The Old Woman

“Gwiyeomddungi,” The old lady said, “There’s been something off about you these past few months.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Grammy,” Marshall replied from inside the woman’s body. In truth, he was sure he knew exactly what she was talking about. The Great Shift had happened months ago, which is how he had found himself in this woman’s body in the first place. The old woman was with her at the time, and she seemed to have dementia. He wasn’t sure if they were actually related or if the woman had been swapped as well. And -- if she was swapped like he was -- he wasn’t sure if the problems with her memory were due to the body of the old woman or the mind she had before. However, she did seem sure that Marshall was her granddaughter. Whether or not this was actually the old woman’s granddaughter was also in question, but Marshall decided he’d be kind and play along anyway.

In the weeks that followed, he’d visit her at the nursing home several times a week. He’d take her out to do things; today, they were enjoying lunch together when the topic finally came up.

“No, no,” The old woman continued, “There is something different about you. I can’t recall you ever being this kind to me before.”

“Maybe I’m just finally coming to appreciate the time we have left together,” Marshall replied, realizing the statement came from a unknown place of sincerity before adding, “I love you, Grammy.”

“I love you too, Gwiyeomddungi. I just --” She paused.

Marshall realized the old woman lost her thought. It was common with her condition. Instead, the two just exchanged smiles as they continued to eat.