Grandma’s Cabin

“Hey, are you sure about this?” Alex

asked. “You don’t want me to go with you?”. Emily’s grandmother has died recently and left the cabin she lived in to her only granddaughter. The cabin didn’t look too good on the outside but it definitely looked amazing on the inside. The wood was made from Douglas fir trees and had plenty of room for at least ten people. The kitchen is very modern; there’s a brand new granite countertops, a wooden nook, and a wine shelf. Emily’s grandmother adored her house so it was quite obvious she wouldn’t just give it to anyone. She just couldn’t understand why she gave to her. 

“Yeah, I want to do this on my own.

Maybe we can both visit it this christmas.” Emily says. She gives Alex a kiss goodbye then leaves out the door. “Hey, Em!” Her neighbor Ashlyn yelled. “Hey could you give me a lift? My car broke down and I have somewhere to go,” she said as she ran over to Emily’s car. “Um yeah sure, why not? Is it another one of those tinder dates?” Emily questioned. Ashlyn giggles then nodded as they both got into the car. 

 “Hey, I’m going to buy some snacks, do 

want anything?” Emily asked Ashlyn as she pulled into the liquor store parking lot. There were a few awkward seconds before Emily realized Ashlyn got rejected again. “Sorry but I have to call a rain check. Got busy” Ashlyn read from the message, heartbroken. “You stay here, I’m going to get us some snacks and you can hang out with me, we can both chill at my grandma’s Cabin.” She grabbed some tissues from the glovebox and handed them to Ashlyn. 

As Emily was finishing buying snacks,

there were two guys standing by the exit and staring at her. She tried to rush out the door but they stopped her from doing so. “Excuse me but, do you know where any parties are?” One of the guys asked. “Normally, we’d go out for Christmas Eve but it doesn’t seem like anything is happening today.”

“Sorry but no, I don’t go to parties much 

maybe ask someone else.” She said, still trying to walk away from the conversation. “Okay well, what are you doing?” 

“I was going to visit my dead grandma

cabin, I wouldn’t think it’s somewhere you’d want to be.” She said. “My condolences.” He says, then asked “Was your grandmother’s name Bertha Wheat?” Emily nodded in confusion. “My name is Jay and this is Mike, we used to rake her leaves and clean the house from time to time. I’d love to see her house just once more.” He explained, holding his hand out for Emily to shake. “Nice to meet you,” Emily shook his hand. “I’ve heard my grandma talk about you a lot. Thank you for that. So do you guys want to come with me?” She asked. 

“It would be our pleasure.” She then 

invited him to the car ride. After the 45 minute drive, they finally arrived at the cabin. “Has it always looked like this?” Ashlyn questioned on a soft whisper. “For as long as I can remember it has.” Emily reminisces. As the entered the house, they all were in awe. “When my grandmother died, I guess they refurbished the cabin.” Emily says. “They did a pretty good job.” Jay responds. The cabin looked as if it was completely brand new, smelled like it, too. 

“Did your grandma ever drink wine?”

Ashlyn asked as she waltz over to the kitchen. “Um well make yourself comfortable, we won’t stay long. Maybe afterwards you all can come to my house and celebrate with me and my husband.” Emily assured, following after Ashlyn. 

“Wow,” Ashlyn gushed. “This kitchen is

 beautiful.” Emily carefully examined the kitchen, remembering when her grandmother used to bake her favorite chocolate chip cookies. Ashlyn opened the upper cabinet and her eyes widened. “Found the jackpot” Ashlyn hastily opened the bottle and poured herself a cup. She offered Emily a cup but she politely declined. “You know partially grew up in this house,” Emily began. 

“When I turned 11, my parents got 

divorced. I don’t think my dad wanted anything to do with me but my mom, she told me that when she got her own house and her own car she would come and get me, but for the time being I had to stay with my grandma. So I lived here for the next five years. My grandma was one of the nicest human beings I have ever met. And she was the best at making desserts. You know whenever I did really well in school she’d make these amazing homemade chocolate chip cookies. Even when I lived with my mom, I made sure to visit her during the holidays and just because I wanted to. I really miss her.” Emily said. 

“She sounds amazing,” Ashlyn responded 

in a whisper. “Here,” she poured two cups and gave one to Emily. “Cheers, to your grandma.” They clinked their glasses and drank. “You know, when I was 17 I worked at the donut shop just a few minutes away from here. I probably saw your grandma a couple of times.” Ashlyn chuckled.

“Hey guys, I heard tonight’s going to be 

snowstorm. Hopefully a small one.” Mike informed them. “It’s starting in an hour so I think we should get going in a few minutes.” As they finished they’re drinks, they went to the living room to relax. 

“You know, I think I recognize you Jay.

You too, Mike.” Emily says. “I don’t remember seeing you much, though” Jay walks over to Emily and sits next to her on the couch. “Yeah um, I was normally when you were at school. I was a highschool dropout who needed some money and your grandma was willing to pay me.” He explained. “I was there during the weekends I remember used to hang out and play. You’re grandma was pretty cool, sometimes she’d even give me the chocolate chip cookies, they were totally amazing.” Mike said while looking outside. 

As they were talking, it started to snow, 

heavily, more than expected. “Should we leave now?” Ashlyn asked. “No, too much snow. We might get in a crash,” Mike said in disbelief. “Besides, it’s getting late. We should probably find a place to sleep. By tomorrow there should be salt on the roads.”

“Yeah, he’s right. There’s only three 

rooms so someone’s going to have to share.” Emily said. “I wouldn’t mind us two having a mini sleepover.” Ashlyn playfully said. “Okay, good. All the rooms are right down the hallway.” Emily pointed behind her. “I guess I’ll see you guys in the morning.” They all then said their good nights before going to the bedrooms. Emily and Ashlyn were to sleep in the masters bedroom. 

“Bonus, we got us a personal bathroom.” 

Ashlyn exclaimed. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool right? This actually used to be my room. My grandma didn’t like how big it was.” Emily chuckled. “You know, I think there should be some snacks in the pantry, be right back.”

While Emily was getting some snacks, 

she overheard Mike and Jay speaking but couldn’t quite hear them. 

“I just, I really miss her man. She was my 

whole life. And she just left and took the kids with her.” Mike sighed. “You still have one month before going to court. You really love Angela, I know but sometimes, things don’t always work out. Besides, you'll still be able to see your kids.” Jay said, trying to comfort him. Mike scoffed and mumbled “I need some alcohol.”  

“You do remember that alcohol got you 

into this, right? I’m telling you, rehab is going to help you, but you need to actually want to quit your addiction.” Jay assured. After awhile, Emily stop listening, gathered the snacks, and went to her room.

After an hour filled with taking selfies, 

joking around, and snacking passed, Emily and Ashlyn were finally asleep. Ashlyn dreamt about working at her old job at the donut shop. “Miss?” said an old lady. “Yes ma’am, how may I help you today?” Ashlyn said gleefully. “I wouldn’t mind having a small chat with you.” She says. Ashlyn was surprised with what the old, gray haired woman said but sat down across from her. “I really love this shop, the donuts here are great but some of the male employees can be a bit hasty.” She says. 

“Yes, they can be but I promise they are 

harmless.” Ashlyn relented. “Even the one who stood you up twice, Ashlyn?” She questioned. “Excuse me?” Ashlyn said in disbelief. “You’re such a sweet, misunderstood person. Most guys might use that as an advantage to control you but I need you to stand your ground because you are capable of so much more. There might even be a guy for you. You might’ve already met him.” The old woman emphasized. Ashlyn was completely in disbelief. “Who are you?”

“You can call me grandma.” She said. 

Before Ashlyn could say anything else, she woke up. “What was that?” She muttered to herself. All of a sudden, a text popped on her phone. “Sorry about earlier today, my mother was having some car troubles and I had to help her. Can we try again next week? I’ll make it worthwhile.” The text read. Ashlyn felt hopeful, texting back “Definitely”. She laid back down whispering, “Thanks Grandma.” 

Emily has a recurring dream that she’s 

been having for awhile except this one finally continued. It was Christmas Eve and her 8 year old self was opening a Christmas present. “Oh my god, a Pretty Sass Doll!” She exclaimed. “Thanks granny!” She hugged her grandmother tightly. “Oh sweetheart, I knew how much you wanted one.” “I’m never going to throw her away. I’m going to name her, ‘Sarah’.” Emily excitedly said, then ran into her room. “You never did throw her away, Emily.” Her grandmother supposedly said to herself. Then Emily had finally woken up. “Sarah,” she said, instantly getting up and rummaging through her old drawer. She finally found her, at the bottom drawer. The doll was a bit dirty and her clothes were ripped but it feels Emily with joy. “Thanks Grandma.” She said tearfully. 

“Man I need to sleep.” Jay said to himself.

He finally turned his phone off, and seconds later, he fell asleep. In his dream, he was raking leaves. Autumn was just beginning. “Hey Mike!” He shouted. “What?” Mike shouted back. “Come here!” 

Mike ran over to Jay just to see him 

pointing at the pile of leaves he just raked. “It’s pretty huge right?” Jay said. “Yeah,” Mike said back, impressed. “You know what I’m thinking right?” Jay said, looking at Mike while smirking. They started to walk back slowly before running towards the big pile of leaves and jumping into it. You could probably hear their laughter from a mile out. “Wilson, Skinner!” Emily’s grandmother called out. “Yes Ms.Wheat!” The boys responded, running to the cabin. 

“You boys are having a lot of fun, aren't 

you?” She asked while they both nodded excitedly. “Now don’t forget, I want those leaves to disappear.” She joked. As they were both going back to their workspace, Emily’s grandmother called for Jay. “Now Wilson, you’re birthday is coming up isn’t it?” She asked. “Yes ma’am, I’m turning 16. And I’m finally getting a car.” He said. “Well I do have a surprise for you when the time comes, but for now, take a cookie.” She said handing him the plate. “You know, I’m really thankful for you, Wilson. You’ve helped me with my granddaughter and you’ve cleaned my cabin so many times. Sometimes I wish there were more of you in the world. Trust me, I’ll watch over you.” She said calmly. Jay looked at her confused. “Wake up, Jay.”

And soon enough, he woke up. “What is 

that smell?” He thought to himself, while getting up to walk in the kitchen. “Yo, who’s cooking?” He said before entering the kitchen just to find no one there except a plate of cookies and a note by them. He picked up the note and read it out loud. “I’ll always watch over you signed, grandma.” 

“Thank grandma.” He says to himself. 

Unlike Jay, Mike couldn’t go to sleep even 

if he tried. So he went on social media. As he was scrolling down the feed he noticed he was tagged in a post. When he clicked on it, he noticed there was a picture of younger him and a paragraph next to it. 

It read: “Mike Brown, you’re one of the 

most kind hearted people I have ever met. You always knew how to make others feel happy and you’ve always been an amazing leader. And I’m definitely not saying it to butter you up. Trust me, your life is going to get better, it will just take time. Trust in your friends word, he only means the best for you and if you believe enough, then you’ll have what’s best for you. Signed, grandma.”

In the next post that he was tagged in, 

there was video showing him and his kids playing together with another woman who he was supposedly in love with. Mike cried tears of joy as his spirits were being lifted. That was exactly what he needed to believe in himself. “Thank you grandma.”