xxvi. food/acceptance
Grandfather died in winter.
He passed peacefully in his sleep, unlit cigar in hand. Raeger, dry-eyed, stood stiffly during the small procession held by the townspeople. Grandfather would've hated it, like he hated ceremonies and attention of all kinds, but he would've endured through their kindnesses anyway. His mother wordlessly sent him the money Grandfather left her out of obligation.
Raeger, now completely and utterly alone, threw himself into his grandfather's work, meticulously caring for the restaurant as he would an old friend. A peaceful, if morose, quiet settled while he toiled away, finding solace in cakes and rice bowls.