THE DOCTOR SAID GRANDPA WAS STABLE, BUT THEN I SAW THE BRUISES ON HIS ARM
I was about to leave the nursing home when the nurse pulled me aside, looking worried, her face pale. She mumbled something about “incidents” and “unexplained marks” on his left arm, her voice barely a whisper as she wrung her hands. A cold dread started to spread through my chest, like ice water pooling, completely numbing my fingers. I kept picturing Grandpa’s confused, distant eyes and the faint, sweet smell of antiseptic in his room, clinging to the stale air.
“What exactly are you trying to tell me?” I demanded, my voice sharper and louder than I intended, making her flinch slightly. She hesitated, glancing nervously down the brightly lit hall, where a tall, dark-haired aide just walked past, his keys jingling softly. The harsh fluorescent lights above hummed, casting a sickly yellow glow on her already pale face, highlighting her fear.
“He’s been falling a lot more often,” she finally whispered, leaning closer, her eyes wide with alarm. “And there’s a new aide. He… he doesn’t like him at all.” My blood ran cold, a sudden rush of heat flushing my face. Grandpa never “fell.” He was weak, yes, but always careful, always seated. This wasn’t an incident. This wasn’t an accident. It was *him*. The aide. Something truly awful.
Just then, the tinny intercom above the reception desk crackled loudly, announcing a visitor for Mrs. Henderson in room 302, shattering the tense silence. The nurse jumped, startled, her eyes wide with fear, and suddenly hurried off towards the nurses’ station, leaving me standing there, completely paralyzed by the revelation.
Suddenly, the tall aide was standing directly behind me, a cold, heavy hand on my shoulder.
👇 Full story continued in the comments…His grip was surprisingly strong, his fingers digging into my flesh. “Everything alright?” he asked, his voice a low, smooth rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. His dark eyes, devoid of any warmth, scanned my face with a predatory intensity. I forced a smile, trying to appear calm, but my voice wavered as I replied, “Yes, just… talking to the nurse.”
He didn’t release his grip, instead, he subtly increased the pressure. “Your grandfather is doing fine,” he said, his voice dangerously smooth. “He’s a bit forgetful, you know how it is. These things happen.” He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my ear, and whispered, “Don’t worry your pretty little head about anything.”
I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my ribs. I knew I had to get away, to see Grandpa, to understand what was happening. I needed to protect him. Summoning all my courage, I gently pulled away from his grip, forcing a smile and nodding. “Yes, of course. I should go see him.”
He finally released me, his eyes still fixed on mine. He let me go towards the room that was his. “Enjoy your visit,” he said and with a final look, he turned and walked the other way.
I hurried down the brightly lit hallway, my footsteps echoing in the sudden silence. The antiseptic smell grew stronger, heavier as I approached Grandpa’s room. I took a deep breath and slowly entered the room.
Grandpa was sitting in his armchair, his eyes closed, looking frail in the dim light. But then, I saw it. The arm. His left arm, resting on the armrest. The faint bruises were there, a tapestry of purple and yellow blossoming on his skin, clearly visible in the afternoon sun. His face was turned away from me, and he did not respond when I called out to him.
I crouched beside him, taking his hand in mine. His skin was paper-thin and cold. Tears welled in my eyes. “Grandpa? Grandpa, can you hear me?” I asked softly. He didn’t respond.
I realized then, what had to be done. I had to be his voice. I had to be strong.
I stood up, my resolve hardening. I knew I had to call the authorities. I had to get him out of here. And I had to make sure the man who had harmed him would pay for it. I glanced at Grandpa’s sleeping face, my heart heavy with grief and fury. I knew I was walking into a battle. A battle for my grandfather, for justice, for peace of mind. But I was ready. I held my head up and reached for my phone. The fight had begun.