Old Ways

Dear Papa,

Where have you been? I have reached out to everyone and received the same answer, no one knows where you and Elliot went off to. We are all worried sick, please come home Papa. The school year is nearly starting for Elliot and according to the articles I have read, the first grade can be a crucial year in the development of children his age! I know how much you love the boy and I apologize for not allowing him to visit more often. That can certainly change though, this is not the way to go about seeking out company from your grandkids!

Sincerely,

May

Dear May,

I’m so sorry to have worried you, my dear. Elliot and I are having a great time together! The ePad you gave me last Christmas seems to be a bit out of my skill capacity which makes contacting very difficult. I do have to tell you though; this kid really lights up my world! Even at such a young age, I feel as though I can see the world more clearly for what it is around him! Is there any chance he may be able to do schooling over here? You know I have the wealth to put your family in a place near me with ease! I just can’t bare to see him separated from me once more.

Love,

Papa

Dear Papa,

Ah! That makes a lot of sense Papa! To be quite honest, everyone has been saying you’ve been having a hard time since the accident, I completely understand how you might find the iPad accessible. Sorry about the tone of the last letter, I was worried sick about Elliot. You know how much I would love to live near you Papa, but Liam just got promoted and things are finally beginning to feel normal. If you need someone around to make you feel less lonely or help you around the house, Uncle Terry lives right next door! Maybe it’s time you patch your relationship up with him, you know he means well. Regardless, Elliot does need to be coming home, I plan to come pick him up this weekend. See you then!

P.S – It’s iPad papa not ePad lol (laugh out loud)!

Sincerely,

May

Dear May,

iPad, that must’ve been why no one was able to understand what I was talking about! Elliot and I are excited to see you! I swear this boy seems like he’s grown since he first got here. A really stunning kid, I never realized his eyes were such a gorgeous shade of blue! I am not sure where he got that from, but it certainly wasn’t me! In regard to Terry, I will see heaven’s gates before I rekindle any connection we had. Unforgivable! What he did was utterly unforgivable! Intentional or not, I will live the rest of my years in retirement unrightfully handicapped because of him. This is not something I care to discuss further, see you this weekend.

Love,

Papa

Dear Papa,

I am sorry for upsetting you, I just hate seeing you lonely. Meema wouldn’t have wanted you to hold this grudge, you know that. Please make sure Elliot is brushing and flossing. Also, he needs to get into the habit of sleeping early again, have him in bed by 9 pm, please. Tell him Mama will be coming to see him early tomorrow morning!

Sincerely,

May

Dear May,

Great news dear! I have just been cleared to drive again! What do you say I take Elliot back home? The drive is no problem at all, and I would love to get just a little more bonding time with him, he is my grandson after all. I can have him home tomorrow evening if that’s ok with you.

Love,

Papa

Dear Papa,

 Dear Papa,

I appreciate the offer, but I've already made plans to come by tomorrow morning. It's been a while since we've had a proper catch-up, and I would love to spend some time with you. Plus, it will give me peace of mind to see where Elliot has been staying. It's a mother's instinct, you know. We can have lunch together and perhaps discuss a more regular visitation schedule for Elliot. I understand the bond between a grandparent and a grandchild, and I want Elliot to cherish these moments with you.

On another note, it's great to hear you're able to drive again! We should definitely celebrate this new freedom of yours. Perhaps next week, you could drive down to our place for dinner?

See you tomorrow, Papa. Safe travels if you plan on heading out before we arrive.

Love,

May

Dear May,

That sounds like a splendid idea! We'll make a day out of it. It's been quite some time since our family sat together for a meal. Your mother would've loved that. I'll ensure Elliot is up and ready early. There's something I've been meaning to show you, something that might help you understand my recent choices.

Love,

Papa

Upon arriving at her father's house, May noticed how different things were. The living room was adorned with pictures of Elliot and her father. But something caught her eye - a portrait of her father and Elliot where they both shared the same piercing blue eyes. It was strange; she didn't remember her father ever having blue eyes. Pushing the thought away, she went in search of them.

May found her father in the study, looking more alive than he had in years. But as she approached, her heart sank. Elliot was sitting in a chair, lifeless. His once-vibrant blue eyes were now milky and vacant.

"Papa! What have you done?!" May screamed, running towards her son.

Papa turned, and those familiar blue eyes of Elliot met hers. "I can see again, May," he whispered with a chilling calmness. "After the accident, after Terry's recklessness took away my sight, I was lost. But now, with Elliot's gift, I can see the world once more."

May, tears streaming down her face, cradled Elliot. "You took away his world for your own selfish desires! How could you?"

Papa looked down, his newly acquired eyes welling up with tears. "I thought I was giving him a better world, with wealth and love. But I see now, it was a world without light, without joy."

The house fell silent as the weight of his actions bore down on him. No amount of sight could give him clarity on the monstrous act he had committed.

Months passed, and the news of the horrific act spread. May, crushed by her father's betrayal and the loss of her son, moved away to a distant town to start anew. She fought tirelessly to raise awareness about organ trafficking and illegal surgeries, turning her pain into a purpose.

As for Papa, he lived the rest of his days in isolation, haunted by the eyes that once brought him joy. The eyes were a constant reminder of the innocence he stole.