Chapter 63
I knelt down to his level, my heart instantly lighter at the sight of his excitement. What’s that, sweetheart?
got a medal for helping Jimmy when he fell during recess! Bly proudly displayed a gold star sticker attached to a colorful certificate. Teacher says I have exceptional empathy. What’s that mean?”
“It means you’re good at understanding how other people feel, explained, feeling’a surge of pride. “I’m very proud of
you.
As we walked to the car, Billy glanced curiously at the doparting ambulance. “Was that Aunt Grace? What happened to
her?”
“She had a little accident,” I said carefully. She’ll be fine. How bout we go visit Great–Grandpa William at the hospital? We can show him your medal.”
Billy’s eyes lit up instantly. “Yes! Can we get him a chocolate pudding from the cafeteria? He always says hospital food tastes like cardboard.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.”
With Billy chattering happily beside me, the hospital corridor seemed less intimidating. As we approached William’s room, I could hear the steady beep of monitors and the gentle hiss of oxygen.
“Remember what we talked about, Billy,” I reminded him gently “Great–Grandpa has been refusing to take his medication lately, which is making his condition worse.”
Billy nodded solemnly. “I’ll convince him to take his medicine, he whispered back, accepting the important mission I’d given him earlier.
We found William sitting up in bed, looking surprisingly alert.
When he saw us, his face brightened immediately.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite Billy in the world!” he exclaimed, extending his arms toward Billy.
My son ran forward, carefully climbing onto the bed to give his great–grandfather a gentle hug. I smiled at the heartwarming scene of them together.
“Great–Grandpa, guess what? I got a medal at school today!” Billy’s voice was filled with excitement.
“Did you now?” William adjusted his position. “Let me see this great honor.”
As Billy showed off his certificate, I noticed the untouched medication tray on the bedside table. William’s stubborn refusal to take his medication was becoming increasingly concerning.
“And what exactly did you do to earn this prestigious award?” William asked, studying the sticker with exaggerated seriousness.
“I helped Jimmy when he fell and hurt his knee,” Billy explained proudly. “I got the teacher and stayed with him until che came, just like Mom taught me.”
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Chapter 63
Willam smiled at me over lilly’s head. Your mother taught you to care about people around you, didn’t she?
Billy nodded enthusiastically Mom says Great–Grandpa needs to take his medicine too, he added innocently. She was worried this morning because you didn’t take it yesterday.”
William’s eyebrows shot up, and I felt my cheeks flush.
Was she now? William looked between us, his expression softening. So you two have been thoroughly conspiring?”
“Not conspiring,” Billy corrected seriously. “Mom said it’s because we love you and want you to stay with us for a long time.”
William’s expression turned tender. Without a word, he reached for the medication tray and dutifully swallowed each pill, washing them down with water.
“There,” he said, winking at Billy. “Can’t disappoint my two favorite conspirators, can I?”
Billy beamed, then suddenly grew serious. He carefully unpinned the gold star from his certificate and held it out to William.
“This is for you, Great–Grandpa. For being brave and taking your medicine.”
William stared at the small gold star in his palm, visibly moved. For a moment, I worried he might cry.
“This,” he said finally, his voice slightly hoarse, “is the finest medal I’ve ever received. And I shall wear it with great pride.*
Billy helped him pin it to his hospital gown, both of them laughing at how the bright sticker looked against the pale blue
fabric.
“Sophia,” William called to me, his eyes twinkling, “come see how distinguished I look.”
I moved closer, smiling at the childish sticker that somehow looked perfect on the dignified old man’s chest. “Very handsome,” I agreed. “A true Harding through and through.”
The door suddenly burst open, shattering the peaceful atmosphere instantly.
Henry stood in the doorway, his imposing figure filling the frame. His eyes swept over the scene before him–William and Billy laughing together, me standing close beside them–and his expression darkened.
“Well,” William’s voice immediately lost its warmth, “look who finally found time in his busy schedule to visit his grandfather.”
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