Suzy and I nudge the door to Joy’s room just a bit. I hope it doesn’t squeak. It doesn’t. I don’t want to wake her up. 

We both peek in. 

Suzy gasps. I want to, too, but I hold it in. 

Joy is lying in her small cot in her room. 

“She’s soooo beautiful!” Suzy says, keeping her voice low. 

“Look at her, even when she sleeps, she looks like a fighter.” I keep my voice own low. ”See that chin. That’s a kid that’s seen hardship.”

Suzy nudges me. “She’s beautiful. Can’t you say she’s beautiful?” she whispers at me. 

“What does it matter? She can’t hear me!” I whisper back. “You don’t want her to get all stuck up, though!” 

Suzy makes a dismissing wave at me with her hand. 

I look at Joy again. “Why is she so white, though? It’s like something’s wrong with her skin.” 

“You shush,” Suzy leans in closer to look at her. “Gorgeous! Six years old! We have a brand new six year old granddaughter!” 

I shake my head. “Unbelievable.” 

She’s not our first grandkid, but we just learned about her, and we’re just as excited as we were when our other two grandchildren were born.

She puts her hands to her heart. “Oh, my god, I love her so much!” 

Then we look around. At the small number of toys, the daggers in the corner, the laser pistol peeking out under her pillow. 

I point out the last one to Suzy. She gasps. Again.

“We’re going to have a loooong talk with Justin when he comes back!” 

“We should listen first,” I say calmly. “Get more data before we form an opinion.” 

“She’s six. She’s not a warrior. She needs a home and school and… to not be a warrior.” 

Joy stirs. 

Before we realize it, she opens her eyes and sits up, completely awake. 

“Grandma!” 

She jumps out of bed, arms spread, and hugs Suzy. Suzy hugs her back so warmly, like only Suzy can. I stand aside, looking at them, but also jealous. 

Joy separates from Suzy and opens her arms again and slams against me. “Grandpa!” 

I hug her and my heart melts. I almost want to cry. 

I have a granddaughter. Her name is Joy. She lives in the dream. And now so do I.

(To be continued.)

—Told by Grampa Walt