My other cousins sent him text messages.
So when he started planning his 80th, I tried not to expect too much.
But Grandpa was excited in a way I had not seen since Grandma died.
« I’m thinking just a little gathering, » he told me one Sunday, stirring sugar into his coffee. « Sandwiches. Cake. Maybe some of those balloons from the dollar store. »
« That sounds perfect, Grandpa. »
« You think people will come? »
The question caught in my chest. I covered it with a smile.
« Of course they will. It’s your 80th. That’s a big one. »
He nodded slowly, like he was trying to believe it.
I made the calls myself, just to be sure.
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