I sighed as I sat on my bed, to be honest, it's actually very tough for me as the grandfather of my two wonderful boys. Ever since their parents passed away, life became harder because the debt collectors kept coming to attack us to give them their money back. I actually planned to sell the family restaurant which is called 'Dig Big!' but Mori refused and said he'll stop going to school and run the family restaurant, I cried honestly that day as I told him not worry and I'll make things work but instead he said, he rather let his younger brother study in peace while he works. I couldn't refuse anymore and let it be.
It was actually sad but Mori did gave me lot of happy moments, he helped me alot and I taught him alot about Asian's cultures and dishes. He learned so quickly but had a strong Asian accent on his way of speaking, sometimes he speaks like a Singaporean which is funny to listen to, and he always calls the family restaurant 'Dig Bick!' due to his accent, nevertheless I didn't mind.
The two brothers relationship are great but they do shout and swear to each other alot. But seeing them happy makes me really happy.
Dear son, Mori and Jean have become so matured right now. Mori will turn 18 soon while Jean will reach 16 soon. I really can't wait for their birthdays, I really want to surprise them.
Knock Knock!
I heard a knock on my bedroom door and heard my beloved Mori's voice.
"Apu! Come for dinner la!"
I nodded at him then he smiled back, he came near me and gave out his right hand.
"Come Apu! Let's go." He says with a bright smile.
I let out a chuckle, Mori really understands me well, I was actually going to take my time to come down because of my back ache from all the cookings I did today, I grabbed my grandson's hand, then he helped me to get up and allowed me to use him as a support as we were holding hands while going downstairs to have dinner.
As we reached down, Jean saw us and he sighed.
"Apu is your back really alright? Shouldn't we go to hospital and check it ou?"
But knowing the hospital bills I rejected his offer.
"It's okay Jean, I'll be alright."
"If you say so." Jean responded with a worried face.
I couldn't help it after all until we fully pay the debts, I can't risk anything, even Jean must finish his studies in peace.
Mori helped me sit for the dinner, and Jean served the egg fried rice that I love.
We ate our dinner peacefully, talking about how our days were, and how funny some customers were, and also Jean mentioning about a school trip, it was a really lively dinner and I am really grateful to have Mori and Jean by myself, I love my grandsons, I can't afford to lose them.
So after our dinner, Jean was doing the dishes while Mori was making green tea for us.
I couldn't help but say.
"You know I am the luckiest grandpa in this world."
Mori and Jean paused at what they were doing and looked at me.
I chuckled and continued.
"It's because I have two matured boys with me."
They both smiled and Jean was the first to respond.
"And we're the luckiest to have a grandpa like you." Mori nodded in agreement.
I let out a laugh, feeling happy with what my grandsons said.
Mori passes me a cup of green tea, then places a cup on the side of the table where Jean sits, and one placed near him.
"We're waiting for you la, you slow ass." Mori says to Jean in a teasing manner.
"Geez, I am done." Jean responds and comes and seats with us.
As we enjoy our green tea made by Mori, Jean speaks up.
"As I mentioned before, tomorrow my school will go for a school trip."
"Oh that's nice, so is there anything you need?" I ask because I was worried if he'll be missing some things needed for his school trip.
Mori was silent and continued drinking the green tea, when it comes to things related to education, he's really quiet, which saddens me, as his grandpa I failed him to send him to school.
Before Jean could say anthing.
"Haiya, if you need anything just ask me la, I'll provide you." Mori says to Jean and he continues, "And Apu, don't feel sad or disappointed at yourself okay, la? I chose this and I don't regret it, I am happy with whatever we have and whatever has happen so far, let Jon continue his studies well and I will continue to help in the restaurant, okay?"
I was shock at first that read me so well, well I shouldn't be sad as he says.
I smiled and nodded in response.
"Okay then, give me some money for tomorrow." Jean responses to Mori's question as that what he needs for his school trip.
"Okay la, I will give tomorrow." Mori reassures that he'll give the money to Jean tomorrow.
I couldn't help but smile at them, they really have a strong special bond.
"Apu you smiling alot today, did something good happen?" Jean asks as he sees my smiling face.
"Haha, it's nothing really, I am just happy seeing you two getting along very well." I responded to him.
"But we're like this ever since we were kids tho?" Jean asks as he was confused with my statement.
Mori was just silent and smiled at us. And I can't help but chuckle.
"Yes yes, you boys were like this ever since you were kids and seeing you grow up like this, really makes an old man like me happy. Now now isn't it late right now? Shouldn't we all go to bed right now?"
After saying that, the boys agreed and went to their respective rooms to sleep or do whatever they have to do. While I remain in the kitchen, thinking for Jean's School trip, I just hope and pray he enjoys and doesn't get hurt nor any accidents.
After being lost in thoughts for few minutes I decided to go back to my room, my back was still aching but I told my boys to go to their rooms and rest, so I guess I have to do this alone , walking upstairs.
And as soon as I got up, I saw Mori waiting for me at the door, he was smiling and looking at me, yes I knew he couldn't leave me alone, he really worries alot, but my heartfelt lighter when I saw him.
Knowing him, he approached me and reached out his hand for me to hold it which I did in response.
He didn't say anything while he was helping me climb the stairs as we were going to my room, I guess he really have alot of things going on in his mind. And when we reached my bedroom door, he opened it and helped me get on the bed.
He tucked me in, he really is a kind grandson.
"Goodnight Apu, sweet dreams" are the words he left me before he went out of my bedroom.
Looks like I'll have a really sweet dream thanks to him.