16: MEMORIES WITH GRANNY

After placing the sock in the laundry basket, Ivy felt a sense of contentment. Toby's playful antics had lifted her spirits, and she decided it was time to head back to her room. She walked upstairs, with Toby following closely behind, his little paws padding softly on the carpet.

Once in her room, Ivy settled onto her bed and picked up her phone. She noticed several unread messages and decided to catch up on them. She started with Jake's message, feeling a warm flutter in her chest as she read his words of concern and affection. Ivy quickly typed a reply, assuring him that she was feeling better and thanking him for always being there for her.

Next, she went through messages from her friends and family, responding to each one with care. It felt good to stay connected, even if it was through a screen. After replying to all the messages, Ivy decided to unwind by watching some reels online. She scrolled through her feed, laughing at funny videos and feeling inspired by creative content.

The reels were a welcome distraction, and Ivy found herself lost in the endless stream of short, entertaining clips. There were videos of adorable animals, cooking tutorials, and motivational speeches. Each reel brought a smile to her face, and she felt a sense of connection to the wider world.

After a while, Ivy decided it was time to do something more productive. She put her phone down and looked around her room, thinking about what she could do next. Her eyes landed on her seashell collection, neatly arranged on a shelf by the window. The collection was a cherished hobby, and each shell held a special memory.

Ivy walked over to the shelf and carefully picked up one of the larger shells. It was a conch shell, with intricate patterns and a soft pink hue. She held it up to her ear, listening to the faint sound of the ocean. The shells always brought her a sense of calm and nostalgia, reminding her of family trips to the beach.

Feeling inspired, Ivy decided to organize her seashell collection. She took each shell off the shelf and laid them out on her bed, arranging them by size and color. It was a soothing activity, and she enjoyed the tactile sensation of the smooth, cool shells in her hands.

As she worked, Ivy thought about the stories behind each shell. There was the tiny, delicate shell she had found on a trip to the coast with her grandmother, Roseline. She picked it up, memories flooding back of the day she and her grandmother Roseline had found it on the beach. Roseline had always been a pillar of strength for Ivy, especially during the tough times when her SCID made her feel isolated and weak.

"Be strong, my dear," Roseline would say, her voice gentle yet firm. "You are braver than you think." Whenever Ivy was down, her grandmother was there, offering comfort and care, making sure she never felt alone in her struggles.

One night, under a blanket of stars, Roseline had shared a story with Ivy. Pointing to the twinkling lights above, she said, "One day, I will be among those stars, watching over you from heaven. Don't be sad, Ivy. I'll always be with you." At the time,Ivy didn't fully understand the weight of those words.

It wasn't until Roseline was diagnosed with cancer that the reality began to sink in. Watching her grandmother's health deteriorate was heart-wrenching. The once vibrant and strong woman who had been her rock was now frail and in pain. The toll it took on Ivy was immense, each day filled with a mix of hope and despair.

Roseline often spoke of Ivy's grandfather, Derrick, a man Ivy never had the chance to meet. Through her grandmother's stories, Ivy felt she knew him well. Roseline would recount tales of Derrick's kindness, his strength, and the love they shared. "He was a very good man," Roseline would say, her eyes shining with fond memories. These stories made Ivy feel connected to a part of her family she had never known.

When Roseline finally passed away, the pain was almost unbearable.Ivy felt a deep, aching void, struggling to come to terms with the loss. But as she held the seashell in her hand, she remembered her grandmother's words and felt a sense of peace. Roseline was among the stars now, watching over her, just as she had promised.

Another shell, a vibrant orange scallop, was a souvenir from a family vacation to a tropical island. Each shell was a piece of her past, a reminder of happy moments and cherished memories.

Ivy missed her grandmother Roseline dearly. Roseline had passed away a few years ago, but her love and wisdom still resonated deeply with Ivy. She remembered the stories Roseline used to tell, the way she would comfort Ivy during difficult times, and the unconditional love she always showed. Ivy often found herself thinking about her grandmother, wishing she could share her thoughts and experiences with her.

Once she had finished organizing the shells, Ivy felt a sense of accomplishment. The collection looked beautiful, and she was pleased with how everything was arranged. She carefully placed the shells back on the shelf, making sure each one was displayed to its best advantage.

With the seashells organized, Ivy decided to spend some time with Toby. She grabbed his favorite toy, a squeaky ball, and headed downstairs to the living room. Toby's eyes lit up with excitement as soon as he saw the ball, and he barked happily, ready to play.

Ivy threw the ball across the room, and Toby chased after it with boundless energy. They played fetch for a while, Ivy laughing at Toby's enthusiastic antics. The little puppy was a bundle of joy, and his playful nature never failed to brighten her day.

After their play session, Ivy sat down on the couch, and Toby jumped up beside her, curling up in her lap. She stroked his soft fur, feeling a sense of peace and contentment. The day had been filled with small, meaningful moments, and Ivy was grateful for each one.