Shorts stories based on music

Paniyolo - Color

Everyone has their own versions of nostalgia. Some from movies, family photos, some from colors, and many more. Well, my version of it is a tree. 

When I was little, me and my mom lived with my grandfather since my father was a deadbeat piece of trash. My mom would work very late at night until twelve o'clock in the afternoon to get money. While she worked, my grandpa (who I simply called Papa) would babysit me. He took a slab of wood and two large strips of rope. 

There was this magnificent tree in the back of the house. It was truly beautiful, even in the winter when all of the leaves were missing. I was convinced it was a magic tree because of it. Papa made a swing on one of the branches outside. According to him, it was just for me. So whenever we were bored, we'd go outside and he'd swing me. Papa was also very fun to talk to. Looking back at the fun I had as a toddler really puts a smile on my face. 

When I started middle school, I began playing on the swing less and less. Conversations still the same, but the swing was being left out of the fun. Then, high school came around. I became one of the 'popular' kids and therefore would hang out with a bunch of people. I even had a few boyfriends. Although I was cautious enough to make sure people wouldn't cross the line with me. I had amazing grades, I never bullied anyone, never did drugs, etc. But because I was always hanging out with my group, I'd completely forget about Papa. But he was still patient with me. Not once was he mad about me going out, as long as I didn't get in trouble. 

Then, came college and graduation. I got a scholarship to the best university close to my area. I was studying in business and finance. And because this was such a big deal for me, I would spend all of my nights off studying despite my pals suggesting to go out for some fun. I remember having extreme burnouts, having many cases of insomnia, and there were even a few times where I'd actually skip eating because I was in the mindset that work was more important. College was definitely getting to me. Everyone in my family noticed it. Even my Papa. 

Which is why there were times he'd cook me things and send them to me. He even sent me a box full of tea to make since I complained about having trouble sleeping. What I regret most about everything is how I'd shut everyone out when they wanted to spend time with me. Eventually, people stopped asking all together. I was very lonely, but I didn't realize it. 

One day, when my last year of college was almost up, I got a call from my mother. She told me to come to the house once I got the chance. Apparently she needed to tell me something really important in person. So once I got another break, I drove all the way back to my original home town. Just seeing the house I grew up in was already flowing tears into my eyes. My mother walks me inside, her eyes completely red from what I assumed was crying. After she calmed down a little bit, she sits us both down on the couch. 

"Papa has died from cancer." My eyes widened, waterworks starting to crack out my eye-sockets. "W-What?! Since when?!" My mother wiped away more tears. "A week ago. He's been in the hospital many times since you were away." I begin doing the same. "Why hasn't he told me about this?" She takes me out to the backyard with the huge tree. "It says it all on the letter. It's taped on the swing." I ran over to it, looking at the last words my Papa had to say to me. And I'll never forget what it said.

"Dearest Peony, 

It is with heavy heart to say I am longer walking on this planet anymore. And I know you're probably upset I didn't tell you about my cancer beforehand. Well, you were always working and so stressed out. And I didn't want you to hurt anymore than you were. I would just feel guilty for putting that on your plate. It was already full. I didn't want you to be more sad, as the chance of death with cancer at my age was especially high.

Y'know, it made me happy when you said you enjoyed the food I'd make you during your burnout sessions. I'm also very joyous knowing that you're growing up to be an intelligent, independent, strong lady. Just like your mother. From the moment you were born, I knew heaven had many great plans for you. So please don't feel bad for not spending enough time with me. For me, personally, just seeing what an amazing person you are is enough for me. I'm grateful to have a granddaughter like you. I just wanted to say, "I love you" one final time. 

Can you promise me something? Please promise that yes, hard work is extremely important, but being with loved ones is even more so. So never be scared to show love and appreciation while you still can. 

                                                                                                                                       Love,

                                                                                                                                          Papa =) 

Don't worry, Papa. I will. And that's a promise.