Suzy and I - and even Master Mind - we can’t stop Joy from sitting on the magic carpet. The wound in her leg could open with any movement, she could still die if she bleeds like she did before, but she doesn’t listen to us and she can order Master Mind around. 

Without Justin we’re helpless against her.

For a split second I consider using force on her. I’m not that kind of father or grandfather, but to save her life? But clearly that would not work on Joy. She’s seven, but she’s had a life of adventure. She can twist out of anything, be more violent, and has a laster pistol and a sword around her belt and a knife in her shoe. 

She sits on the magic carpet Justin summoned up and that Joy has made permanent. 

She lies down on it, which shows me for the first time that she is in pain. “Let’s go on a little trip, Magic Carpet,” she taps it with her hand.

“No! Don’t go!” Suzy is frantic, and so am I. I don’t know what to do with her.

“Little Pirate, do not go far where I cannot save you. We must remain on this island.” 

Joy thinks about what Master Mind said and nods. 

“Good point,” she says. “Let’s go to the roof!” 

“No!” I hear the helplessness in Suzy’s voice. 

But Joy doesn’t listen. She lands on the roof, gets off the magic carpet, and just sits there.

“Come down, Joy!” I tell her.

“Joy, Joy, you have to come down,” Suzy implores her.

Nothing helps. She stays there, shifting her position, trying to find one that doesn’t hurt her as much. 

Suddenly she slips and falls. She falls right off the roof! I have only time to gasp as I watch helplessly as my granddaughter falls the three meters from the roof of our home and her entire body lands flat on the wooden porch. 

Master Mind tried to run towards her, but he didn’t make it.

“Jesus Christ,” Suzy says. “Jesus freaking Christ!” 

Joy raises herself by the hands. “I’m okay. Everything’s okay.” 

I look at the wound. Still not open. How lucky is that girl?! 

Master Mind reaches down and raises her body careful not to open the wound or hurt her. “Your orders are now superseded by my primary objective of keeping you alive.” 

He places her in the hammock on her back. “I will ensure you remain here, Little Pirate, until it is deemed that you are safe.” 

“It was just a fall from the roof!” Joy protests. 

“Your words are superseded. I will keep you safe regardless of your approval and disapproval.”

Suzy looks at me with relief in her eyes. I shake my head. Without Justin here, thank goodness for Master Mind!

—Told by Grampa Walt