On Tenterhooks

Zachary finally managed to talk to his grandma when she awoke later that evening. Her eyes and pale face gained some color when she noticed him beside the hospital bed, and she immediately started asking about his life, career, and plans.

Her mannerisms were just like he remembered. She was her typical self, forever worried about other people while forgetting herself. But, of course, that was why Zachary respected and admired her from the bottom of his heart.

Even though her voice was a bit hoarse due to the illness, it was as if it was music when it sounded in his ears. Like when he was still a child under her care, it assembled into Swahili words that comforted him and compelled him to forget his worries. His mood lightened, and he began answering all her questions with zest as he sat there by the hospital bed.