Grandpa's Cedar Chest

My grandpa passed away two weeks ago. I miss him. He would tell me the best stories of travel and adventure. Even in his eighties, he would disappear for a week or so. On his return, he would tell me about his trip. He often brought a trinket of some kind.

He kept all the trinkets in a cedar wood chest. The chest is mine now. No one else in the family seemed to want it. But I knew that was where Grandpa kept all the items he brought back with him. He told me about many of them, always with the warning, “That's not a toy, girl.” Many items looked exactly like toys: a toy gun, a spring, a yo-yo, a Hot Wheels car, and so many others.

Each item had a story, and I heard everyone I asked about. My siblings and cousins were only interested for a short time in his stories. They didn't believe them like I did. I knew Grandpa collected memories and one-of-a-kind items to help him remember. In this short time I miss him so much already.

Dad and Uncle Jerry helped me move the chest into my bedroom after the adults had a chance to go through it. I heard Uncle Jerry say, “This is Dad's version of a toy box. There isn't anything of value in here.” So, the adults let me have the chest, as Grandpa's will stated.

As I looked through all the items, I found a small three-lock box. There are several similar boxes. Each takes a combination of some kind to open. Since this one is still locked, I guess the adults couldn't figure it out.

After a couple of hours, I figured out the locks. Seven locks instead of three. The box held a smaller box with a basic simple heart emboldened on the top. Inside the box is a ring. A silver ring with a small red heart-shaped stone. And a head written note, “Know their heart, know them.”

The following day, I wore the ring. It matched the red blouse I chose for school. Before I made it to the kitchen, Sweety, our Grand Pyrenees, met me in the hallway. Instantly, I could see the rose gold glow coming from her chest as we exchanged morning lovins. I thought it was just a play with the morning sun shining on her snow-white fur.

Then I saw a similar glow on Mom's chest: shades of green and blue, as well as rose gold. When Randy, my older brother, sat at the kitchen table, his chest had bright reds and oranges. I already knew he was in a bad mood. He is always in a bad mood. I took the ring off, and the glow on their chest went away. “What's that, sis?” Randy scuffed, “one of Grandpa's silly things.”

I put the ring back on. “Yes, of course.” The glow in his chest darkened into purple and black.

“Well, you were always his favorite. I don't need any of that crap anyway.” Randy grabbed a piece of toast and left for school.

Mom's glow changed to a golden green. “Never mind him,” she started, “he is 15 and mad at the wind.”

I finished my breakfast and gathered my things for school. What colors would I see in my friends, I wondered? What colors would their hearts be?