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I'll Always Remember by Nunah S.
It crept quietly into our lives like a faint winter mist, leaving everything translucent in existence. Have you ever wondered how granted we take certain elements in our life, not giving them their due appreciation. Yet at times life humbles us in the most unexpected way - leaving deep footprints on our hearts and souls.The story starts last summer when I went for a short and much awaited stay at Gran's. The thought of her cozy cottage nestled deep in the woods makes me long for the earthy and elegant gardens. Its orchard was now home to numerous apple trees which we planted together when I was a toddler. It was in fact Gran who planted the seedlings - I was busy playing in the mud!However, this year for the first time I realized - Gran's getting old! No one said it, nor did she ever complain but it became pronounced in her silent struggle to walk up a flight of stairs, staying awake for long or staying coherent for a long period of time. Whenever she forgot her train of thought she would sheepishly smile and ask, "Where was I again?" and the story continued.Lately these stories were diminishing and Gran's bedtime story marathon was now a thing of the past. Still, I aimed to snuggle next to her with my novel. The gentle rub of her fingers on my hairs ignites deep warmth within my soul which always lulled me to sleep. It was last night that the question I feared the most escaped her lips, "I know I love you but can't seem to recall your name, what was it again?", "I'm Luna, Gran."I replied with a faint smile making its way to my lips. Gran hummed and I soon diverted her attention by enquiring about her emerald ring. "Oh this, it's the only symbol I have left of my mother" she told and began talking about my great grandmother as if it was yesterday's news! She took us both for a deep dive into her past - of a life lived to its fullest and love so sincere it ached.The next morning, I told Dad all that had transpired last night and with misery etched on his face he informed me that Gran has Dementia, it is not just getting old her memory is fading. Soon she will face difficulty in doing her daily chores and will have a hard time remembering. "I don't like the sound of that", I whispered, scared for her. Dad hugged me and we both tried to find solace for an uncertain future.That night laying with her fragile hand in mine, I traced the veins which adored her pale palm and vowed silently. I'll remember, I'll recall and I'll tell all of her story tales. Even if she forgot me completely, I'll gently nudge her memory with love. Because it's simple - even if she forgets me, I know she is the world's best Gran and I'm her Granddaughter.
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The Living Room That Wouldn't Stay Still
By Cillian A.
