Grandpa Al radioed coordinates during the Korean War.

He was quiet, loved his Yankees, and sipped O’Doul’s in the summertime.

He had a fake leg and owned a ukulele, too –

A sweet, beautiful instrument boxed up in his basement.

I can see him now.

He’s smiling. Sipping. Strumming and plucking.

“Grandpa Al” was originally published in Fifty Word Stories. Click here to see the original publication.

***

Thanks for reading! Please consider signing up for my Substack newsletter, Along the Hudson, if you enjoyed this story. You’ll receive a blend of fiction, creative nonfiction, and writing prompts delivered twice a week to your inbox.