"Grandpa, you're the best. I promise you'll live well once I make it big."

Granger just smiled. "You don't need to be famous for me. As long as you're happy and safe, that's all I need."

Marlowe chuckled softly, touched by his words. She sat beside him and helped with the watch. Noticing his faded collar, she remembered how he always refused when she offered to buy him new clothes, insisting it wasn't easy for her to earn money. Determined, she silently vowed to become a star and earn enough to ensure her grandfather wouldn't have to be so frugal.

As evening came, darkness settled over their little yard.

Granger was aging and needed to get to bed early each day. Marlowe made sure not to disturb him once he was asleep. She would return to her room.