Chapter 15:

Memories (Part 1)

Reshape in Another World

“…”

I hold a wooden plate adorned with sliced apples, blueberries, and neatly diced papayas, ensuring bite-sized portions for easy consumption. After evading this for years, the moment has arrived for me to finally confront him.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

“…Grandpa Algar?” I shouted out.

“…”

No response.

“Excuse me…”

I gently open the door, unveiling a room wrapped in a soft, subdued glow emanating from behind the drawn curtains. The closed window coverings filtered the daylight, creating an ambiance of muted illumination. Positioned on the room's right side, a bed and a small table with some leftover porridge lay on top of it.

On that bed, Grandpa Algar is sleeping in, his face looking peaceful.

Grandpa Algar usually wakes up in the morning to eat breakfast and soak in the fresh air, eat lunch in the afternoon, take a nap, and then have dinner once he wakes up. However, he hasn’t had his lunch yet due to everyone being away, but it’s not that big of a deal since Grandpa Algar has a low appetite.

“…”

I used the spoon on the plate to touch the porridge, a tactile sticky feeling as if touching mud came from it.

“Guess I’ll have to throw this away…”

Seriously, why do they give this person a lot of food to begin with? I thought they already knew that he couldn’t eat much to begin with.

I grabbed the plate out, put the new fresh fruits on the table, and placed the porridge on the tray.

I placed the tray on the table, and then I lightly shook his body.

“Hey… Grandpa Algar… It’s time for lunch…”

“Hrnghh…”

Grandpa’s body slowly turned towards me, followed by his wrinkled eyes gradually opening up. He quietly analyzed his surroundings until we made eye contact.

“Ahh… Good morning Fina…” A small smile appeared on his face.

“…”

“…Fina?” Grandpa tilts his head.

“Good morning, Grandpa. Although it’s in the middle of the afternoon…” I replied whilst clenching my fist.

This is why I’ve avoided him for years. This is why I didn’t want to see him.

However,

Seeing him try so hard to overcome his shortcomings is more than enough of a reason for me to catch up.

I don’t want to get left behind by him of all people!

“Hey Grandpa… My name is Celicia, not Fina…”

“…Huh?” Grandpa slowly sits up on his bed, “Then… where’s Fina…?” Grandpa asks, his hands moving towards me as if trying to hug me.

“…Fina is… no longer here...” I lightly shook my head.

"T-Then... Where's Fina? And who are you?" Grandpa's lips quivered.

"...I'm Celicia, your granddaughter," I swallow a lump of saliva to moisten my parched throat. I clench my fist and continue, "And Fina is... in a place above us..."

"...Fina..."

"..."

“…I see…” Grandpa retracts his hand, his eyes welled up and gazing downwards.

“…”

Grandpa sits lifelessly on the bed as if the string attached to him has been cut.

“…”

…What does this achieve?

My own satisfaction?

Overcoming my own fear?

Was this a good idea? In the end, all I did was hurt him. I thought he’d go berserk like he usually does, but he’s oddly a lot more solemn and sad…

It's as if he has given up...

“…Grandpa, make sure you eat your fruits, okay?”