17

Liliana

I pulled into the Crystal Fountains parking lot and glanced at my buzzing phone.

It was Julian. Again. A text immediately popped up.

"Please call me, Liliana. Please let me explain."

For the fiftieth time, I considered blocking his number.

It had been over a month since I broke up with him, not long after I brought him soup, thinking he was sick, only to find out he was out partying.

Even though I had feelings for Alistair and desired things I couldn't have, it had been tough to end things with Julian.

Saying goodbye hurt more than I anticipated, but I knew I couldn't be with him anymore.

Yet, I still cared deep down, which was why I hadn't blocked him. Plus, there was always the chance I'd see him at the senior home.

But maybe it was time for that to change.

I went inside to see my grandpa. I'd been nervous about this visit since making my decision, already feeling on the verge of tears. When I told him my plans, he was incredibly supportive, as always.

But I felt torn, like I was abandoning him. However I looked at it, I knew my grandpa might not have many years left. How could I leave him and move so far away?

My distress must have shown on my face. As soon as I entered his room, he said, "Oh, honey."

I knelt beside his armchair and hugged him tightly.

"It doesn't feel right, Grandpa. I don't want to leave you behind," I choked out, trying to hold back tears. "I still think we can find a senior home in New York where you can live, so I'll be close and can visit you all the time."

He gently stroked my hair. "Liliana, children are supposed to grow up and live their own lives. Make a future for themselves. Do you know how awful I'd feel if I thought you were putting off your life just to stay here for me? No," he said, cupping my cheek. "I want you to go to New York, excel in that exciting new job you've been offered, and make us all proud."

"But what if you need me? What if I miss you?" I asked, feeling like a child again. But this was my grandpa—I couldn't imagine not being able to see him whenever I wanted.

"You know, there are marvelous inventions for that now. Perhaps you've heard of them. Airplanes and telephones," he chuckled, patting my hand.

"I guess I never have to wonder where I get my sarcasm from, huh?" I managed a smile through my tears. He pointed to his bedside table and pulled out a phone from his sweater pocket.

"Go over there. Let's make sure I know how to use this fancy gadget." He squinted at it and tapped the screen.

I sat on the bed and held my phone, waiting for his call. It rang with a video call, which I answered, seeing how proud he looked. "You've got it."

"Now let's try a regular call," he said. A moment later, my phone rang with his call. He even texted and responded to my messages.

"You see, sweetheart. You're always just a moment away."

I sniffed and wished I could sit in his lap like I did when I was a little girl. “The offer of assisted living in New York is still on the table.”

“Too expensive,” he said, shaking his head. “After my Social Security, too much would be leftover to pay every month. We couldn’t afford it.” He took my hand again. “Besides, I don’t want to leave Dave here without me. We’d miss each other too much.”

I knew he didn’t want to leave his best friend. And I didn’t want him to, either.

We talked for a while, and soon it was his dinnertime. And time for me to do my final packing and make sure I was prepared to leave for New York the following day.

I hugged him one last time. I had a hard time letting go.

“I love you, Paw-Paw,” I said, loving how his face lit up at the name.

“I love you too, sweet pea.”

“I’ll call you as soon as I land,” I promised, wiping my eyes. Then I hurried away before I bawled like a baby right in the hall.