Grand Dad's Place

Grand dad, you left so much knowledge in your written cryptic code. How will I be able to decipher your letters? Also, where did you hide the key to your roll top desk? These and other thoughts flooded over Sarah, as she sat in her Grand dad's worn leather wing back chair, overlooking the manicured back lawn.

She closed her eyes, remembering dinner conversations about how Grand dad would travel back in time if he could figure out how. His son, Sarah's dad, her older brother and her mom rolled their eyes. Grand dad winked at Sarah.

Living in Grand dad's mansion was pure heaven. A kazillion rooms, well, maybe over a hundred, at least. Walking from the east wing, up and down the stairs, ending at the west wing was definitely a good start for running a marathon.

Summer was here, finally.

"Grand dad is on holiday in Portugal," mom said as she looked through the mail before walking to the kitchen.

"Here is a postcard for you," mom said, handing it to Sarah. She remembered seeing him pack.

"Where are you going," she had asked him.

"Not sure, there is a whole world out there to explore," he replied.

"I wish your grandmother was here."

"She kinda is, " Sarah answered.

"Good girl. Keep thinking that way."

"Say, why don't you travel with me."

"Love to, however, I have finals. After finals, ok?" Grand dad smiled.

The postcard read, I decided to stay at my house in Portugal. Come and visit after finals, Love Grand dad.

"I would like to visit Grand dad," Sarah said, holding out the postcard, walking into the kitchen.

"What about summer classes starting," Mom asked, continuing to prepare breakfast. Dad was scrolling the local paper on his tablet. He picked up his cup, took a sip, glanced at his daughter and continued scrolling.

"Classes start in two weeks. That's plenty of time to get rested, check in on Grand dad, and return," Sarah replied. Silence, a positive sign.

The airport terminal was semi busy. Summer travel season had not yet ramped up. Perfect timing. Sarah sat on the bench, waiting to board early. Getting in time to people watch. Cloe, her best friend at university suggested she take some psychology courses, behavioral observations.

A family of seven, five children walked by. Looks like stair step in ages. Very well behaved. Daughter, eldest, can tell, appeared to be in charge. No chaos. I can just about handle my older brother Sarah thought.

She checked the flight schedule. On time, checking her phone, ten minutes till boarding.

A young couple, arm in arm, strolled by. Honeymoon trip? Not sure. Then, two male tweens raced by, nearly bumping into that couple. Maybe second thoughts about having children. She smiled. Then those boys raced back. The green hoodie was ahead of the blue hoodie.

"Boys!" Even with the bustle on the tarmac, the mom's voice rang out loud. Oh no. This will be interesting. The sister, staying close to mom. The racers were now close to dad. They calmly walked past. Well done mom.

Time, announcement for boarding. In eight hours, I will see Grand dad.

Great flight. Sarah wanted to surprise her Grand dad. His place was about twenty miles from the airport. Using a translator, Sarah located the bus that would make a stop within a short walking distance of his house. Perfect. She boarded, paid the fare, found a seat and put her backpack next to her. If someone needed the space, I'll move it she thought.

She looked around the half full bus. Some travelers were reading a book. Some reading newspapers. Several were scrolling on their phones. One older female, clutching her grocery bag and purse was snoozing.

Beautiful sunny day with puffy clouds. Her excitement was starting to bubble over a bit.

Grand dad's house was nestled in a quaint village, which didn't appear to have changed in the years since she had visited. This was real time travel! Sarah walked the three blocks from the bus stop, stepping aside, allowing a horse drawn carriage to pass.

There it is. Still the same as the photos from decades earlier. She walked past the neighbor lady who was tending her rose bushes. They exchanged a glance and smile. She walked to the front door and knocked. No answer. She tried the doorknob. Locked. Ok, he was out and about, as usual. She remembered, third geranium pot, to the right. The key was there.

Sarah let herself inside. So perfectly quaint. She tossed her backpack on the wingback living room chair. No TV. Hmmm. Shinny gemstones were resting on the mantle. They weren't there last time she visited.

The knock at the front door brought her back to real time. Upon opening the door, that neighbor lady stood at the threshold, smiling.

"Are you Sarah," she asked in a slight accent.

"Yes. Do you know when my grand dad will return?" The lady handed Sarah a sealed envelope, smiled, turned and walked away. Similar to those village crime dramas. Sarah closed the door, holding on to the envelope.

"She poured herself a glass of juice from the small fridge and walked with the glass and the envelope to the living room and plopped down on the love seat. Her name was block printed on the envelope.

Tearing open the envelope, she recognized Grand dad's writing, not cryptic this time. She began reading, slowly, looking at the words with uncertainty. What was he writing? What does he mean? Moments passed as the meaning of the letter became rather clear. She sighed.

Sarah rose from her chair, placed the letter on her backpack, used the bathroom, washed her hands then splashed water on her face. She stared at her reflection in the mirror for a while. Clarity now.

She walked to the front door, walked outside and placed the key under the third pot then walked inside and locked the door. Grabbing her backpack and letter, she stepped in front of the fireplace. Following the directions, she positioned the stones on the mantel as instructed. she would see Grand dad soon.