“Dad, do we have to go get Grandpa?”
“Yes, it’s Christmas for heaven’s sake! Don’t be disrespectful.” Dad’s voice went from exasperated to stern in one octave.
“The ol’ foggie’s home smells like disinfectant and Ben gay!”
“Stop complaining!”
“Grandpa doesn’t even remember my name! He barely knows yours! Always confusing you with people we don’t even know..”
“Cut it out, NOW ! Or I’ll make you go in and get him ALONE !”
I glued my lips shut fast!

“Merry Christmas Dad!” Dad’s voice was too loud for this place, but Grandpa could barely hear him.
“Oh! Billy! Good to see.. And who’s this?” Grandpa’s eyes glittered like brown marbles.

“Dad you remember Casey, my son.”
“Heaven’s to Betsy!” Grandpa’s next whisper could be heard down the hall, “Aren’t you a little young to be having children, Bob?”

Then he looked at me again, “Are you here to play with Danny?” My eyebrows shot up and dad shrugged.

“Let’s go now, Dad!” He expertly pushed the wheelchair out of the maze of halls.
“Where are we going?”
“Out”
“Who boy!”