"You can call me old man," William added with a chuckle. "That's what my grandson calls me. Or grandpa, if you like."
Bella's eyes widened in pure horror.
"That's rude!" she exclaimed, sitting up straighter. "How can he call you old man?!" She shook her head firmly. "My daddy said it's very rude to call people old men, old ladies, or old women."
William laughed, warm and genuine, the sound filling the room. "Did he now?"
"Yes!" Bella nodded hard. "You should tell him not to do that."
William smiled at Bella, his eyes shining. "You're absolutely right," he said. "I think I'll listen to you."
Bella looked satisfied with that answer.
"Then you can be Grandpa William," she decided seriously.
William's laugh softened into something tender. "I'd be honored."
After a while of talking with her—
"Can little Bella give me a hug?" William asked softly, sadness threading through his voice. "I have to leave."
