Working It Out: Financial Matters of Concern

"How are you making out, Grandpa?" Teddy, his only grandson, was growing increasingly concerned about how his elderly grandfather was managing financially, as he was living alone in a large apartment complex in the heart of the city. For seniors, it was never easy. 

"I am working it out, Teddy," Chester, the old man would always reply with a disconcerting glance that usually left Teddy feeling a bit uneasy. Whether his grandfather was surviving financially or not, Teddy had no way of knowing.

"Grandpa, you could move out into the country and live with us. We have a large house. I know that Karla and the boys would love to have you there."

"Thanks, but no thanks,"

Chester loved his independence too much to live with anyone particularly his family. He was not about to allow them to take over his financial affairs, either. When Teddy asked Chester to show him his bills, or his bank statements, his grandfather would invariably change the topic immediately.

"No time for that today, Teddy. I am meeting my buddy for lunch."

"Either he is very rich, or he is totally poverty stricken," Teddy thought to himself, uncertain as to which it was.

Over time, Teddy gradually started checking his grandfather's refrigerator and cupboards regularly, but everything seemed to be in order. There never seemed to be a shortage. Just in case, Teddy usually brought him fresh produce from their garden and a bag of groceries.

"Here, let me pay you for those," Chester would say, as if embarrassed by receiving a handout from his grandson. He would reach into his wallet and pulled out twenty dollars, but Teddy always declined the money.

As time passed, Chester seemed to be less and less accommodating when Teddy came to visit. It was as if he was always in a hurry.

"Who is this buddy of his?" Teddy wondered, and decided he should check further into his grandfather's activities.

"I think it is time I followed you, Grandpa," he thought to himself.

The following week, Teddy made his usual visit and then waited around the corner just out of sight, to see where his grandfather was going. He did not have to wait very long, as shortly after a bright red, brand new car pulled up at the curb right in front of his grandfather's apartment. The horn tooted several times.

Moments later, his grandfather came out dressed in his suit, white shirt and tie, carrying the garden produce and groceries Teddy had just brought him.

"Hello, my darling," he said, hugging the attractive, blonde female who got out of the car to help him put everything in the trunk. He waited for her to get in the passenger seat, kissed her gently, closed the door for her and then got into the driver's seat.

"I think my grandson would be very jealous," Chester said to her, with a smile.

She laughed.

"Why you old codger!" thought Teddy. "Working it out is right."