his late wife, Henrietta. If she were here today, she'd see how pretty her granddaughter was.
     Going down the stairs of the apartment, Samchez longed for the next day he would spend with Marie. Instead of watching television and flying her around the apartment with his arms, Sanchez was considering that he'd have a little tea party with Marie. Didn't sound like a bad idea to him.
Opening the door to the lobby of the apartment complex, he began walking to his all black 2001 Lincoln Town car. Approaching the driver's side, Sanchez took out his keys and inserted them, unlocking the door.
Getting inside, he inserted the key into the ignition and turned, making the car engine turn on. As the car rev'd, he put the car in reverse and proceeded to drive out of the parking lot.

Returning home, Sanchez laid his wallet and keys onto the kitchen table, making way to the refrigerator. Opening the door to the fridge, he grabbed a beer and walked over to the couch in the living room. Sitting down, he grabbed the TV remote that sat to the left of him and turned it on.
Flipping through the channels, he came across the news. He turned up the volume and set the remote down next to him. The television was now blaring as the news reporter brought the latest in updates.
"There were more reports of break-ins in south Dulastill. People are skeptical, saying that it's the annual gang initiation process. Some are even saying it's mafia related. If anyone has any information on why this is going on- or even having a lead, please contact our local police department..."
Sipping on his beer, he began growing tiresome. Feeling his eyes get heavy, he eventually fell into a deep sleep.