Jayvaughn slowly climbed the long, rounded staircase that led to his grandmother's room. His steps echoed lightly against the polished wood, and with each step, he felt the heaviness of what he was about to do. When he reached the top, he stopped in front of her door and knocked softly.
There was no response.
He knocked again, this time louder, and called out, "Grandmother, are you there?"
A muffled voice answered from inside, sharp but tinged with hurt. "Leave me alone. I thought you didn't want me anymore. You said you wanted to disown me, so why are you looking for me if I mean nothing to you?"
Jayvaughn let out a quiet sigh. Carefully, he tried the handle and realized the door was not locked. Pushing it open, he stepped into her room. His grandmother was lying on her large queen-sized bed, the duvet pulled over her head like a shield.
He bent slightly, his voice uneven as he spoke. "Grandma," he said, his throat tight, "the food is getting cold. Come eat."
