Chapter 27

Shane’s phone began to ring, breaking the silence in the room. Curiously, he picked it up and answered the call. It was the doctor from the pack hospital, the one responsible for taking care of Gram. As Shane talked to the doctor, his facial expression slowly transformed into one of contentment and relief. I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope bubbling within me as I eagerly awaited his response.

When Shane finally ended the call, his face still held a trace of the smile that had formed during their conversation. I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and blurted out, "What did the doctor say? Is Gram doing alright?" There was a spark of anticipation in my voice, desperate for reassurance.

With a content sigh, Shane looked directly into my eyes and replied, "Sierra, the doctor said something that I think you'll be really happy to hear. He said that I can bring you to go see her now if you would like me to." Those words were like music to my ears and I could sense Shane's sadness, fearing that I would reject his offer.

However, something within me had shifted ever since I had accepted Shane into my life. This newfound sense of acceptance and openness made me realize that this was the perfect opportunity to bring Gram into the fold, to let her in on the nest that she so desperately longed for me to have. It was as if the universe had aligned, paving the way for this long-awaited reunion. A mixture of emotions swelled within me - anticipation, nervousness, and an overwhelming feeling of love for Gram. I nodded at Shane, a wide smile spreading across my face.

"Yes, Shane," I said with conviction, "I would love to go and see her. Please, let's not waste another moment." The gleam of hope in Shane's eyes matched the excitement that radiated from within me. This was going to be a special visit, one that would bring us all closer together and fill the void that had lingered for far too long.

Shane and I left the room, the anticipation bubbling within us. We couldn't contain our excitement as we made our way toward his car, a vehicle that held countless memories of our adventures together. With synchronized precision, we simultaneously closed our doors, the sound resonating through the streets, creating a moment of unity that only we could appreciate.

As we embarked on our journey towards the pack hospital, Shane's touch on my leg provided a comforting reassurance. Our hands intertwined, symbolizing the unbreakable bond that had formed between us. I couldn't help but feel immense joy and gratitude for having Shane by my side, but beneath the surface, a shadow of uncertainty loomed.

The thought of sharing this life-changing news with Gram filled me with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I knew she would be ecstatic to hear my great news, but deep down, I wondered how she would feel about becoming a member of our pack. Would she embrace the concept with open arms, or would her reservations hold her back?

This became the pivotal make-or-break moment in my life, the fork in the road that would determine the course of our journey as a family. If Gram didn't accept the invitation to join our pack, I made a silent vow to follow suit. I couldn't bear the thought of her being left alone, especially considering her fragile health. But beyond that, it was an act of profound love and respect for the woman who had showered me with unconditional affection throughout my life.

The car ride became a contrasting blend of happiness and contemplation as we navigated through the bustling city streets. Each passing mile brought us closer to Gram, closer to this defining moment that could reshape the dynamics within our family. I held on tightly to Shane's hand, finding solace in his unwavering support.

As we entered the hospital we were met by the same doctor that took Gram in when we first got here. “Sierra! Shane! It is good to see you. Let me tell you that your Grandmother Sierra is a true spitfire.”

The doc’s warm tone put me somewhat at ease, but the weight of the moment still hung in the air. The hospital smells a mixture of antiseptic and medical supplies, mingled with the anticipation in the room. I couldn't help but feel a knot forming in my stomach as I caught a glimpse of Gram's hospital room at the end of the hallway.

“Can I speak to you in my office before you go and see her?” The doctor asked and I nodded letting him know that was fine. We followed the doctor closely, our footsteps echoing against the linoleum floors as we made our way to his office. With each step, my mind raced, and a million thoughts flooded my brain. Questions like, "Is Gram okay?" and "Will she be the same person when I see her?" filled my mind, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the hope and strength that had always radiated from my grandmother.

He held his office door open so Shane and I could walk in. “Thanks, doc,” Shane said, giving him a short smile. We took the seats right in front of his desk as he took the seat behind it. “Sierra, from the attack your grandmother endured she will make a full recovery. She did need some stitches and she did suffer a broken arm that we had to cast. So I don't want you to be alarmed when you see her. But the stitches that she got are not dissolvable so she will need to come back so that I can take them out for her.”

“I don't think that will be a problem,” I said to him. He smiled and then he pulled out a folder that I can only assume was Gram’s. “However Sierra there is something more of a pressing matter.”

As soon as those words left his mouth I was at attention. His words have me concerned. “We ran some tests here regarding her memory issue you informed us about. And I am sorry to tell you that your Grandmother is showing signs of Dementia and early onset of Alzheimer's.”

“I knew it… I knew there was something wrong. Even though I guessed this was it. I was not expecting her to have both.” I couldn't stop the tears that started falling from my eyes. Shane let go of my hand and pulled me and the chair as close to him as he could get me. Using his other hand to hold mine and the arm closest to me he put over my shoulder. We sat there for a few minutes so that I can compose myself.

“Do you think she will remember me?” I asked full of worry.

“Sierra to be honest I think right now she will. She had an episode where she didn't know where she was or why she was here. After a bit, she fell asleep and when she woke up again she was fully aware of everything.”

“Can we go and see her now?” I asked wanting to crawl up in her lap and cry like I did as a kid. I needed to be near her right now. The doc agreed and led us back out of his office and to her room. Finally, we reached the door, and the doctor paused, turning to face us with a reassuring smile. "She's been eager to see you both. Are you ready?" he asked, his eyes filled with sympathy and understanding.

We nodded, our hearts pounding in our chests, the doc gently pushed open the door. Walking into the room, I couldn't help but feel simultaneously overwhelmed and comforted. The soft glow of sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm and calming light on the scene before us.

Gram lay in the hospital bed, her eyes bright with a mixture of relief and love as she welcomed us with open arms. The wrinkles etched on her face told a story of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and strength. In this moment, surrounded by the love and support of our family, I knew that we would get through this together.

As I embraced Gram, tears of joy and gratitude welled up in my eyes. The next chapter of our lives would be challenging, but seeing Gram's fighting spirit and unwavering resilience, I knew that we would face it head-on, emerging stronger than ever.

With each passing moment in that hospital room, the weight of uncertainty and fear lifted, replaced by a newfound determination and hope. We may not have known what the future held, but we were confident that our love and unwavering bond would be the guiding light through whatever lay ahead.

Leaning in closer to Gram, I whispered, "We're here, Gram. We'll face this together, just like we always have."

And in that moment, as she squeezed my hand tightly, I felt a wave of reassurance wash over me. We were ready for the next chapter, knowing that no matter what, our love would conquer any obstacle.