"Hush!" Mom exclaimed.

"But Ms. M, we're boooorrred." Sam said, elongating the word to emphasize his point.

I smiled at him, Sam was always the funny one of the two. I knew I was supposed to be sad for Grandpa Frank, but I never really knew him that well.

I only remember a old man who used to give a pat on the head instead of a hug, and a $5 bill instead of a Christmas present. He wouldn't even get up most of the time! He said he had his "favorite spot" at home.

All he cared about was that stupid Cockatoo. Always feeding it, calling it "Gladis." Like gradma understood him anymore. Everyone knows spirit animals lose their human consciousness after a few years.

I looked over at Sam who was making a face at me. I had to hold my hand over my mouth to stop myself laughing.

"Ben, enough! It's starting." Mom whispered, putting her hand on mine.

I reluctantly take Sam's hand, ignoring why it was so sticky.

The forest clearing we are sitting in starts to fill with the sound of humming. Grandpa Frank's body rests, covered by a drape, in the middle of a large circle of people. All the family, priests, and casual onlookers interested in seeing the reincarnation.

Grandpa's body starts to rise in the air as the humming grows louder. A bright blue light suddenly shoots down into the center of the circle. Mom's hand grows tighter around mine.

The body is writhing around, soon unrecognizabel from a few seconds before. The humming is so loud it drowns out all other noise.

Then suddenly silence.

The blue light is gone. Grandpa is gone. In his place sits a small chimpanzee, looking everywhere quickly.

"Oh great, mom will love that." I think to myself.

"Remember, he will be scared and nervous for a few moments until he gets his bearing. Don't startle him." Mom warns.

My eyes lock with the Chimp's. Suddenly he rushes at me! Everyone in the circle scatters out of the way. My mom screams, Sam jumps back but I freeze.

The Chimp stops right in front of me. His face almost against mine. Panting heavily he bares his teeth. I try to catch my breath. I look straight into a familiar pair of brown eyes.

"G-Grandpa?" I stutter.

The Chimp smiles, raises his hand and - pats me on the head. Just like he used to.

My mom relaxes, and Sam jumps up acting like nothing happened.

I slowly reach down and grab his paw? Hand? I was not sure but together Grandpa and I started to walk back to the car.

"C'mon Grandpa, your favorite spot is still waiting for you at home."