Alice always looked forward to her mom’s birthday dinner the food, the laughter, the warm glow of candles. But this year, something felt wrong. Her Grandpa Ted, once the heart of every celebration, was missing. When Alice asked about him, her mother’s face darkened, and her sharp reply silenced the table. The memory of a bitter fight months ago came rushing back: shouting, tears, Grandpa walking away and never coming back.
Later that night, as Alice passed her parents’ door, she overheard hushed voices. Grandpa was sick, her dad said, and couldn’t afford his medication. Her mother’s voice cut in, cold and final: “He made his choices.” But Alice couldn’t shake the sadness in her chest. In her room sat her piggy bank, heavy with coins she’d been saving for a new bike. With a deep breath, she cracked it open, scooped up every last penny, and set off to find her grandpa.