Chapter 4: Leopold
1030 Words
Following this startling declaration, Nico stared at his grandfather for a full ten seconds. His mouth worked furiously, but no sound came out.
Finally, he managed, “Is this a joke?” He studied his grandfather’s cragged face for any sign of amusement or levity.
Leopold Vann’s expression remained solemn, his green eyes—identical to his grandson’s—troubled. “I’m afraid not. I had a neurologist appointment yesterday morning, and the news... wasn’t good.”
Nico gaped. “You’ve been seeing a neurologist? For how long?”
Leopold hesitated for the barest of moments. “Six months.”
“Six months?” Nico erupted. Remembering Gloria in the reception area right outside, he struggled to moderate his voice. “Granddad, why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
The older man shrugged but had the grace to look abashed. “I didn’t want to worry you if it turned out to be nothing.”
Nico studied his grandfather, gnawing on his lower lip in worry. Granddad did seem thinner, paler, than he should be. His hair, which had been salt-and-pepper for so many years, was nearly completely white, and seemed lank and wispy. The pouches under his eyes were more prominent, and he looked tired.
D*mn it, he’d been so wrapped up in work the last few months, he hadn’t paid enough attention. He’d barely seen his grandfather outside of the office except for perfunctory meals on holidays.
“What is it?” he asked quietly. “What’s wrong?”
Leopold sighed. “I’ve been having headaches... bad headaches... and I’ve had some memory loss. Nothing major, but I’ve had to rely on my electronic calendar and my assistant Eva like never before.”
That explained the missed meetings and forgotten messages, Nico thought, his heart sinking.
“I consulted my doctor,” Leopold continued, “and he referred me to a neurologist, Dr. Katz.”
Nico blinked. “Emil Katz?”
Leopold smiled. “Yes. I was wondering if you’d remember him from Pinewood.”
“Of course I do,” Nico said frankly. He didn’t have many good memories from the ritzy private high school his grandfather had insisted he attend, but he did remember the few friends he’d had there. “He was brilliant. A prodigy.”
“He still is brilliant,” Leopold said. “He may be young, but he’s considered one of the finest neurosurgeons in California.”
Nico leaned forward, twisting his fingers together. “What did he say? What’s the diagnosis?”
Leopold sighed, his smile fading. He suddenly looked every minute of his eighty years.
Nico hadn’t been a bit surprised five years ago when his grandfather had turned seventy-five and declared that he had no intention of retiring. He had the constitution and the stamina of a man half his age—then.
But now, he seemed so frail. So... old.
“Granddad?” Nico prompted when his grandfather remained silent.
Leopold sighed again. “It’s brain cancer.”
Nico sat up, feeling as though he’d been punched in the gut. “Cancer,” he repeated, his stomach twisting painfully.
His grandfather nodded somberly. “The fancy name is glioblastoma. In layman’s terms, I have a tumor.”
“Maybe it’s a mistake,” Nico said desperately. “You should get a second opinion. Doctors aren’t infallible.” He jumped to his feet. “I’ll Google for another neurologist in the area.”
“Nico.” Leopold’s voice was firm, but kind. “There’s no need for a second opinion. Dr. Katz was very thorough, and I saw the results of the MRI for myself. It was unmistakable.”
He slowly sat back down, running his hands through his too-long hair. “Did he say... do you know... how long do you have?”
“Twelve months,” Leopold said gruffly. “Maybe less, given my age.”
A year. Only a year. Maybe less. Nico slumped helplessly in the chair as his world shattered. “What happens next?” he asked anxiously. “Do you have to do chemotherapy? Radiation?”
Leopold’s lips tightened. “Dr. Katz wanted me to start both. I declined.”
Nico bolted upright. “You declined?”
“I’m eighty years old, Nico,” Leopold said simply, spreading his hands in an appealing gesture. “The chemo and radiation might buy me a year or two more, but it could just as easily kill me, and the side effects would be dreadful. I don’t want to spend my last years in misery.”
“But, Granddad...” Nico shut his eyes and removed his glasses, massaging the bridge of his nose.
“No buts,” Leopold said firmly. “I’ve made my decision, and I expect you to abide by it, even if you don’t agree.”
He cleared his throat and waited for Nico to put his glasses back on and open his eyes. “Now then, we have some business to discuss. As I told you in my email, I asked Hira to review our transition plans.”
“I’m afraid I didn’t get that email, Grandad,” Nico said quietly.
“Oh.” His grandfather seemed discomfited by that tidbit of news. “I-I thought I sent it.”
“That’s all right. Hira emailed me today with her report. I haven’t had a chance to read it, though.”
“Yes, well...” His grandfather fidgeted, and Nico narrowed his eyes. There was something else going on here.
“Do you plan to step down as CEO?” he asked slowly.
Leopold hesitated, and nodded. “Eventually. I don’t know how long I... how long my health will allow me to continue on. However, that’s something else I wanted to discuss with you.”
He fidgeted again, and Nico’s unease grew. It was unlike his grandfather to display nervousness so overtly. Was this another symptom of the tumor?
“I spent all afternoon yesterday with my lawyers.”
Nico nodded, unsurprised. He waited for his grandfather to continue, but the silence stretched on for a long minute.
“Nico...” Leopold finally said. “I’ve changed my will.”
- Writer
