NIRVANA

“Grandpa! Where the hell have you been?”

“Vana?” His eyes widened like he’d never seen me in years. He ran in my direction and squeezed me into a tight hug. “Oh, Goddess. Thank Goddess.”

I chuckled as I hugged him back. “It’s only just been a week, Grandpa. You’re overreacting.”

He looked me in the eye from head to toe, cupped my head, and kissed me on the cheek, and he was about to get all teary-eyed.

“We don’t do that, Grandpa. Where have you been, anyway? I was worried when you did not pick up my call.”

“What do you mean?” There was pain, confusion, and relief in...