Page 76 of The Christmas Keepsake
“Of course. Even an adult can feel like a child again in the theater,” Nan quipped. “I always did, at least.”
Mallory had too. And she’d felt freer lately than she had in a long time.
As Mallory helped Nan settle back into her chair, they admired the tree with all its ornaments and lights, tinsel and garland. Then Mallory turned to take Nan back to her spot at the table but noticed Pop sitting at the opposite corner of the room. Hollis’s grandfather looked small and somewhat lost in an oversize armchair. Hewas a newer resident here, and she imagined he didn’t quite feel at home yet.
Mallory glanced at the large clock on the wall above Pop.Where is Hollis?It wasn’t like him to be late, especially not for something involving Pop.
“Hey, Nan, would you like to say hello to Pop?” Mallory gestured toward the elderly man.
Nan’s gaze followed the direction of Mallory’s pointer. “That man’s name isn’t Pop.”
Mallory frowned, afraid that Nan’s moments of clarity were gone. “It is. He’s a good friend of mine.”
“Oh, he’s a friend of mine too. Or used to be.” Nan craned her neck to look at Mallory behind her pushing the wheelchair. “His name is Ralph.”
Mallory stopped in her tracks, her breath catching as she looked at Nan and then Pop, sitting by the window. No. No, this was just Nan’s memories blurring. Mallory wasn’t sure who the man in Nan’s journal entries was, but surely he wasn’t Hollis’s grandfather. “Well, he looks like he could use some company. Let’s go say hello?”
As they crossed the room, Mallory pulled her phone from her pocket and quickly typed out a text to Hollis:
Mallory:Everything okay? We’re at Memory Oaks for the tree decorating. Pop’s here, but no sign of you yet.
Pop’s weathered face broke into a small grin as he saw Mallory and Nan approach. “Well, hello there, Nan,” he said, his voice rough but warm. “Come to join a brooding man in the corner?”
Nan laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Now, now,” she chided. “No brooding allowed at Christmas. Have you hung your ornament yet?”
“My grandson is supposed to bring me one,” he said, making a show of looking around. “Hollis must be caught up in something more important than an old man like me. Maybe he’s found himself a date. I gave him a few pointers the other day,” Pop added, smiling at Mallory and offering a wink.
Mallory laughed quietly and listened as Nan engaged Pop in more conversation. They talked like old friends, which warmed Mallory’s heart. This was a wonderful place for Nan. Safe and joyful despite the pain and frustration that the patients’ ailments brought. The joy on Nan’s face right now was priceless. Except it did have a price. One that Mallory was having a difficult time affording.
Mallory’s phone buzzed. That must be Hollis. Mallory reached inside her pocket for her phone, disappointed when she realized the message was from Savannah.
Savannah:How’s Nan? Tell her hello for me.
Mallory was always happy to hear from her best friend, but growing concern niggled in her gut. Hollis had been attending events like these at Memory Oaks long before his grandfather moved in. Hollis brought his therapy dog and his charming personality. What was keeping him tonight?
“Oh, look.” Pop pointed across the room as the staff gathered along the wall wearing red Santa hats. Then they broke out in song. “Carolers.”
Nan hummed along, occasionally using her full voice for a line or two that she seemed to remember.
Watching and listening, Mallory felt a fierce protectiveness well up inside her. She had an impossible choice to make, but there really was no choice. Keeping Nan at this facility was the most important thing. Mallory could only work so many extra shifts at the hospital before she burned out completely.
Nan touched Mallory’s arm, her eyes clear and bright. “Having you here means more than you know.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Nan.” Mallory’s gaze jumped to Pop. Hollis wouldn’t be anywhere else either. Not if he could help it.
The niggling concern hit a discordant note in the otherwise harmonious evening.
Where is he?
Chapter Twenty-Four
No matter what they tell you, words and ideas can change the world.
—Robin Williams
“Buster!” Hollis had searched the inside of his house, calling Buster’s name until his voice was hoarse.
Buster was nowhere to be seen.
