Alice cherished her family’s birthday gatherings, but this year her grandfather, Ted, wasn’t invited. When she asked her mother why, Lisa snapped at her, a reaction Alice had never seen before. It left her confused and concerned.
She remembered the last time her mother and Ted had argued—an angry shout echoed through the house. Grandpa Ted had been acting strange, and that night everything changed. He stopped coming around. Alice didn’t know what had happened but felt his absence deeply. She loved him dearly.
At her parents’ dinner table, the weight of silence settled over Alice. She finally asked, “Why isn’t Grandpa Ted here?” The room grew cold. Her mother’s face hardened. “Grandpa Ted made some bad decisions. We don’t need to see him anymore,” Lisa said, her tone final. Alice’s heart sank. “But he’s still family,” she whispered. Lisa’s anger flared. “He can’t even afford his kidney treatment. It’s better this way.”
Alice retreated to her room, her mind racing. She overheard her father telling her mother that Ted needed money for medication. Alice’s heart ached for him. She needed to help, no matter what.
Her eyes landed on her piggy bank. It wasn’t much, but it was her savings—money she had been saving for months for a bicycle. She hesitated, but then decided that helping Grandpa Ted was more important. Alice smashed the piggy bank, gathering the coins and bills. It wasn’t enough, but it was all she had.
Quietly, she slipped out of her room, climbed out the window, and made her way to the bus stop. The night air was chilly, but her determination kept her warm. She took the last bus of the night, clutching her backpack tight.
When she arrived at Ted’s house, it looked emptier than before. The creaky porch and peeling paint were familiar, but tonight, they seemed sadder. Alice knocked gently, and Ted appeared, his face lighting up when he saw her.
“Alice! What are you doing here, sweetheart?” he asked, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
“I came to help you, Grandpa,” she whispered, pulling out her savings. “Dad said you’re sick, and you need medicine. This is all I have.”
Ted’s eyes filled with tears. “Alice, this is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me. But… I don’t think this money will cure me. What you’ve given me is worth more than medicine—your love.”
Alice frowned. “But I want you to get better.”
Ted smiled sadly. “I’m afraid there’s nothing anyone can do. But knowing you care… that’s enough for me.”
They sat on the porch together, the night air cool but comforting. After a while, Alice asked, “Grandpa, why is Mom so mad at you?”
Ted’s face fell. “I made a terrible mistake. Your mom trusted me, gave me money to help me stop drinking. But I used it for alcohol instead, and I hurt her deeply. I’ve regretted it every day.”
Alice listened, feeling the weight of his words. She didn’t know how to fix everything, but she knew that love mattered most.
Just then, her parents arrived. Lisa was furious. “Alice, what were you thinking?” she scolded.
Alice stood her ground. “I gave Grandpa all my money, Mom. He’s sorry. Can’t we help him?”
Lisa’s anger faltered. She looked at Alice, her heart softening. “If you stay sober, Dad, I’ll help you with your medication.”
Ted’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Lisa.”
Alice smiled through her tears, knowing that her small act of kindness had brought her family one step closer to healing. It wasn’t just about money—it was about love, forgiveness, and a fresh start.
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