Granddad, why do you ring yourself every day?
Young Oliver had long noticed this peculiar habitGranddads morning ritual.
Each day, the old man sank into his worn leather armchair, picked up the battered rotary phone, and dialled his own number. Hed let it ring twice, then lower the receiver, slow and deliberate.
Granddad, whats that about? One morning, curiosity finally overcame the boy.
A soft smile played at Granddads lips, though his eyes shone with a deep, quiet sorrowgrief stretching back years.
When your Gran was alive shed phone me each morning, right at this hour, he said, the words gentle, fragile as paper. I know, of course no one will ever answer now. But ringing that number, it feels as ifjust for a momentIm still waiting for her.
Oliver said nothing more.
But the following day, as the clock struck nine, he tiptoed to the hallway, picked up the house phone, and dialledcareful, quiet, hoping Granddad wouldnt notice.
Granddads hand trembled as he lifted the receiver. Then, on the other end, a voice he cherished above all others:
Hello, Granddad I just wanted you to know someones still here, waiting for you at this very moment.
Sometimes, love doesnt fade. It merely finds a new voice.
And for love to stir againall it takes is one ordinary phone call.
