Living Legends

6) Research?

PRESENT DAY

Looming over the cracked sidewalk were rows of jacaranda trees, their white gnarled limbs stretching over the street and front yards of neighborhood houses.  Hayley’s legs were on fire as she sprinted the last block, throwing her head back and getting a glimpse of the warm sun through the purple jacaranda flowers.  Once she reached the corner, she slowed to a jog, allowing herself to cool down before turning onto the adjacent street.

            Hayley wiped the sweat from her brow and shook out her legs.  She always felt oddly satisfied after a hard run.  She tried to run at least 20 miles every week with a few sprints in between to stay in shape.  She had joined a community gym a few months ago, but she found jogging on a treadmill obnoxiously boring compared to dashing down vibrant neighborhoods and over various terrain.

            As soon as she reached her apartment, she grabbed her keys from where they were tied into the laces of her running shoes and unlocked the door.  After drinking a large amount of water, she felt refreshed and rehydrated.  She retied her messy bun and decided to check in on Gran.

            She entered her grandmother’s apartment still in her spandex and frumpy T-shirt.  “Hey Gran,” she called loudly, announcing her presence.

            “I’m in the living room,” came the reply.

            Hayley plopped down on the couch next to her grandmother, watching as Gran never once looked away from the travel magazine in her aged hands.

            “Whatcha got there?” Hayley asked curiously, leaning forward to see the interior of the magazine.

            “I’m doing research,” Gran said swiftly.  “Very important research.  You’re not going to believe what I’ve found.”

            Hayley raised an eyebrow.  She normally didn’t hear that tone in Gran’s voice.  It was one of sheer determination, a sharp contrast to the easygoing grandmother she knew.  She shifted in her seat to get a better look.  “What kind of research?”

            Gran slapped the magazine closed.  “I can’t tell you.”

            The response came as a surprise.  “Why not?” Hayley exclaimed.

            “Because I’m not finished yet.”  Gran smiled and laughed softly.  “And I don’t think I can stand to sit next to you much longer, honey.  It would do you good to take a shower.”

            Hayley chuckled.  She could take a hint.  “All right, I’ll be back in a few.”

            “Want to do a Costco run when you get back? I feel like nibbling on some free samples.”

            “Sure,” Hayley called on her way out the door.  She glanced over her shoulder and saw Gran pick up the magazine once again.  She frowned and hurried into her own apartment, curiosity piqued.  Gran was determined to do something, and Hayley wanted to find out what it was.