Make it Real

(Kalel’s POV) I find Grandma Becky in the garden, her back to me as she trims the already well-kept plants. The snip of her shears is sharp, almost angry, and I can tell she's using the task for an excuse to avoid thinking about what just happened. Her shoulders are tense, her movements deliberate. For a moment, I am not sure if this is the right time to approach her. But I know it needs to be done-I owe her an explanation. I take a deep breath and move closer. "Grandma," I begin in a soft voice, so as not to scare her. She doesn't turn around but keeps trimming this one branch that's being a particular pain. "Kalel," she says tersely. "If you're here to apologize, I'm not sure I'm ready to hear it. "I understand," I reply, attempting to keep my voice even while my stomach is a bundle of nerves. "But I'm not here to apologize-at least, not in the way you might think." She pauses, shears stalled in mid-air, before finally turning to face me. Her eyes are tired and heavy with disappointm