forgive him and sympathize. It will make you feel
better, believe me," Daddy said.
I nodded, my eyes filling as I realized, perhaps
for the first time. How wise and kind he really was. "I will. Daddy." I promised. "I will."
"I know you will. Honey. The one thing
Grandad's failed to realize is you are his salvation.
You are his redemption. You're the promise every
rainbow leaves behind for us."
He embraced me and we walked like that until
we saw the patch of forest ahead of us.
"I don't see him there," Daddy said, shading his
eyes with his right hand.
I didn't either.
"Maybe he went home a different way, or
maybe he went somewhere else."
"Maybe," he said, but his eyes continued to be
narrow and suspicious as we continued toward the
woods.
We were only about a hundred yards from it
when Daddy stopped and seized my hand.
"What?" I asked and gazed ahead. Slowly. I
could discern Grandad sprawled on his back. "I see him. He's asleep. Let's not frighten him."
Daddy said. We walked slowly, quietly.
"Dad." my daddy called softly. He raised his
voice and called again,
Grandad Forman did not respond. I could see
he had his Bible on his chest and both his hands over
it.
"Dad!"
Daddy hurried into the patch of woods. I