Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

Zack stood facing his grandpa. Ford, who didn’t seem very happy with him. Ford furrowed his brows and said, “Look at you, you’ve almost worn out the clothes! I told you this isn’t something you can handle, but you insisted on taking over my work!” Though Ford was complaining, his eyes were full of satisfaction and affection for Zack. 

Melody looked at Zack, unable to reconcile him with the “commanding Mr. Nelson” she remembered from the business world. His sudden appearance completely caught her off guard. She instinctively wanted to slip away, but it was too late. 

Zack turned and saw Melody, frowning slightly. “Who are you?” 

“I’m…” Before Melody could figure out how to explain, Ford coughed and smiled. “Melody, you’re here? This is my grandson, Zack. Isn’t he attractive” 

Melody could not deny that Zack’s features were striking, so she nodded. “Yes. He did inherit your good genes.” 

Ford Laughed heartily, ignoring Zack’s puzzled look, and lied through his teeth, saying, “This is Melody. She’s from the neighborhood committer. They have started a program to keep elderly folks company. She often comes by to chat and help me with chores.” 

Melody hadn’t expected Ford to be such a good actor, so she played along. “True. I’m from the neighborhood committee 

Zack stood up, his eyes suspiciously fixed on Melody. “Neighborhood committee I’ve never heard of this program. Do you have any identification?” 

“I didn’t bring it with me,” Melody replied. 

*No paper ID? Then you must have a digital one?” Zack’s dark eyes bore into her, trying to catch any sign of deceit. 

“I… Before Melody could respond, Ford began to scold Zack, “You brat, don’t scare my guest! Melody has been keeping me company and helping with chores every day. What are you suspicious about? Do you think I have something worth scamming If you keep this up, then go back to your company. I can manage just fine on my own without you worrying unnecessarily!” 

Seeing that his grandpa was genuinely upset, Zack softened his tone. “Grandpa, don’t be angry. I’m just worried about you.” 

I’m old, not a fool I know who is trustworthy. You don’t need to worry about that,” Ford said. 

Zack showed no signs of annoyance in front of his grandpa and could only nod along “Alright, alright. It’s my fault. Don’t be upset. You’re on blood pressure medication” 

Ford buffed and led Melody to the kitchen. “Melody, the neighbor next door made some cinnamon rolls today and sent over a couple. I saved one for you. It’s really good. Come and try it 

Zack was confused, “Grandpa, why didn’t I know about these cinnamon rolka 

Ford snorted and said, “You’re always eating lavishly at those business dinners. A simple cinnamon roll wouldn’t appeal to you. I saved it for Melody, so don’t even think about taking it” 

Zack gave a wry smile and looked at Melody with a slightly warmer gaze, thinking. It’s rare for Grandpa to treat someone better than me, so this woman probably isn’t from a headhunting or rival company, Grandpa might act like a child sometimes, but he’s sharp. He’d never let a stranger in. With that thought, he stopped worrying about the kitchen and went back to dutifully washing clothes. 

Meanwhile, Melody was enjoying the cinnamon roll that Grandpa had kept warm for her. She handed him a packet of medicine from her pocket. “Here’s today’s medicine.” 

“Sure” Grandpa quickly took the medicine in one gulp as if fearing anyone else would see, then carefully folded the packet and put it in his pocket. Only after he was sure everything was in order, he breathed a sigh of relief, 

Melody couldn’t help but laugh, thinking. You’re going to great lengths to keep Zack from knowing you fell into the water 

They chatted for a bit, and Ford invited Melody to stay for dinner. Normally, she would have declined, but today, with her target, Zack. unexpectedly at home, she didn’t refuse and nodded her agreement. “Sure, I’d love to try your cooking” 

“Don’t worry, I’m a great cook! I’ll head to the market to get some ingredients now! With that. Ford grabbed a basket and went out, leaving Melody and Zack alone awkwardly at home, 

Melody broke the silence first. “Why don’t you use a washing machine for the clothes?” 

Zack didn’t even look at Melody and continued his work. Just when she thought he wouldn’t pay any attention to her, he suddenly spoke up in a calin tone, “Grandpa doesn’t trust those high–tech gadgets, even washing machines. He thinks hand washing is cleaner. 

Melody thought for a moment and shook her head. “I don’t think that’s the real reason. Hearing her answer, Zack finally looked at her, his eyes. questioning. 

Seeing his reaction, Melody knew that any conversation involving Ford would get Zack to engage. To bridge the distance with Zack, Melody quickly 

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organized her thoughts and spoke logically. “I think there are two reasons. First, because he’s alone at home for so long, the only thing that keeps him occupied is doing chores. If high–tech gadgets take over, how would he pass the time waiting for you to come home?” 

Zack’s eyes flickered slightly, but he quickly masked his expression. After a moment’s silence, he asked, “And what’s the other reason?” 

“He needs to feel valued. By doing all the chores and keeping the house in order, he doesn’t feel like a burden to you, Melody continued. 

Zack’s face darkened visibly. “Nonsense,” he muttered, turning away and showing an expression that he couldn’t be bothered to listen to her nonsense anymore. 

Melody sensed that Zack agreed with her but didn’t want to admit that she cared more about his grandpa than he did. This was a good opportunity for her Choosing her words carefully, she approached Zack. “From what I’ve seen your grandpa seems cheerful, but he’s actually quite lonely. Mr. Nelson, work is important, but no matter how long your grandpa lives, he won’t have many years left. If you can, slow down a bit and spend more time with him Or 

Zack looked at her expressionlessly. “Or what?” 

Melody shrugged lightly. “Or, consider a less demanding job. A career is important, but not as important as family, right?” She left it at that, then added. “Oh, I remember the dishes in the kitchen still need washing. I’ll take care of that to save him the trouble when he gets back.” With that, she headed to the kitchen, feeling Zack’s gaze on her. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.