The next morning, when Taylor arrives to drive us to school, I’m surprised to see Gracie up and ready before I even go bug her. I’m even more surprised to see that this is grandpa’s doing. I’m so used to doing everything alone that I’m half certain it’s a trick when grandpa hands me a cup of coffee and walks us out to the car.
I smell the coffee and take a sip. “Mmm, what’s in this? It tastes kind of…spicy?”
Grandpa looks away and says something that sounds like “cinnamon,” but I can’t fully make it out.
“It’s good,” I say, trying to keep the mood light. “I like it.” And I’m not lying. I do really like it. Even for coffee, it’s light and refreshing.
“Good morning, Mister Alfred!” Taylor says, when grandpa opens the door to the backseat for us.
“Morning, Taylor, this is for you.” He ha
