Having Shadee and Sebastien in the house put Gypsy in a considerably better mood. The same could have been said about Caleb, who now had a male companion to go to different matches to, talk about girls and sports and get some valuable pieces of advice from. This usually left Shadee and her grandmother alone at home, baking cookies and sharing memories.



It was one of those days when both of them had remained home alone, that Gypsy asked Shadee to join her for a cup of coffee and a chit chat. She didn’t seem to be in too much of a good mood.



‘I’ve been thinking about selling the house.’ She started, turning the cup in her hands without drinking from it ‘For Caleb’s sake, I mean. I just know he hates the place, even if he doesn’t say it. Every single corner reminds him of his father. So I thought I should sell it and move to a quieter place, in the country perhaps, to a small, cosy house with an orchard… It would be so much better for him! But I can’t! I just can’t leave this house behind!’



Shadee didn’t say anything. She knew her grandmother didn’t need her to talk, just listen to what she had to say.



‘I feel so selfish! As a mother, I should be doing what is best for my child, but I can’t! It’s filled with memories, not only sad ones, but also the happy memories of his childhood, of your childhood, of the early years of my marriage…’ she stopped again and took a hearty sip of hot coffee ‘Shadee, honey, I’d like you to promise me something!’

‘Sure, go ahead, Gran!’



‘Please promise you will sell the house and take Caleb with you after I die!’

Shadee’s eyes widened and she stared at her grandmother, as if the possibility of her dying was the most improbable thing.

‘Oh – okay. But that won’t happen too soon!’ her expression softened ‘You’re healthy and look at leat ten years younger!’



That had been a lie, but she couldn’t actually say the truth when the old woman was so depressed and blue.

‘You know as well as I do that I don’t have much time left.’ Gyspy smiled, not looking her granddaughter in the eyes ‘Not because I am sick or anything, but because of this here.’ She touched her chest softly, hinting at her broken heart.



They changed the subject quickly afterwards and never brought it up again.
**********************************************************

Looking forward to your feedback!