I went through the documents carefully. Garrett and Toby received the minimum shares required by law. Marissa received nothing.
That’s right, I nodded and signed each sheet. Francis watched me with a slight smile. You know, Edith, in 30 years of practice, I’ve rarely seen such drastic changes in wills.
Usually people hesitate, doubt. I’ve hesitated enough already, Francis. I signed the last one.
For years. He nodded and gathered the papers. I’ll file them today.
I’ll send you copies within the week. And, Edith? He paused. If you need legal help with any possible conflicts with the family, I’m always at your service.
After Francis left, I decided to take a walk. It was a clear day and the fresh air helped clear my mind. I headed toward the park where James and I often went on weekends.
Taking a seat on a bench, I watched the children and their parents playing. A young woman with a little boy caught my eye. She was patiently helping him build a sandcastle, laughing with him as the structure collapsed.
I remembered doing the same thing with Garrett years ago. Where and when had we lost that simple joy of being with each other? My thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing. Toby’s number.
I hesitated but decided to answer it. Grandma? His voice sounded tense. Is it true? Did you cancel all the payments? Hello, Toby.
I tried to speak calmly. Yes, it’s true. But why? He sounded genuinely puzzled.
What happened? Your father didn’t explain? He said something about a misunderstanding. About you being offended by some message. Toby said quickly.
Grandma, my credit card’s been blocked. I can’t pay the rent. I sighed.
Toby was always straightforward. Straight to the heart of the problem. How it affected him personally.
Toby, you’re 23 years old. You work for an insurance company. Why are you still dependent on my money? Yeah.
He hesitated. You’ve always been there for me. I’m used to… Exactly.
I interrupted him. You’re all used to it. You took my help for granted.
Never wondered how I felt when your father wrote to tell me I was unwelcome in the house I was paying for. There was silence on the other end of the line. Did Dad really write that? Toby finally asked, and I could hear a note of disbelief in his voice.
Yes, I did. I didn’t soften the blow. And that was the last straw, Toby.
For years, I supported your family. Paid for your house, your cars, your education, even your tennis club. And what did I get in return? Disrespect, neglect, and formal visits on holidays.
Grandma, I… He stammered again. I didn’t know you felt that way. Because none of you ever asked, I said without anger, simply stating a fact.
You took and took without thinking about how I felt. Silence again, then a quiet question. So what now? Now you have to deal with it on your own, I said calmly.
Like all adults do. But Grandma… I have to go, Toby, I interrupted him. Think about what I said, and how you’ve all treated me over the years.
I ended the call and just sat for a while, watching the park. Talking to Toby had left a strange feeling. A mixture of sadness and relief.
Sadness at realizing how shallow our relationship had been. Relief that I’d finally told the truth. I spent the evening reading a book I’d been putting off for a while.
Before I went to bed, I checked my phone. A few more missed calls from Garrett and Marissa. A message from Rebecca.
Grandma, our house is in chaos. My parents are fighting. Toby is in a panic about money.
Are you okay? Can I come over tomorrow? I replied. Yes, dear, I’d love to see you. I’m perfectly fine.
The morning brought an unexpected surprise. Marissa was standing on the doorstep. Impeccably dressed, with perfect styling and a strained smile.
In her hands was a box of cakes from an expensive pastry shop. Edith, good morning. She handed me the box.
May I come in? We need to talk. I let her in silently, wondering what strategy she’d chosen. Marissa walked into the living room, giving me the usual appraising look that always made my hands go cold.
Edith. She sat on the edge of the couch, her hands folded in her lap. I think there’s been a terrible misunderstanding.
Really? I sat down across from her without offering her tea or coffee. Garrett shouldn’t have sent that message. She shook her head with a look of genuine regret on her face.
It was an emotional reaction. We were stressed about work, planning dinner. Marissa, I interrupted her.
Let’s not waste time. You’re not here to apologize. You’re here for the money.
Her smile faltered for a moment but quickly returned. Edith, it’s not fair. I’m truly sorry for what happened.
We all appreciate your help and support. You are an important part of our family. So important that you didn’t want me at your table? I asked calmly without anger.
Marissa sighed as if explaining something to an uncomprehending child. That night was special. We had important guests, potential clients.
I wanted everything to go perfectly. You know how important this is to my career. And I would ruin it? I raised an eyebrow.
With what exactly? With my old-fashioned clothes? Inappropriate comments? That’s not what I meant. She pursed her lips. Edith, let’s be honest.
You and I have always had complicated relationship. But that’s no reason to destroy the whole family. Garrett’s desperate.
Toby can’t pay his bills. We’re in danger of losing the house. The house I paid for.
I reminded him. Which you helped pay for. She corrected me.
We put up a lot of money too. I looked at this woman beautiful, confident, used to getting what she wanted. She’d been part of my family for 25 years.
But I’d never felt a real connection to her. Marissa. I leaned forward.
I will no longer finance your life. Not the house. Not the cars.
Not Toby’s education. Nothing. This is my final decision.
Her face changed. The mask of friendliness fell away. Revealing the cold calculation I’d always sensed beneath her smiles.
You can’t do this to us. Her voice hardened. After all we’ve done for you.
What exactly have you done for me, Marissa? I asked with genuine curiosity. We, she stammered. Clearly unprepared for such a question.
We included you in our family. Allowed you to be a part of your grandchildren’s lives. Took care of you.
Taken care of? I couldn’t hold back a bitter laugh. When was the last time you asked me how I was feeling? When you called just to talk. Not to ask for money? Marissa stood up.
Her face pale with anger. You’re going to regret this, Edith. We’re the only family you have.
Who will take care of you when you are too old to live on your own? I’ll take care of myself. I stood up too. Just like I did all my life before I started spending all my energy and money on your family.
She headed for the door but stopped on the threshold. This isn’t over, Edith. Garrett won’t leave it alone.
You’re his mother. He has rights. Rights to what, Marissa? My money? I shook my head.
Go away. And don’t come back until you learn some basic respect. After Marissa left I felt strangely empty.
It was as if the final scene of a long play had been played, the curtain had fallen, and the actors had dispersed. I went to the window. The day was clear, sunny.
Life went on. Neighbors worked in the garden. Children rode their bikes.
The letter carrier delivered letters. My gaze fell on the kitchen table where a stack of unpaid bills lay. Before, I would have tackled them immediately for fear of missing the deadline and letting my family down.
Now I could pay them whenever I wanted. I could go to the store and buy myself a new dress without worrying if I had enough money to pay for Toby’s tennis club. I could take that art class I’d been wanting to take for ages.
For the first time in years, I was truly free. Free from obligation. Free from guilt.
Free from the constant need to sacrifice my own desires for the sake of others. I picked up my cell phone and dialed Laurene’s number. Remember you were talking about going to the mountains next month? I asked when she answered.
I’d like to join you if the invitation still stands. Edith. I could hear the joyful surprise in her voice.
Of course, we’d be delighted. But I thought you wouldn’t be able to because of… I can now, I smiled. I no longer had any obligations holding me back.
After talking to Laurene, I pulled out an old notebook and started making a list. A list of things to do, places to go. Things that I dreamed of doing but always put off for later.