Compromise – By Ruth Varner

“Pop-Pop ,what you doin’?” four-year-old Maddox asked his grandfather.

Removing earbuds from his ears, Pop -Pop said, “Listening to football.” Earbuds returned to ears.

“I want to hear,” said Maddox.

Earbuds removed from ears.

“What?! I can’t hear! I’m listening to the game!”

Earbuds returned to his ears.

Leaning in closely and carefully mouthing the words, Maddox politely whispered,

“Please, can I hear the game too?”

Pop-Pop sighed, shook his head and laughed. Taking out one earbud, he placed it into his grandson’s ear.

Seventy years age difference separated the two, but they bridged the gap.

Communication. Compromise. Contentment. Beautiful.