Despite being skin and bones, she was
wearing this jade bracelet that was so clear it
looked like it was made of glass.
“This bracelet is one of the antiques your
grandpa left behind. Now do you believe me?”
Everyone looked embarrassed and mumbled
that, of course, they believed her.
Grandma only stayed in the hospital for a few
days before wanting to go home. The old
place, which was usually bare–bones, got a
serious makeover to make it feel homey.
Family was showing up from everywhere. It
was the first time the old house had been so
lively in ages.
<
Grandma put on a new dress, but even that
hung on her like it was a coat rack.
She just kept smiling at everyone, and no one
could figure out what she was thinking.
This year, though, she was really generous.
Whatever the grandkids wanted, she said yes.
My brother wanted the newest iPhone, my
cousin wanted a laptop, my other cousin.
wanted to upgrade his ride…
Grandma agreed to it all, and everyone
treated her like she was the queen of the
world.
Then, Grandma got around to asking me. She
hugged me tight and said, “Sweetheart, what
do you want? Whatever you want, Grandma
Her arms felt so skinny and hard around me.
I wiped away a tear and said, “Grandma, I want you to be healthy and live forever.”
Grandma chuckled softly, patting my head.
“That’s one thing even God can’t promise.”
“Then I want you to stop hurting, Grandma.”
Grandma hugged me tighter. “Well, I want you
to study hard. You need a good education to
get somewhere in life.”
Grandma’s health went downhill fast.
The painkillers didn’t work anymore. The
nurse had to come to the house to give her
shots to ease the pain.
She went from being able to walk around to spending most of her time in bed.
When Thanksgiving was over, everyone went back to work or school, but my aunt, uncle,
and dad stuck around.
As I was getting ready to leave, I overheard
Uncle Mark and Aunt Carol talking.
Uncle Mark said, “I checked the property
records. That deed is legit. That brownstone
is worth millions. I just hope she doesn’t give
anything to David’s family.”
Aunt Carol snorted. “That girl of theirs is such
a suck–up. She pretends she doesn’t want
anything, but she’s just trying to get on the
old lady’s good side!”
“We need to get rid of her. The old lady is
going to change her mind.”
My dad suddenly appeared, and he smacked
me on the shoulder.
“You hear that? You’re not going back to
school yet. Stick around and butter up the old
lady. We’ll all be rich, and your brother’s
future is secure.”
I felt a burst of anger and shrugged him off.
“I’m not staying because of the money. I’m
staying to make sure you don’t take
advantage of Grandma, even if she can’t
move!”
Uncle Mark and Aunt Carol came out,
sneering.
“Sure, you’re a good person, of course you
want money.”
The day finally arrived. Grandma had shorter
and shorter periods of being alert. My aunt
and uncle were getting really worried.
Grandma hadn’t made a will, and they were
afraid she would leave everything to me. They
tried to keep me away from her.
Then one day, Grandma seemed much better,
almost glowing.
I knew it was a last burst of energy.
Grandma gathered us together, and a lawyer
read her will.
“I’m leaving the brownstone to Mark. He has
<
the biggest family, and he needs the money
the most.”
“As for the antique location, I’m leaving those
to David. David, take care of our
granddaughter.”
“The rest of the money goes to Carol. Carol,
your family is doing well, so you get the
least.”
Uncle Mark could barely contain his grin.
Dad couldn’t hide his happiness. “Mom, don’t
worry, Sweetheart is my daughter, I’ll always
take care of her.”
