Grandpa

'That's a pretty bracelet' my grandfather said, leaning over better to see my wrist. I brought it up to eye level so he wouldn't have to bend. 'Thank you,' I said smiling at him, 'the baby likes it a lot, she can grab it and play with it because it's on elastic.'

'Yes, very nice,' he continued 'bright colours'. I thanked him again and added, 'I like things that sparkle like this, not very sophisticated but good fun.'

'Buy it for yourself did you?' Grandpa leaned back a bit and studied me. 'Oh, no, Mum and Dad got it for my birthday last year' I said, noticing the slight confusion in his eyes.

'Hm, very good, very good.' He was looking even more lost now, did he remember what we were talking about? Was he wondering how to get out of this conversation that was headed nowhere?

'I'm just wondering' he confessed, an apologetic smile on his lips, 'who you are.'

My heart stoppd beating and I suddenly noticed a dull ache at the back of my throat. 'Oh, I'm Becca.' I said brightly, smiling at him and hoping the shock was not shining through. 'Gareth's daughter.'

'Hmm,' he mumbled, smiling thinly at me and looking around him as if he'd only just noticed how many people were standing around him, 'right.'

I knew it would happen. I just wasn't prepared.