Needing to Grant File Access to Open Word Document

I created a Word Document and saved it under Macintosh HD >> Users >>patriciamedley >>Documents (and I AM Patricia Medley). Today I cannot open it. When I click on Recents and the file and Open, I get a block that says Grant File Access. Microsoft Word needs access to the file named “_____”. Select the item to grant access. I hit select and it reopens the Documents - iCloud list in which it appears in blue with a Grant Access or cancel button below, but when I click on Grant Access, it gives me the Additional permissions are needed Grant File Access block again OR I get a gray block that says Microsoft Word

Word cannot open the document: user does not have access privileges (and the name of the document appears ). I am given the choice to click OK. What the heck?