Can’t Win Me Back

As Newton’s grandson, Jasper did not take after him much. All he took after was Javier’s cold- heartedness. Jasper thought he was getting better, but he finally realized that he could never measure up to the depth of Newton’s affection for Doris.

“| will never hurt you again,” he said in a trembling voice after a frustrating silence. Alyssa placed a finger on his lips and chuckled. “Yeah. You won’t.” After the couple enjoyed a hearty dinner with Newton, Ben sent someone to get the fireworks.

Seated in the wheelchair, Newton smiled as the couple lit the fireworks. Jasper and Alyssa waved the sparklers around like two happy kids on Christmas Day.

“Look at the wide smile on Mr. Jasper’s face,” remarked Ben, who thoughtfully draped a blanket on Newton’s lap. “I still remember the time he first started living with you.

“His height was around your waist level. He was dressed in oversized clothes, looking tanned, underweight, and tiny. Now, he’s a man with his own responsibilities.”

Ben continued saying, “He never smiled in that way before he met Ms. Alyssa. He carried a heavy burden on his shoulders and hatred in his heart. He was never as happy as he is now. Fortunately, Ms. Alyssa saved him from the darkness. It’s all in the past now.”

just a gift of God to me. She’s a gift to my grandson.” Newton looked on gently, feeling the warmth

of his late wife, who had passed away many years back. “Till all the seas gang

the rocks melt with

thee still, my

sands of life shall

reality when his phone rang. His eyes

puzzled look at the screen before gasping. “It’s… Mr. Justin?” “Ben, wheel me indoors.” The duo entered the living room, where Newton answered the video call

face appeared on the screen, looking pallid. He smiled amicably at Newton. “Grandpa, it’s been a while.

quite weak. Have you been taking your medications on time and going