Are you satisfied with the life you're living? (Bob Marley)

We set off on Saturday as planned.

I brought Senior to the Palisades. I told him we could stay in any of the houses but he chose there and I was glad because it was my personal favorite and the most like home. I took him around on a tour of my properties that evening. I think he was impressed. He was tired by the end though. Senior was getting old. He had long since exceeded his life expectancy; he did that the day he testified against his brothers. They weren’t real brothers but they were like brothers to him. Senior had lived a long life but I suppose for a grandfather he wasn’t all that old. He seemed like he would live forever. I felt more fragile than he did.

The next morning was Sunday morning. I didn’t know what Senior would think about me going to church but I went anyway, I was just quiet about it. I tiptoed down the stairs with my heels in my hand and I was about to creep out the door when his deep voice echoed behind me. I thought my heart stopped. He had that effect on people and I don’t even think he tried it anymore.

“Where are you going?”

“Um, I’m just going out for a bit.”

He nodded but I knew he was unsatisfied with my response.

“I’m going to church,” I said apprehensively.

“Really?”

He was intrigued.

I nodded.

“Is that a habit?”

I’m not an expert but I pretty sure you’re not supposed to refer to someone’s spirituality as a habit. But were there ever rules for Senior?

“Yes.”

He considered this for a moment and I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. My fingers tickled the doorknob as I waited to know that it was okay to leave.

“I’m coming.”

Slap me sideways.