Grandma’s Bad News

    Paul and Jessica loved their grandmother very much. To them, she was the most gentle, kind, and generous person in the whole world. They loved her, not just because she told the most wonderful bedtime stories, or that she baked the world’s greatest cookies. Nor was it because she gave the most wonderful hugs. They also loved her, because she made them feel safe and warm all over whenever they thought of, or were near her. So, when Paul and Jessica learned that grandma had lost her favorite recipe book, they immediately rushed over to see if there was anything they could do to help make her feel better.

    When they arrived at grandma’s house, she was sitting in that same old, warm and very comfortable looking chair she always sat in. It had been in the same place and facing the same direction for many, many years. Paul and Jessica couldn’t remember it ever being anyplace else. It was placed in front of a large picture window in her living room, where she could sit and watch her favorite television shows. Sometimes, she would just sit and watch the comings and goings in the street in front of her house.

    “Hello, children. Have you heard the news?” She asked, as she leaned forward in her chair to give them each a great big hug.

    “Yes, grandma, we came over as soon as we heard. Do you have any idea where you might have lost it?” Asked Jessica, as she sat down on the arm of grandma’s chair.

    “I must have lost it on my way back from your uncle Buck’s house.” Explained grandma, as she pressed her tiny hands against her cheeks. “I was there making a couple of my banana/raisin breads. You know, the ones he’s always begging me to bake for him.”

    “Maybe you left it at uncle Buck’s. Did you call him to see if it was still there?” Asked Paul, reaching out to hold grandma’s hand.

    “Yes dear, I did call your uncle, and he said he looked all over but couldn’t find it. So, I guess I must have lost it somewhere between his house and here.” She said, with a mournful sigh.

    “Don’t be sad, grandma. We’ll help you look for it, wont we, Paul?” Jessica stated, as she stood, giving Paul’s jacket a tug on the way. Paul, who’s mouth was watering as he sat there looking out towards the kitchen and grandma’s cookie jar.

    “Paul, pay attention, grandma needs our help.” She snapped. Her voice startled Paul so much he almost fell off the footstool he was sitting on. Paul didn’t like it when his sister bossed him around. Just because she was one year older than him, didn’t mean he had to do everything she said. After all, she knew, of all the things in the world that Paul liked, grandma’s cookies were the things he liked most. Followed by Saturday morning cartoons and adventures, especially pirate adventures.

    “I’m sorry, little ones, but I’m so tired from walking to and from your uncle’s house, I don’t think I’ll be able to look for it today. We’ll just have to wait until tomorrow when I’m more rested.” Grandma said, as she rose and turned towards the kitchen.

    Paul saw his chance for some of grandma’s cookies. “We’ll be glad to look for your recipe book for you, grandma. Besides, you’re always doing nice things for us.” He said, blushing slightly as he stood.

    Grandma had noticed that Paul kept glancing over towards her cookie jar as he talked, and said. “Well if you two are gonna walk all the way to your uncle’s house and back, you’ll need some supplies to help keep your strength up.” She said, giving Paul a knowing nudge.

    Paul’s eyes widened as grandma reached for the cookie jar. “Here, take some cookies with you so you don’t get hungry while you’re out looking for my recipe book.” She said, as she filled two small bags with cookies and gave one each to Paul and Jessica. “Would either of you like a cookie now, before you leave?” She asked.

    Before Paul could step forward and take a cookie, Jessica pulled him back and said, “No thank you, grandma, what we have in the bags is plenty enough for us. Isn’t it, Paul?”

    Reluctantly, Paul said, half moaning, “I guess so.” If the pout on his face were any bigger, it would surely cover his nose entirely. As they turned to go out the door, grandma secretly placed a cookie in Paul’s hand and gave him a mischievous wink. “Our little secret.” She whispered.