“There is no further bequest in the will. I’m sorry.”
I drove back home in silence, the lawyer’s words still echoing in my ears.
Years of my life, and nothing to show for it.
I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the wall until the light outside faded. Every cold dinner, every criticism, every silent breakfast played back like a film I could not stop.
My phone buzzed. Linda’s name lit up the screen.
I almost did not answer. Then I did.
Years of my life, and nothing to show for it.
“Emily, dear,” she said softly. “I just wanted to say how sorry I am. Your grandmother, she always knew what she was doing, you know.”
Something snapped inside me.
“She knew what she was doing?” I said. “Is that supposed to comfort me, Linda?”
“That is not what I meant.”
“I bathed her. I drove her to every appointment. And you walk away with her savings?”
She was quiet for a long moment. “You do not understand everything yet, Emily.”
Something snapped inside me.
“Then explain it to me.”
“I cannot. Not over the phone.”
I laughed bitterly. “Of course you cannot. You whispered with her for years behind closed doors. I am not stupid. I saw what was happening.”
“Emily, please.”
“Did you talk her out of it? Did you convince her I did not deserve anything?”
“I would never.”
“Then why are you the one with her money?”
“I am not stupid. I saw what was happening.”
The line went silent. Then a small breath.
“Because she asked me to keep a promise. That is all I can say.”
I hung up. My hands were shaking so hard that the phone slipped onto the blanket.
I thought about contesting the will. I thought about calling every lawyer in the city. Then I remembered I could barely afford rent.
I cried until I fell asleep with my clothes still on.
“Because she asked me to keep a promise. That is all I can say.”
The next morning, a steady knock at my door pulled me upright. I opened it to find Mr. Bennett standing on the small landing, an envelope in his hand.
“Miss,” he said gently. “Your grandmother left specific instructions that I deliver this to you on this exact date. Not a day earlier.”
“More instructions,” I muttered. “Of course.”
