“Dad, it’s the right move. You shouldn’t be alone, and Danny needs his grandpa,” Mike had urged. George packed his bags. At first, it seemed like a good idea. He made breakfast for the kids, kept the yard tidy, and took Danny to the park.
But before long, Sarah’s patience wore thin.
“George, the food you make is too heavy. I’m trying to watch my cholesterol,” she’d say with a forced smile, pushing a plate away. He tried to adjust, but the criticisms became more frequent.
Eventually, Sarah insisted on cooking separate meals, citing “dietary preferences.” Mike spent more time at the office. George found himself spending most of his time in his room, trying to stay out of the way. He missed the days when he and Eleanor would sit on the porch and talk for hours.
The contrast between his old life and this new, sterile existence was bitter. Danny was his only joy. The boy loved George’s stories and their afternoon walks. But Sarah seemed to view their bond as a nuisance.
“Let them play, Sarah. It’s fine,” Mike would say when she complained about the “clutter” of George’s tools in the garage. George realized he was a guest in a house that didn’t want him. When he tried to talk to Mike about it, his son just looked tired.
“Dad, we’re just busy. Don’t overthink it.”
The gap widened. George felt like a ghost in his own son’s home. Despite the slights, he kept helping. He’d wake up early, make coffee, and try to be useful.
Danny was his shadow. The boy was a quick learner, soaking up everything George taught him. They spent hours outside, George telling him about the “old days” and helping him with his homework. But Sarah’s irritation grew.
Small things set her off: the way he stacked the dishwasher or how he organized Danny’s toys. One evening, after Mike got home from a long shift, Sarah pulled him aside.
“We need to make a change. I can’t live like this anymore.”
Mike knew what was coming. He rubbed his face, exhausted.
“What are you suggesting?” he asked, his voice flat.
“He needs to go to a senior living community,” Sarah said firmly. “A nice one. He’ll have people his own age, activities, professional care. It’s better for everyone.”
Mike didn’t argue. He saw his father was aging, but the idea of sending him away felt like a betrayal. Still, Sarah had already done the research.
She found a facility called “The Pines,” booked a room, and presented it to George as a “wellness retreat.”
“George, it’s for your health,” she said with that same tight smile. “They have a gym, a library, and 24-hour staff. You’ll come back feeling like a new man.”
George saw right through it, but he didn’t have the energy to fight. He simply nodded. On moving day, Mike and Sarah helped him pack. Danny, confused, hugged his grandpa’s waist.
“Grandpa, are you coming back soon?”
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