What the hell is going on!” cried Annabelle Johnson, clutching her head with her hands. She stood outside, looking off into the distance, as though she regretted something.
“Hi there!” Andrew, the grandson of her neighbor Stephen Michaels, greeted her through gritted teeth.
“Andrew! You’re just in time! Your grandpa was just taken to the hospital with a heart attack. He went out this morning to take out the trash and grab some milk from the store. As usual, we ran into each other, talked a little about the weather and Robert Frost’s poems, and then he said he wasn’t feeling well. The next thing I know, he’s doubled over in pain. Of course, I called 911 immediately, and they said they got to him in time. They took him to the third hospital in the city, to cardiology. You should get over there quickly; you might need to be there.”
Even though the air outside was chilly, Andrew broke out in a cold sweat, turned pale, and muttered a curse under his breath. “Of course! I should have known something was wrong, and here it is. I should have visited Grandpa sooner. I just hope it’s not too late.”
Stephen Michaels had been living alone since the death of his beloved wife, Tamara. Five years had passed, but he still couldn’t let anyone into his home or his heart. His grandson Andrew had been a frequent visitor to his grandparents’ house when he was younger. As a child, he spent countless hours with his grandfather, who was thrilled to have a grandson. Stephen taught him how to fix cars, fish, and carve little wooden figures. But as Andrew grew older, his visits became less frequent.
Andrew’s mother, Stephen’s daughter Olivia, had remarried for the third time and moved to another city. She hadn’t even attended her own mother’s funeral, claiming she couldn’t get time off work. She sent some money instead, but it was clear she had left her family behind to focus on her new life. Stephen didn’t hold a grudge against Olivia or Andrew. He believed everyone sets their own priorities in life and chooses what matters most to them.
Stephen had done his best to raise his daughter and grandson, but somewhere along the way, he must have made a mistake. Andrew had grown into a man his grandfather hadn’t envisioned. Lazy and careless, Andrew lived as though the world might end tomorrow. He didn’t think about the future and only cared about instant gratification.
Andrew had come to his grandfather’s house to have a serious talk with him, but now this had happened. What was he supposed to do now? Only God knew how it would all turn out.
“Andrew, why are you standing there like a statue? Don’t worry! The doctors said I called in time. Go check on your grandpa. I would go with you, but I’m waiting on a plumber. It’s already been two weeks waiting for the guy!” Annabelle said.
Andrew didn’t care much about Annabelle’s plumbing woes. His mind was consumed with thoughts of what might happen if Grandpa didn’t pull through. His relationship with his mother was strained. Olivia used to lecture him about living irresponsibly, not finding a stable job, and not settling down. Eventually, she stopped calling altogether, and when Andrew called her, she rarely picked up. The last time they spoke, she even threatened to block his number, accusing him of only reaching out to complain about his life or ask for money.
Andrew scraped by doing odd jobs. Sometimes, he scavenged scrap metal or electronics from dumpsters, selling what he found for some quick cash. It wasn’t much, but it kept him afloat—for now. His spending habits, however, far outpaced his earnings, and before he realized it, Andrew was drowning in debt. Collection agencies were now hounding him, demanding immediate payment, and he had no idea how to escape them.
Andrew had already asked his mother for help, but she refused, saying she’d evict him from her apartment if he didn’t get his act together. Furious, he blamed her for abandoning him and his grandparents in pursuit of her own happiness. Sometimes his guilt trips worked, and she’d send him a little money just to keep him quiet—until his next call.
Grandpa Stephen wasn’t spared, either. Andrew frequently came to him with sob stories, begging for help. Whether it was gambling losses or fabricated job opportunities, Stephen had always bailed him out. He sold his vacation cabin to pay off Andrew’s debts, and later even gave up half his pension. But eventually, Stephen grew weary and began to refuse.
This time was different, though. Andrew was in deeper than ever, and the collectors were relentless. He couldn’t even leave his apartment without fear of being confronted. With no other options, Andrew decided to plead with his grandfather one more time. He figured if he could tug on Stephen’s heartstrings—perhaps by mentioning Grandma—he’d convince him to sell the house and settle the debts.
“Andrew, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Annabelle said, snapping him out of his thoughts.
“I’m fine, just shocked. Thanks. I’ll go check on Grandpa. I won’t let him go without a fight.”
“What a good grandson!” Annabelle said, clasping her hands together in a prayer-like gesture. “Stephen is so lucky to have you. Not like my grandkids—they only call when they want something.”
Andrew didn’t hear the rest; he was already running to catch a bus to the hospital. As he sat down, he smiled at his plan. If Stephen’s condition was serious, Andrew could convince him to sign over the house or write a will on the spot. Maybe even a transfer deed!
But when he got to the hospital, the doctor gave him disappointing news: Grandpa Stephen was stable and expected to recover. Visitors weren’t allowed due to quarantine restrictions, and Andrew left frustrated.
In the days that followed, Annabelle brought Stephen his phone and some personal items. She even bought him fruit and water, worrying over him like a family member.
Stephen was discharged two weeks later, and Andrew, despite claiming he was too busy to help, didn’t show up to pick him up. His “busy schedule” involved drinking at a bar with friends. Andrew had borrowed from a payday loan company to fund his spree, basking in the smell of fresh bills—but the money ran out fast. Soon, the collectors were back, threatening him again.
Desperate, Andrew went to Stephen’s house and demanded help. When Stephen refused, Andrew snapped, “Sell your house and pay my debts! You’ve lived your life already, and I’ve got my whole life ahead of me!”
“Get out of my house!” Stephen roared, slamming the door in his grandson’s face.
Weeks later, Andrew was arrested for failing to repay his debts, and Stephen didn’t lift a finger to help. Annabelle, seeing Stephen’s loneliness, suggested they move in together. “Why should two old folks spend their evenings alone?” she said with a smile.
Stephen agreed. Together, they found companionship and peace, leaving behind the chaos Andrew had brought into their lives.