The young boy ran through the woods. He knew the path by heart and he knew he was close. The house was deep in the woods, off the path and he knew when he smelt roses, gardenias, and lavender he was close. He made it to a clearing where a large house stood. He beamed and towards it. He was visiting the coolest, best, and nicest person in the world. She was his best friend…well adult friend, his favorite person, his role model and matriarch of the family, even Mom listened to whatever she said.
“GRANDMA!” the older woman looked up from her knitting. He ran faster, through the gate, up the stairs, and into her waiting arms. He beamed at her. She snuggled him close, “HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?!”
“I’m fine sweetheart,” she smiled, “Where’s your Mama?”
“I’m visiting Spade today! So I decided to hang out with you!” Grandma smiled.
“I’m honored for the visit. Join me for knitting?”
“Go get your bag and I’ll get us some cookies and tea,” Grandma Vikki was the sweetest person in Vik’s eyes. She always had an air of calmness around and it made him keep safe and warm. She was a very tall older woman with striking blue eyes, long graying hair, and delicate frame. Because of this, Vik had promised to keep her safe. He loved Grandma Vikka to pieces but he knew she was incapable of defending herself. He was pretty sure she never held a weapon her entire life. For the most part, she and Grandma Cora lived in their home together. Grandpa was an ex Marine. He towered over Grandma Vikki and always wore a red beanie that Grandma made him. He was usually sleeping or eating or working on something in the house. Vik was pretty sure that was why Grandpa married Grandma. She needed someone to protect her and he was super strong!
“I don’t know,” said Spade once, “My grandpas are pretty strong too!”
“Yeah but not as strong as Grandpa,” said Vik, “Grandma told me that Grandpa was in a fight with Vergo and almost got killed! And he went up against some deadly pirates too!” Grandma Vikki was the best storyteller. She had stories for days he LOVED listening.
“How did you get your tails Grandma?”
“A nine tailed fox bit me,” she said simply, “And she gave me a tail as an apology,”
“She did it again,” Vik sat there thoughtfully before grinning
“Grandma…you lied!” she looked down at him, “It’s not a nine tailed fox! It was a seven tailed one!” She chuckled before laughing and patting his head.
“You cheeky little thing!” After knitting, Vik hovered around. He was always worried about her Grandma. She was what we called lucky. She never seemed to have any hardship and was almost always near someone who could protect her. And after one fateful day, he always kept a closer eye on her. One day while they were returning home from the market. Grandma ushered him through the streets, via “shortcuts” as she called them. But at the end of an ally, there were five men and they all looked dangerous. He could feel her grip on his shoulder.
“You’re coming with us, lady!”
“Unless you want us to pretty that little face, you better come quietly,” Vik immediately got in front of his Grandma. He took out his pocketknife and held it in front of his Grandma.
“L-Leave Grandma Vikki alone!” The men looked startled. He was glaring at them and moved forward. They stepped back a little and that was when he felt his Grandma’s hand.
“Viktor, it’s okay sweetheart. Grandma is going to go with these men, alright?” He looked at her. She still had that sweet smile on her face.
“Tell Grandpa what happened. I’ll be late for dinner. Save me dessert. Auntie Cook is making apple pie,” and with that, she went with the men. Vik ran home and immediately told everyone inside what happened. Mom looked puzzled.
“Sweetie, did Grandma go willingly?”
“UH HUH! WE HAVE TO GET ALL OF THE MARINES INVOLVED AND PIRATES!”
“Don’t worry, Grandma said she’ll be back a little after dinner. It’ll be fine,”
“”Why don’t you go help Grandpa and Uncle Jade and Floyd in the kitchen,” Vik was a nervous wreck! Every adult seemed nonchalant about Grandma’s disappearance! Uncle Law said she’ll be back and to wash. Uncle Luffy was laughing, saying to make sure the pie was hot and ready. Dad gave him binoculars so he could keep a look out for Grandma. When it was time for dinner, he couldn’t eat. What if Grandma didn’t come back?! What if those men hurt her?! What if she got lost at sea because she couldn’t navigate?! Grandma can’t survive on her own! He paced, he sobbed, and he was besides himself. Then suddenly the door opened. Grandma walked in. He immediately ran to her. She caught him and kissed his cheek.
“GRANDMAAREYOUOKAY?! WHATHAPPENED?! NOONEWASWORRIEDBUTIWAS! DIDTHEYHURTYOU?!”
“I’m fine, sweetie, did you save me a pie?”
“Hey honey!” said Grandpa
“Are you okay, Mom?” said Mom
“Mhm, just had a chat with those boys. Everything is fine,”
“Grandma! YOU’RE BLEEDING!” Vik looked panicked. Grandma looked down at her close and there was indeed a spot. She chuckled.
“So I am. Law, do you mind helping me upstairs?”
“Sure Mom,” Grandma took a shower and was in her pajamas and Law was a miracle worker because Grandma didn’t have a scar on her! She even had the energy to tuck him into bed that night.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Grandma?”
“Mhm, I’m just sad I didn’t have dinner with you,” she said, “Are you okay?”
“I should be asking that question!” he said
“I’m okay, I’m just a little tired,” she smiled. She sang to him and soon he was asleep. Ever since then, he vowed to always protect and love his Grandma so she would miss another dinner with him! Grandma left the room and closed the door behind him. She made her way into the bedroom.
“You are doing okay, right?” said Roci
“Mhm, it didn’t give me a headache,” said Vikka sighing, “I’m just glad, Vik is okay,” he chuckled.
“He’s going to realize someday that his delicate Grandma isn’t a delicate shrinking violet, you know,”
“I know,” she said laughing, “Let me savor these moments while I can,”
