Grandfather

I have the pleasure of free writing along with my students:

啊爺

When I was young my grandfather used to tell me stories. Lots of stories, such as about how he used to work in the army. He was in charge of counting how many bullets there were, and how many guns or grenades. He used to play football with the British officers – and despite being short and Chinese, he was very at it. (Or so he said...)

And then when I grew a bit older my grandfather started to repeat himself. He would tell me the same stories, about how he used to count the bullets. And I would listen politely, and bring him some tea and biscuits. (My grandfather, however, likes cold beer)

And then after my grandmother died my grandfather stopped telling me stories. He now sits on the living room sofa. Sometimes I wonder what he thinks about. I ask him questions, and if I ask the right question, like, "Were you ever in the army?' a story will come tumbling out.