Hear your grandpa is about to die.

Think about it all the time.

While you’re in class.

While you’re at lunch.

While you’re walking your dog.

Get used to hearing people ask why you’re so quiet.

Eat casseroles.

Smell the flowers of sympathy.

Sit in your room and cry at 1:39am,

when you know no one will hear you.

See your father holding back tears.

Read card upon card of distant “I’m sorry”s,

or “your thoughts are in our prayers”,

and cry some more.

Write a eulogy.

Get over crying and buy a black dress.

Go to a funeral.

Ponder why people wear black dresses at funerals.

Look into a box that contains your grandfather.

Never actually say goodbye,

just I love you.