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“But I am happy. I have everything money can buy.”
His grandfather smiled with sad eyes before shaking his head.
“Of course…”
Walking to the back of the rose garden, staring at the fence in the distance and the lush green surrounding area, they both sat down on a small stone bench. The air was now cool and calm.
"It's a beautiful night, grandpa. Don't you think?" Benjamin mused.
His grandfather chuckled. "Don't get all poetic with me. But yes, it is beautiful."
Just then, while they sat and enjoyed the atmosphere, someone approached from the side. Benjamin was staring at the roses, wondering how he had never noticed them before, when he heard her voice; soft, smooth, and beautiful. It drew his attention instantly.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Radcliff?" Ava asked. His grandfather beamed.
“Never better, my dear. I'm a fighter.”
Without all those leaves sticking out of her wild hair she was actually quite beautiful, Ben thought to himself. He'd known Ava ever since he was a kid, although using the word “know” would be a bit of a stretch. For years they had barely talked; they never really got along. Even as kids they were always fighting.
"Hello, Benjamin," she greeted him causally, her tone more like that of a bank teller. He pursed his lips and grunted a response.
“I just wanted to check in on you before I go and get Dad."
“That's too kind of you, Ava.”
“Is there anything you need?”
“No, dear. Go home and rest, I know you work hard at the shelter.”
Ava nodded. “Ok, but let me know if there is anything I can do for you.”
“I will. Say hello to your dad for me, will you?"
She straightened and smiled. "I sure will."
Benjamin looked at her for a second and their eyes met. He noticed, as if for the first time, how deep and green her eyes were. He looked away, focusing back on the roses.
Ava left and he turned around, catching one last glance of her as she walked away. Slender and tall, she had a distinctive grace and swiftness to her pace which was odd, but not strange.
As he turned again, his eyes fell on his grandfather who regarded her closely and stroked his chin at the same time.
“Isn’t she a wonderful young lady?”
“Who? Ava? She’s the gardener’s daughter. Are you joking?”
His grandfather rose abruptly.
"What is it? Did I say something wrong?" Ben was baffled.
"I think I want to turn in now. I want to hold a big fundraiser next week and I should rest for that. Good night, Ben."
Ben watched his grandfather walk off in a slow but determined pace.What did I do this time?Unlike so often when it was crystal clear why his grandfather was upset with him, this time he had absolutely no clue.It couldn’t be because of his remark aboutAva Burns... could it?
Elijah tossed in bed. Not because he was restless or the meds made him uncomfortable—and they did—but because he could almost hear the slow ticking of time around him; the steady shrill of the hourglass that was his life, running empty.
I need to do something before I go,he told himself.One final act of good. One that would outdo all others.Not for charity and not for himself, but for his grandson who he loved dearly and had failed in so many ways before.
“I will do what I can, Ben, but the rest is on you,” he mumbled to himself as he finally drifted back to sleep again. “The rest is on you...”
