#Chapter 76: Easier said than done

Fiona I was reading in the armchair next to Grandfather’s bed for a while before he woke. I was very comfortable. He was snoring lightly, and the sound reminded me of my childhood, times past when he would doze off on the couch at my parents’ house after holiday dinners. When I heard the change in his breathing I knew Grandfather was waking up. I made a mental note of the page number I was leaving off in my book and set it aside. “Morning, sleepyhead.” I smiled as he blinked his eyes open. When he realized who I was, a huge smile transformed every inch of his face into an expression of pure joy. “My dear granddaughter,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “Hi, Grandfather. Sorry to surprise you so early in the morning.” He moved his hand and I reached to hold it. His skin was cold to the touch, soft and slack. I covered the back of it with my other hand, trying to press some warmth into him. “No better surprise than to wake up to see the beautiful face of someone you love