Everyone in the neighbourhood suspected the girl was only caring for the old lady next door to get an inheritance. They were wrong.
Katie had never known her fatherhe had abandoned her mother when she was just a baby. It was her mother and her grandfather who raised her. But fate was unkind. When Katie was only ten, her mother fell ill with cancer and passed away, leaving Katie alone with her grandfather, who became her world, acting as both parent and protector.
Her grandmother had died before her mother, so Katie and her grandfather were all each other had. By now, Katie was a young woman, working, and tending to her ailing grandfather, who had grown so frail he could barely leave his bed. Katie knew his days were numbered, a painful realisation hanging in the air.
Katie, love, I need a favour from you, her grandfather wheezed one evening, his eyes glassy yet kind.
What is it, Granddad?
You know, your grandmother had a dear friend, Edith. They were closer than sisters. When your gran was alive, she always went over to see Edith, lending a hand where she could. After your gran passed away, I checked in on her too. Darling, dont leave Edith on her own. When I go, promise youll look after her.
I promise, Granddad, Katie replied, her throat thick with emotion.
The very next day, her grandfather slipped away peacefully. Katie was left utterly alone. Honouring her promise, she began calling on Edith, cooking meals, cleaning, doing small things to brighten the old woman’s days. Odd, considering Edith had family scattered all over the country, but not a soul came to visit or help.
Three years passed before Edith, too, finally passed away. The day of the funeral, relatives seemed to appear out of thin air, flooding her flat in search of anything valuable. It was clear what they were aftermoney. Katie took nothing from Ediths home but a single, cherished photograph and quietly slipped out.
The next morning, Ediths sister showed up at Katies door, tightly clutching her handbag.
Katie, listen, we need to talk
What is it? Katie asked, weary but gentle.
Edith left a will. For you. But you must see, you werent really family. We are. Yes, I know I didnt look after her, but my life was so complicated. Ill make it up to you somehow. Ill pay you, alright?
Thats fine. Do what you must, Katie replied coolly.
Did Katie take the inheritance for herself? No. Without a second thought, she gave it all away to the local childrens home.
