The call

How much longer do I have to go through these files? It's really tiring," Aurora said, stretching lazily, making Lisa roll her eyes in response.

"You are always lazy when it comes to working, but you should have it at the back of your mind that you are. " She trailed as Aurora held out her hand, signifying her to keep quiet.

Her grandfather doesn't call often, but whenever he does, she is always glad to hear from him.

"Grandpa!" She called with ecstasy, but the look changed to a frown, and she got up without saying a word.

"Aurora!" Lisa called, running after her.

"What's the matter with you? What happened?" She asked as she finally caught up to her.

"My grandfather, I don't know what's wrong with him. He called, but then. Someone else, a "

"A doctor talked to me, but I couldn't hear his voice. My grandfather was quiet. He..."

"Hey, calm down. Let's go there ourselves. We'll know what the problem is when we get there," Lisa said, leading her to the car.

The ride to the hospital was silent. "To Aurora, each passing second is like one whole year to her; we are here," Lisa finally announced. Without looking around, she rushed, headed directly to the hospital, and left Lisa to park appropriately.

Living all alone is like a dream come true. However, Lisa, her best friend and secretary, often disturbed this dream by forcing her to do the office job and reminding her of her position in the company.

Still, all of a sudden, her world seemed to be collapsing. She decided to stay away from her grandfather, not because she hated him or because he nags like some older men always do; Aurora decided because she wanted to have a taste of independence. But then why was her grandfather sick all of a sudden?

He is an older man who always looks healthy and strong, so what suddenly went wrong?

"Where is he? Where is my grandfather? What happened to him?" She asked, wiping the tears on her face, thinking of the worst thing that could happen.

"And are you?" The doctor asked.

"Come with me, miss; I will take you to him." Another doctor said calmly.

Her eyes fell as soon as she saw the almost lifeless body of her grandfather lying on the hospital bed.

The heart monitor could be heard loudly as the sick smell of the hospital hit her nose for the first time since she walked in.

The last time she saw her old man, he looked strong and healthy.

All she had ever wanted was to make the older man proud, but for the first time, his wrinkles were pronounced, and she suddenly realized that he was her grandfather.

All he had done was build the family's legacy and make himself a man she could be proud of.

" Gramps, what's the matter? Why are you like this?" she asked, hovering around him.

"Rora, you are finally here; I'm glad I got to see your beautiful eyes before my departure," Eric said with a weak smile.

"Your departure? What do you mean by that? Where are you going looking all weak? Are you going on a business trip?" She asked, wiping her tears.

" This has to happen, Rora; you know I can't live forever, and you know well that I will leave you someday, so I think this is it." He said.

"You keep speaking in parables, which makes me more confused. You can't go anywhere looking weak."

"Maybe this is how I was destined to leave, but whichever way, I want you to listen to me, " he said weakly.

"No, you are going nowhere. You have to remain with me. You still have a lot to do for me. You can't leave me as well?"

"Aurora Gold, listen to me!"

"I have made preparations before now. I want you to be safe, and I want to rest well even in my grave, so please, you have to fulfill this old man's dying wish; you have to please do what I want to cause this would be the last request I will ever make."

"For God's sake, stop this, Gramps? She said, holding him tightly.

"No, listen to me, Aurora Gold." He said, holding her hands instead.

"Promise me you will fulfill this old man's dying wish; this wish is something you have to do if you want me to be happy even in death." He said.

"What darned wish? I will do anything for you, anything possible." She snapped.

"But I need you alive."

"I wish I could stay a little longer with my granddaughter; you are the best gift life has given me, and even in death, I would be happy that I left you in safe hands." He said weakly, forcing out a smile.

"I want you to stay much longer, grandfather; I want you to be by my side always. You are the only family I have. I don't think anyone would..."

"I know pretty well, but then...as much as I hate to say this, it is inevitable, and we must embrace it. "

"But before I leave, as I said, I want you to do just one thing for me; I'm sure you want me to be happy even in death, as much as I want you to be safe and happy as well."

"I would do anything for you, Gramps. You are all I have. What is it you want? Just tell me, and I won't hesitate to do it. I will do anything to make you happy."

He glanced at the door, briefly nodding, and an older man walked close to us. 

Was he standing there all this while, and why did I not notice his presence ever since I came in? 

"Thomas," Eric called weakly, briefly sharing a knowing look with him.

Aurora knew the two older men were up to something from their short nods and looks, but what exactly were they up to?