The Heavenly Tale - Nameless God's

Extra Chapter: Loyalty

There was an old man with 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He lives with his eldest daughter's family, because his wife died a few years ago, so he is now taken care of by his eldest daughter. This grandfather was not someone evil, and he had always avoided evil all his life. But he was stubborn, and it was difficult to convince him of anything beyond his understanding, so sometimes people judged him as a bad person. Fortunately, he did not bother to dispute it, and his own family did not stay away from him because of his habits, so his life was never wasted on taking care of the opinions of others.

He is a storyteller. It was not his job, but he loved to tell, be it his story when he was young, the story he heard from others, or the story he himself told. And when he's been storytelling, everyone has to listen until the story's over. From the past until now he always told stories with excitement, but because now he was very old, he often said sentences or told the same story repeatedly. Not all of her family loved her story, but some loved her. But still, they should always be patient when the grandfather starts telling the same stories over and over again with disconnected words, so they are not sure whether their grandfather is conscious or not when he tells a story. But his family still appreciates his story.

It was dark and the rain was pouring down the city. The grandfather sat in his wheelchair by the window, a blanket at his feet. Her eldest daughter was pacing around the house completing homework, while her husband was at work. His youngest grandson, a 6-year-old boy was playing with a picture book and crayons on the carpet in front of the TV not far from his feet. Before long, his second grandson came down from his room and sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV. She was a girl probably at high school age.

"You're not out? It's the end of Sunday." The grandfather spoke when he saw his granddaughter. His voice was still loud despite being hoarse.

"No, I don't have a plan" his grandson replied.

"Oh. You usually have a plan" murmured the grandfather.

"Maybe. If they don't make plans themselves."

Grandpa's eyes are round. "What's going on, my dear?"

"Hm, it's okay" replied his grandson. He was silent for a while while staring at the television screen. Then when he looked at his grandfather a moment later, his grandfather was giving him a judgmental look. He couldn't help but gnaw and laugh. "Really cake, I'm fine."

"You want to tell a story? We can exchange," said the grandfather.

His grandson laughed algi. "Really cake, I'm fine, I don't want to talk."

"Then you can listen to me," his grandfather exclaimed.

His grandson was silent for a moment. He knew he didn't want to talk, but he felt very affectionate towards his grandfather and it wasn't nice to let him feel ignored. "Alright," he said then, turning to his grandfather. "What do you know about cheating lovers?"

Grandpa exclaimed 'ah!' With dramatic. "Did someone betray you?" She asked.

"More or less" answered his grandson.

The grandfather curled his lips down for a few seconds while looking at him, showing what he was feeling. "I don't have a story about a lover cheating on me, but I do have a story about loyalty. Do you still want to listen to him?"

"Is this about you and grandma?"

"It was about me and your grandmother, but it's actually a story about a friend of mine."

"Oh," his grandson called out lowly. He tried to remember all the stories his grandfather had told and tried to guess which story he would tell. "What's the story like?" Ask later.

"I was very young then, and we, me and your grandmother, had a few bickers. Your grandmother was great, she took a three-year study abroad program, and that was a big thing for us. But that's what he wants, that's where his future is, so I don't forbid it. But you know because of the distance and the time difference, we don't often make a fuss. So one day, when we were in a fuss, I decided to go alone to think. That day I went alone to a meadow in my hometown in the hills, just so I could think clearly.

"When I arrived, I thought I was alone. As long as I walk I always look down or mess with myself and do not pay attention to my surroundings. But then when I arrived at one part of the field, and I looked behind a tree, I saw two people, a young man and a young woman, sitting under a tree. The man lay on the grass with his head on the girl's lap, and the girl looked at him. They were chatting, but whatever they were talking about, they seemed to be talking from heart to heart, almost without words. A large umbrella opened near the girl, but there was no basket of food or other items to indicate they were having a picnic. They really look like lovers who are dating and spend time together to chat. Oh how I want to be there with your grandmother! When I was imagining that, they looked at me and waved at me. So I had no choice but to leave, I came near them.

"As I approached, it became clearer that I could see their faces. That's a pretty awesome level! The man, tall and dashing with hair and eyes as dark as night, as well as a mysterious smile. The girl, she was like sunlight seeping from between the leaves, shiny, soft, and warm. They were wearing summer suits, the girl in a knee-length dress and the guy in a thin shirt and sweatshirt. I sat with them. They are very friendly people, both of them. So not only their faces are charming, but also their kindness.

"They asked me why I was walking alone, and I told you about my problems with your grandmother, and how much I wanted to be in their current position. They listened to my story very well, and you know what they said at the end of my certificate? They say that I just miss your grandmother! And I just need to meet him so that our problem is solved! The girl explained to me carefully, her voice soft as a song, that the woman wanted to see how much her man would sacrifice for her, and because your grandmother and I were so close, we're not going to do anything to hurt each other, so the way out is to meet. She told me to save up and surprise your grandmother by meeting her there. That easy!"

At this point, his grandson had already completely twisted his body facing the grandfather. His mother who was still pacing around the house also occasionally threw a glance at them.

"She said that we only needed to meet and chat for some time, and our problems would be resolved. It's so simple, and I haven't even thought about it. So I thanked them and said to them why they could simplify something so complicated to something so simple, and this time the man answered me. His voice was heavy but swinging, if the girl's voice was like a singing bird, the man's voice was like the roar of the waves. They told me that before these times, they were also separated by distance and time and everything was very difficult. They were on a commute between cities, just the two of them, so I thought their lives were so romantic, but it turned out that before that they were always apart. But then the man said that he was trying everything he could to meet his daughter. No, you didn't hear me wrong, she called her lover a 'daughter'. After some time passed, his daughter also made the same effort, and was finally able to be together. It's like me and your grandma!

"So I said, 'oh I got a role model!' And they just laughed at him. But they were really charming and I got a lot of inspiration from them. So I asked again, what can I make guidelines for building a good relationship with your grandmother. This time the man answered again, his fingers playing in the long hair of his lover. 'You only need three things, ' he said. I said 'what?' Then he said, 'trust, confidence, and loyalty'.

"And that, my dear girl, is what I look for. The key that keeps you in touch with everything is good. And more so the man said later, that if I find any hindrance, trouble, or disappointment, I should take it as a process of learning, and I should accept it with sincerity!"

His grandson nodded with a gentle look. "It was really touching and inspiring" he said.

"Yes, yeah! They were not a couple who gave up by the circumstances, and I was moved by their passion. They seek ways to unite, to make many efforts and sacrifices, to fail and to fall, but they rise again. That is truly inspiring" said the grandfather while nodding confidently. "That's what pushed me to appreciate your grandmother as much as possible and love her until now. So if you run into trouble now, don't worry. It's all part of life learning, you have to accept it sincerely. Trust me, that you'll get something better from now on."

His grandson muttered softly while smiling. "Where is Grandpa's friend now? Are you guys still in touch?"

"Oh, I don't know. They moved from one city to another, who knows where they are now. But one thing's for sure, is that I can't forget them from here and here." The grandfather pointed at his chest and head. "Their story lives inside here. Oh, they also promised that if one day I see you again, they won't forget my face."

"Do they have a name?" Ask granddaughter.

"The woman is Faith, and the man is Red."

The grandson muttered inwardly, unable to remember if his grandfather had a friend named Faith or Red. Suddenly his mother's voice emerged from the back of his head. "That's a very good story, cake. Why haven't you told us before?"

"As you said about dinner, keep the best for last" replied the grandfather. The mother and son opposite her were both smiling little. "They've been a part of me until it's hard to tell them apart from myself."

"alright. Speaking of dinner, I will make your favorite corn soup,” said his daughter.

"Oh, thank you, my dear."

Their conversation ended that day with the grandson returning to his room and busying himself with his cell phone. The story her grandfather told her that afternoon gave her a new spirit, so she was no longer moody after that. For the next few days, his grandfather never told the story again, nor did he mention it in the slightest, which is normal. Maybe he forgot, maybe he was on purpose, which obviously his grandson still remembers his story.

Until after almost 2 weeks since the grandfather told his granddaughter, she suddenly offended him again. That day 2 of his children were gathered in the house where the grandfather lived. They took their children until that day their house was crowded. His other grandson was already 13 years old, so he was very close to his granddaughter, while his grandson remained cool himself with his coloring and drawing activities.

It was sunny, it was almost afternoon but the sky did not block the sunlight at all. The grandfather was sitting on his wheelchair on the porch, while his son and grandson were inside the house. Suddenly this grandfather stood up from his wheelchair and groaned away. At first, no one saw him, but when the youngest grandson said innocently "grandfather walked,” everyone ran outside. Their grandfather walked!

"Grandfather, where are you going?" The eldest daughter asked while holding back so that the grandfather did not walk any further.

Behind him, his second son exclaimed, "Dad all right? Can you walk?"

Grandpa opened his mouth but he looked surprised and could not speak. His two sons managed to get him back in his wheelchair. "I saw it, boy! That's them! That's them!" The grandfather finally managed to speak after he sat back down.

"Who?" His two sons both asked, but only his son looked back.

"That's two of my friends! What I told my favorite grandson!"

"Who?" His son asked again. "I didn't see anyone there."

"That was a grandfather story a few weeks ago," his daughter replied at a glance. "If they see grandpa, I'm sure they'll stop by. But grandpa can't go out, grandpa can't even walk that well."

"But I just walked!" The grandfather exclaimed. "And they want me to follow them."

His daughter was silent for a moment. "Well, we wait for them to come inside. If they come again, I'll take grandfather."

The grandfather muttered as long as he was pushed by his daughter back inside the house. When his eyes met the eyes of his granddaughter, he said, "They remember me! Faith and Red!"

Her daughter placed her wheelchair inside by the window, then returned to the dining room where the rest of the family had gathered again. "Mom thinks grandpa was right? About her friend?" Her granddaughter asked as her mother sat next to her.

Again, the topic stopped for some time. His son or granddaughter did not mention the story anymore, and perhaps the grandfather himself forgot, so the topic was simply forgotten. Unfortunately, about 2 weeks later, the grandfather fell ill and had to undergo treatment in the hospital. The grandfather was indeed old, so his family already felt that his body would weaken sooner or later, so even though they were sad, they had already prepared themselves. They visited him and waited for him in the hospital in turn, sometimes his children sometimes his grandchildren, depending on who was empty on that day. Usually the grandfather always greeted them calmly whenever they came. But that day, when her granddaughter visited her, she looked happy.

"How's school?" The grandfather asked when his grandson put his school bag on the sofa, his uniform was still fully worn, and his face looked tired. "Is it possible that you are sad?"

Grandchild shakes. "No cake, I'm just tired. How's grandpa doing? Is grandpa feeling better? Have you taken medication?"

"The nurses came before you, and I've eaten, so I feel better.” His grandfather said with a cheerful face.

Seeing this her grandson smiled again. "You look happy."

"Oh yes I am very happy today. I'm right, my friend is in town. Faith and Red visited me before lunch. That's why I'm so happy!"

"Oh." His grandson was shocked and stunned for a moment. "They came here?"

"Yes, they're standing over here and talking to me." Grandpa pointed. "They're still what I described to you, equally charming."

His grandson nodded slowly. "Grandfather didn't invite him home? We can welcome him if grandfather is healed. That way I can also get to know them."

"Oh they are very busy, they are still living moving cities. They say tomorrow they have to go to another city again, so only today they can visit grandfather" replied his grandfather. "But don't worry, I've told them a lot and they'll take my family as their own!"

Hearing that his grandson couldn't help but smile while he was full. He was solemnly happy when he saw that his grandfather could still be excited like that. Even so in his heart, there was a doubt that he could not hide. He was young, and he was at an age where he had to be critical, so he couldn't help but ask. But because he loved his grandfather and did not want to ruin his grandfather's happiness, he did not ask at that time. Only then when she came out to buy food in the hospital cafeteria did she ventured to ask the guard sisters on the floor of her grandfather's room.

"Excuse me, may I ask you something? Was before this, maybe before or after lunch before I came, there was a pair of parents, maybe a pair of grandparents, who went to see my grandfather? My grandfather's room is right over there." The girl asked while pointing.

The guard sister asked her friend and checked the guest book by her side. "I don't think there is, miss. We did not note any visits for your grandfather's room today, except you,” he replied.

Almost as if he had expected that answer, the girl smiled and nodded kindly. "All right, thank you" he said. When she left the guard post, her face was downcast and there was sadness on her face. He momentarily looked weak, yet his mind was formidable. If it was real to his grandfather, then he had to believe it. If it was happiness for his grandfather, then he should support him.

So, even though he knew a lot of things, he decided to shut up.

A month later, the family had to experience a deep sadness when the grandfather finally died. He was not sick, he died naturally because he was old. His children were sad, but because they had realized long ago that one day their father would leave them, they accepted it with a large heart. His grandchildren were also sad, especially the first 3 grandchildren because they already understood the situation, while his youngest grandchildren were also sad, but he was not fully aware of the situation. Even so, they all knew that they had to let go of the grandfather for the good of the grandfather and themselves, and they quietly braced themselves by saying 'grandfather will meet grandma there, there, so he won't be lonely'. And that's how they treat their grief.

When the family paid their final respects at the home of their eldest daughter, all of her family, relatives, and friends of her grandfather were present. They were struck by the same grief, and their feelings were mixed as they watched the grandfather's body in the chest. Everyone understood that the grandfather's departure might have been the beginning of another life, but this was also the end of his life here. Some wept over his departure, some comforted those who were too grieving.

But the different thing in doing the youngest grandson, a 6-year-old boy who likes to draw and color. Maybe because he was too young, he didn't really understand the situation. He was saddened and many were silent, not whining or asking to be allowed to go to his room to draw. He was just walking around the house, some adults patted his head affectionately and pitied him for losing the figure of a grandfather he cared about.

At one time, when he could almost remember the whole faces of the people in his house, he stopped walking around inside the house, then decided to go out. He saw some people sitting on a bench in the small courtyard of their house, then walking across the empty street. Their house was near a fork in the road, and across from their house was an empty plot of land overgrown with tall and large trees. It was already autumn, so the leaves began to yellow in many places.

The boy went there and stopped by a tree. "Oh, hello little boy! Look how cute you are! What are you doing here?" A woman knelt before him. Behind the woman stood a man who covered both of them. No, it was not the two who approached the boy, but the boy who approached the two.

The boy smiled cheerfully and his eyes squinted because he had to look up when he looked at the man, and the sunlight was too hot for him. "I just got out of the house" the boy replied.

"Oh? Escape from the house?" The woman asked with a confused face.

The boy shook his head, then pointed behind him. "That's my house. My house is full so I'm out so people can move freely."

"Why are so many people in your house?" Ask the woman again.

"Grandfather has just died, so grandpa's friends visit to see."

The woman smiled with pity. "I feel sad for your grandfather. But you know, I believe your grandfather won't just leave you, he will keep watching you from the sky as a star. So when you miss him, at night you can look up at the sky and talk to him!" Said the woman.

"OK," the boy replied calmly. "Why are you here? You guys wanna go in and see grandpa?"

"Oh, we're actually here to pick up a friend. He is a good man" the woman replied.

"Did you find him?"

"Yes, of course! We're just waiting a little while as long as he's saying goodbye." The woman smiled wide and sweet. "We were a little lonely, but with you here, we're no longer lonely. How kind are you, my dear. I'm so grateful." The woman hugged the boy tightly. His eyes were closed and his hand rubbed the boy's head. When he took off his embrace, the boy chuckled amusedly.

"Together" the boy replied. "I hope you meet your friends. If you have met, you can come to my house. We got biscuits and milk."

"Oh that would be so much fun! Actually, you want to know something?" The woman approached to whisper in the boy's ear in a childish style.

On that day, as the grandfather's body was prayed together in the house of his eldest daughter before being buried, the whole family cried. Her favorite granddaughter also cried inside her room, unable to get out of the room for some time due to being too sad and embarrassed. He wore a black shirt and tried his best to wipe his tears with a tissue so as not to stain his shirt. If there were her tears to be shed, she would wipe them with tissue in a rough motion, as if it was a colored stain that would denounce her entire pain.

He was still crying for the next few days after his grandfather's body was buried. He didn't admit it, but he loved his grandfather very much. He had always lived with his grandfather since childhood, so losing that figure was really hard for him. She longs for her passive figure of always sitting in a wheelchair, but still exudes a life spirit that beats even her parents. Above all, he missed his story.

He was sitting on his bed opening his diary when the door of his room was knocked and his younger brother's head was poking out from the door. She was so tiny, she had to extend her hand to grab the doorknob. Her round and cute eyes stared at her brother's figure before she got permission to enter and immediately jumped onto her brother's bed. She carried a piece of paper in her hand, then one of her free hands hugged her brother.

"Is sister still sad?" Ask her funny.

"Hm? Why should I be sad?" Ask brother.

"Because grandfather no longer exists" said his sister slowly.

His sister breathed a moment. "If I'm sad, will you be sad too?" His sister nodded in response. "Then I'll stop being sad."

Hearing this his sister smiled. "I have a gift for you, so that you won't be sad anymore." He showed me the piece of paper he was carrying. It was a picture of a man in red shirt and trousers holding an umbrella, a long haired woman in a knee-length light brown dress, and above them was something resembling a 2-star piece.

The picture is very simple and the meaning is easy for anyone to understand. However, the elder brother asked with a smile. "Who is this?"

"It's Faith, it's Red, and it's grandpa and grandma." Her sister pointed to the picture of a woman, a man, then both stars. "They're together now, and they're not lonely, so brother don't be sad."

For a few seconds, her brother stared at the picture. He was not stupid, so he understood very well what his sister was saying. But since he was not stupid either, he decided to ask. "How do you know who Faith and Red are?"

"They're grandpa's friends. They're here when grandpa's friends visit."

If what his sister meant was a time of prayer and last respects before his grandfather was buried, then the brother twisted his brain. "I didn't see it. Were they at the funeral?"

"No, they go first."

"Do they look like this?" His brother pointed at the picture on the paper. Her sister nodded. "With a red shirt and a brown dress? Carrying umbrellas?" His sister nodded again. "Where did you see them?"

"I can show you." Said the sister, without waiting for a long time to get off the bed and leave the room. His sister followed in an impatient manner. They stopped on the porch of the house, then his sister pointed to a tree across the street. "They're standing there."

The brother looked at the direction his sister pointed to, then instantly a memory flew in his head. He looked back, to one of the empty spots on the porch, then back to the front. He recalled the moment when his grandfather was alive and was walking from his wheelchair, claiming that he saw his two friends and they invited him to follow him. The direction his sister was pointing at now was the direction he was going when his grandfather was walking at that time.

His grandfather did not lie. Others just can't see it.