“And who does have that right?!” Mom shouted. “We grew up here!”
“Please, don’t make me call the police,” Mr. Johnson warned.
Grumbling, they gathered their things and left. I packed Berta’s belongings, helped her into the car, and drove back to my apartment.
I was relieved when my landlord allowed me to keep her temporarily, though he raised the rent slightly.
I had prepared for the possibility of ending up on the street.
Berta missed Grandma as much as I did. Grandma had been the only one who truly supported me—paying for my education, asking about my work, celebrating every patient who recovered. I missed her terribly.
One night after a hospital shift, there was a knock at the door.
I opened it and froze—my mother was standing there.
“Mom? What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I know you have it!” she shouted.
“What are you talking about?” I asked, surprised.
“I know you inherited everything from Grandma!” she screamed.
“All I inherited was Berta,” I said.
“What?” she asked, confused.
“Berta. Grandma’s dog,” I clarified.
“Don’t lie!” my mother yelled. “You lived with her six months. She must have left everything to you! You were always her favourite granddaughter,” she added, overemphasizing the last line.
“Grandma didn’t give me money, just like she didn’t give any to you,” I said.
“Liar!” my mother screamed. “Where is it? I gave birth to you! You owe me!”
“I have nothing!” I cried, tears streaming down my face.
“We’ll see about that, witch!” my mother spat before leaving.
I sank to the floor, unable to stop crying. Berta climbed into my lap, trying to comfort me.
As I stroked her, something on her collar caught my eye. I removed the collar and turned it over.
An engraved address and the number 153 were on the back. I frowned and entered it into my GPS.
It led to the train station, with 153 appearing to be a locker number. But where was the key?
Then I noticed the tag could be opened. Inside, a small key fell into my hand.
Without hesitation, I went straight to the station, found locker 153, and tried the key. It fit.
Inside was a folder marked “For Meredith.” I opened it and pulled out a note and some documents in Grandma’s handwriting.
I decided to leave everything I had earned in my life to a person with a pure heart who would not exploit others. Everything I owned will go to the person who agreed to care for Berta. And I am certain that person would be you, Meredith. You are the only one left in our family who still shows decency. You deserve the best. With love, your Grandma.
I read the note, then examined the documents—Grandma’s will. I could hardly believe it was real.
“Aha! I knew you were hiding something!” I heard my mother’s voice behind me.
Startled, I turned. “I swear, I didn’t know anything,” I said.
“So she really left everything to Meredith,” Uncle Jack appeared, as if from nowhere.
“What are you doing here?!” my mother shouted.
“You didn’t think you were the clever one, sister. I hired a private detective to follow Meredith,” Uncle Jack said. “Now, Meredith, be a dear and hand over the will.”
“No! You’re my daughter! Give it to me!” my mother screamed.
“Meredith will give it to no one,” Mr. Johnson said firmly.
“And where do you come from?!” Uncle Jack barked.
“The sensor on my phone alerted me when the locker opened,” Mr. Johnson explained. “Since I execute Cassandra’s will, I came immediately.”
“I don’t care! I’m Meredith’s mother! I have rights!” my mother insisted.
“Cassandra’s estate goes to whoever cared for Berta. That was not you,” Mr. Johnson said calmly.
“I’ll take that flea-ridden dog if I must!” Uncle Jack shouted.
“It’s too late. Meredith took Berta unaware she would inherit anything. That was the main condition. Anyone who interferes will deal with me and the police,” Mr. Johnson said.
I held the folder, hands trembling, speechless.
“Come on, Meredith, we have a lot to discuss,” Mr. Johnson said, and we walked to my car.
“Why did she do this? Make everyone fight?” I asked.
“She wanted her money to go to a good person who would use it for good,” Mr. Johnson said.
I nodded. “Then I’ll give the larger portion to the hospital,” I said.
“It’s yours now. Do what you will,” Mr. Johnson replied.
In that moment, I missed Grandma more than ever—but I knew I would not let her down.