Grandpa's Day

© Anna Henderson, Bus Stop, East Village, 2023. Website.

Written by Emma Mathes

It was Grandpa’s day to take her and he arrived early as usual. When they greeted each other, he beamed at her like he always did. But she wouldn’t smile or maintain eye contact. He raised an eyebrow at her mom and she smiled.

Now at the bus stop, they still had barely spoken. He’d asked a few questions, but her answers were short, and avoidant. But he kept trying.

And though he did not know it, she was happy to have his company and his consistency. On the bus, she would let her head fall to his arm wordlessly.