My 5-Year-Old Granddaughter

When Judy receives an unexpected, whispered phone call from her five-year-old granddaughter Lila, saying her mom is “pretending not to be scared,” she knows something is wrong. Judy races to their house, fearing the worst. With unanswered calls and a dark, silent home, panic sets in. Bursting through the front door, she finds her daughter Emma in the bathroom, wielding a mop like a weapon, and Lila pointing at the ceiling, both clearly shaken.

The emergency? Giant spiders. Emma had tried to downplay the fear to protect Lila, but Lila saw through it—and called her grandma for help. The tension eases into laughter as the family gathers in the kitchen, sharing popcorn and comfort. That night, Judy stays over, reflecting on how love shows up in little moments—through worry, action, and being there when someone pretends to be brave.