Chapter 17
Grandpa Renard
I woke up under a tree. It was nighttime, but the view was familiar. I got out the park and saw the stores nearby had Halloween decorations in the window. I ran as fast as I could to Manhattan General, barely remembering to ask what room he was in.
Mr. Vogel looked up from his paperwork. "Talia."
I went to Grandpa Renard and held his hand. He looked at me. "You were fine, I just saw you…"
"Alex, what is he like?" He asked.
"Alex is a kind man, good man. He's a hard worker. He's going to college. He- he likes playing video games and… making people laugh. He's a good brother." My voice wavered.
Grandpa Renard reached for an envelope. He opened it and took my right hand, slipping a ring on my ring finger. It had a moonstone and little olive green diamonds on a sterling silver band.
"Talia, you're a smart and kind girl. But you're also impulsive and stubborn. You need to start thinking ahead and of yourself and others. And sometimes that won't be enough, but at least you'll know tried." Grandpa Renard told me.
"I-I can't take this." I frowned.
"You will take your great grandmother's ri-" He steadied his breathing before he stressed his heart even more.
"Yes, Grandpa." I intoned.
Mr. Vogel's phone rang. "Hello? Yes, Fox, but I don't believe there is much time left. His condition has been worsening all day." He hung up. "Talia, when are you adopted?"
I thought and remembered that he hadn't come when I had actually been adopted. "2017. I should-"
"Stay." Grandpa Renard insisted.
"I'll be invisible to everyone." I told him.
"Fine." He nodded.
I turned invisible as the click clack of heels came closer to his room. Fox and Alex sat on his bed. Alex was so little.
"Daddy…" Fox frowned.
"Janine, I've always known you had your mother's spirit. We fought for a long time because of it, but you let me back into your life. I'm grateful for that. I love you." She hugged him.
"I love you too." She whispered.
They let go after a moment and he looked at Alex. "Alex, I'm sorry I won't be there to see you grow. Be kind and think of others."
Alex hugged him. "Ok, Grandpa."
Grandma came in next. She sat on the other side of the bed and held his hand. "Anastasia…"
"Halcyon, I did love you, but it wasn't your fault we couldn't stay together. I need you to know that." She told him.
"Hmm." He tried to nod.
Goliath was the last to show up. I went to the back of the room so no one would bump into me. "May you find peace with the wind, old friend."
The beeping of the heart monitor slowed down and flat lined. October 23, 1999; 11:30 pm. I slipped out of the skylight and I saw embers floating up from the side of the building. I looked over the side and jumped.
