“Nobody messes with my Nana. Besides, a little harmless payback never hurt anyone.”
As we watched the Grinches frantically searching their yard, I was pleased.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” I said softly.
“For reminding me to stand up for myself.”
The next morning, a crew arrived at my house. To my amazement, they began converting my piano room into a state-of-the-art soundproof studio.
“Now you can play whenever you want, Nana,” Melissa said, squeezing my hand. “No one will ever tell you to stop again.”
As the workers finished up, I sat down at my newly polished piano.
My fingers trembled as they touched the keys, but as soon as I began to play, it was like coming home.
The familiar strains of “Moon River” filled the air, and I closed my eyes, feeling Jerry’s presence all around me.
“That’s my girl,” I could almost hear him say. “Play on, Bessie.
Play on.”
Melissa danced around the room, a glass of wine in hand. “You rock, Nana!” she cheered.
“Grandpa would be so proud.”
As the last notes faded away, I turned to her with tears in my eyes.
“Thank you, sweetheart. You’ve given me back my voice.”
“No, Nana,” Melissa said, kneeling beside me. “You’ve always had your voice.
I just helped you remember how to use it.”
All too soon, it was time for Melissa to leave.
As we stood in the driveway, waiting for her taxi, she handed me the remote control-like device. “Just in case those Grinches act up again,” she winked.
“One press, and it’s fart city. But I don’t think you’ll need it.
The whole neighborhood’s
