Bittersweet

Short story about a granddaughter who is having a tough time letting her grandfather go.

Winnie sat next to the bed and held the frail, age-spotted hand in her own. The beep, beep, beep of the heart monitor was both annoying and comforting.

"Hang in there, Pappy," she pleaded; words trembling in her tear-choked throat. "You have to be at my wedding next week. I won't get married without you."

A nurse came into the somber hospital room, checked a chart and adjusted Mr. Oberle's thin blanket.

"Excuse me," Winnie whispered. "Has there been any change in my grandfather's condition?"

The nurse tucked an errant strand of auburn hair behind her ear and shook her head sadly. "I can have the doctor speak with you if you'd like?"

"That won't be necessary but thank you," Winnie frowned.

Ray Oberle and his only granddaughter Winnie Sue had a special bond. When Winnie's parents passed away in a tragic boating accident he and his wife took the young girl in, showering her with love and affection. She helped on the farm feeding animals, picking the garden and gathering eggs. She became an avid hunter, enjoyed fishing and loved the outdoors. Winnie tagged along behind her Pappy like a lost puppy dog. Nana struggled to get the little tomboy into her best Sunday dresses and down to the tiny white country church for worship services.

Today, Winnie was dressed in a smart business suit, having rushed over from her job at the Ag Council. Her head was bent in prayer.

"I thought you might like some coffee, honey." Nana walked into the room juggling two steaming Styrofoam cups.

Winnie took one of the cups, breathing in the delicious aroma. "I'm actually trying to cut down on my caffeine." She sat the cup on a side table.

She wanted to tell them both together, at the same time, but it didn't look like that was going to be possible.

"Winnie, honey, don't fret over this," Nana's brow wrinkled as she spoke. "You know Pappy has always loved you, just as I do and he has given his blessing to you and your husband-to-be Carson. Pappy's body is just worn out though. It's his time and it's okay. I've made my peace with that." She touched her granddaughter's mascara-stained face. "I hope you can too."

The beep, beep, beep became faster; high-pitched. Slightly erratic.

Winnie stared at the monitor, wide-eyed. She clutched her stomach. "I can't be at peace with this, Nana. I want Pappy to meet his great-grandchild." She sobbed.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Nana hugged Winnie tightly. "Oh, honey. I know this must be so bittersweet. You and Carson will make wonderful parents. I do believe that when one angel is taken back to Heaven another is born on Earth. It's just Pappy's time. You know he will be watching over you."

Beep.

"We plan on calling the baby Ray after Pappy," Winnie announced.

"If it's a boy?"

"Or a girl."

Beep. Beep. Beeeeeeeeeeep.

Nana's breath caught in her chest. "He would've loved that, honey."

Author's Note

Please give an overall review of this short story. Thank you!