The Gentleman

One Sunday afternoon, Grandad napped in a chair with his feet stretched out on a hassock in Mom's new/old apartment -- that is, the old apartment that Grandad has been helping Mom to make new.  Born to poverty in depression era Georgia, his parents raised him to be a gentleman.  That is probably the strongest foundation of his character.  Now in his late eighties, his children and grandchildren began to interpret this as a weakness, making him vulnerable to needy women who might prey on his generous nature.

A week or so later, Grandad had determined to show the world that he didn't need either a woman or his children "meddling" in his day-to-day life.  He decided to lock them all out of his house.  He would depend on a community of friends and neighbors to help him when AND IF he decided he needed help.  He had grown confident in his ability to use the cellphone that he carried on his belt.  He knew that he could manage his own affairs as long as he could drive both of his vehicles.