I stood alone in that echoing station hallway, clutching the duffel bag like a lifeline. The weight of the money didn’t compare to the weight of Grandpa’s faith in me. For once, someone hadn’t tried to control me, guilt me, or bargain with my future. He’d simply trusted me. Trusted that I would know what to do with this chance he’d carved out in secret.
On the cab ride home, the city blurred past in streaks of gray and gold. I thought of Mom’s bitterness, my relatives’ greed, the way they’d turned their backs on his grave the moment they realized there’d be no payout. They’d never understand that this treasure wasn’t meant for them. It wasn’t just about the cash; it was about escape, education, a tiny apartment somewhere quiet, a life that was mine. Grandpa’s last joke was also his last rescue: a one-dollar will for them, and a hidden future for me.
