Those Nights by Cassidy Shay (the mitten read aloud .TXT) 📕

something down. "Nana, you're the best. Your stories are the greatest inspirtation."

Celyna scratched her nose, just like she always did when she was confused. "Um... thanks, I guess? I'm glad you guys enjoy them."

"And what did you say about her when her parents were fighting? 'Didn't wanna go home to another fight

,' right?" Celyna nods.

"I think so."

"And you said, 'Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.

' Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful." His pencil once again danced on the page, forming the words that he said out loud. Celyna just looked at the kids, wondering what was going on.

"He's been writing a lot lately," said Mia, John's little sister. "He thinks he's going to be a famous songwriter some day, or something." She rolls her eyes. "Yeah, right."

After breakfast, Celyna had to get everyone packed. "Your mom will be here soon, to take everyone to the airport." She was looking at Marissa. Since she was the oldest, Celyna usually trusted her with the most responsibility.

After a couple hours of packing and driving and hugging and crying and waving good-bye, John, Mia, and their three little siblings climbed on a plane and headed back home to Memphis.

It's been years since that visit to Nana's house. Now, John Cooper stands on a stage with his band, introducing his new song. "This song is dedicated to my nana," he says. " She was my favorite person to talk to. It might be weird to some people, but she's one of my best friends. I love you Nana!" The fans cheer. "Everybody, here's Those Nights." He sings the first verse, and then glances to the side of the stage as he goes into the chorus. Celyna, now much older, stands backstage, watching her grandson live out his dream.

"Stay up late and we'd talk all night in a dark room lit by the TV light.

" He looks again at Celyna, and smiles. "Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive. We'd listen to the radio play all night

," he sings, "Didn't wanna go home to another fight.

" Celyna remembers her broken friendship, and the strong relationship that she shared with her grandson. "Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive. Those nights belong to us.

"

With one last glance at his grandma, John finished his song. "There's nothing wrong...

"

After the concert, Celyna flies home on a plane. She checks her email, and among several from her grandchildren, she sees an email address that she hasn't seen in years. She clicked on the link that read [email protected], and quickly read the message.

Celyna-

My grandson just got home from a concert for his favorite band, Skillet. He said that they have a new song, called "Those Nights." I listened to it, because he said it was simply amazing. As I was listening, there are a million people that I could have been thinking about. But I was reminded of you, and the friendship that we used to share.

How could we have let that slip by? Please, forgive me for what I did. I look back now and and am so sad that I did what I did. I realize now that you were only looking out for me. Even in the years that we didn't talk, your advice and kind words from the past helped me through tough times, and I thank you for that.

I hope that you still check this email account, and I pray that, in seeing my email address, you won't immediately delete the message.

If you are ever in Memphis, please let me know. I would love to see you again, and hopefully rebuild our friendship.

Love,
Rosa

Imprint

Publication Date: 09-08-2012

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To Rosa, for all the nights when we'd talk and laugh and listen to the radio. Thank you for all that you did for me. I miss you. :(