Grandma’s Grandma Copyright ©1998 by Peter Prellwitz CIS: 73051,1502 All Rights Reserved.

Not every science fiction story begins in strange worlds, with strange peoples, or strange cultures. This story, while strictly not science fiction, has in it the beginnings of two Shard's Universe novels: Shards and Future Youth. While the Future Youth  connection is very easy, see if you can find the Shards link.

Most important, though, is that while this story is fictional, the true subject is not.

Christmas Eve, 1995

"Look, Mom, I'm really sorry, but we can't make it." Barry's voice carried regret, but I had long since known it wasn't the regret of being unable to visit but rather regret he had to call. "Margie's still wrapping presents and getting the house ready for our party tomorrow. And April is at the Wyeth's this evening to see their new baby boy."

"You certainly do keep your family busy, Barry," I answered him softly, gently reprimanding him.

"Tis the season, Mom," he countered, knowing I wasn't a nag but still looked after him even though he turned fifty some months ago. "I'll give you a call over the New Year's, okay?"

"I'm already looking forward to it, son," I choked out cheerfully, trying to keep my voice steady. "Merry Christmas, Barry. All my love to Margaret and April, too. Make sure you get to church this year."

"We might, but it's awful busy. You take care, Mom. I love you. 'Bye."

There was a click and the handset went dead. I closed my eyes and waited for the sadness to recede, then put the phone down. It was all right. He lived in Phoenix, an hour away from my little rented home in Morristown. I would miss seeing my granddaughter April, though. It was a little sadder this year, perhaps, because tonight I was going to pass along the story my grandmother's grandmother had been told when she was a little girl.

(continued)

Appearing in Short Story Form on

DOUBLE DRAGON PUBLISHING and FICTIONWISE in 2006

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