“Yes.”
Vanessa stood.
“You actually bought that house?”
“Yes.”
Silence.
Then Emma ran down the stairs.
“Grandpa.”
She saw the suitcases.
“Are you leaving?”
“Across the street.”
Her eyes widened.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
She screamed.
Not fear.
Excitement.
“NOAH.”
Noah came running.
“What?”
“GRANDPA BOUGHT THE HOUSE.”
He looked at me.
“The one with the tree?”
“Yes.”
He grinned.
“Can we come over?”
“If your parents allow it.”
Both children turned toward Vanessa.
She looked trapped.
Ethan said.
“Of course.”
Vanessa forced a smile.
“Of course.”
I picked up the first suitcase.
Then remembered something.
I reached into my pocket.
House rules.
I unfolded them.
Placed the page on the kitchen counter.
Vanessa looked down.
I said.
“I followed every rule.”
Her face reddened.
“Yes.”
“You did.”
“I also paid the rent.”
“Yes.”
“Thank you.”
She looked uncomfortable.
I continued.
“I won’t be needing the room anymore.”
Then I took my suitcase.
