Before my father died, it was just the three of us living in his house – my father, my older sister (35), and me. To be honest, though, she was hardly ever there. She never seemed to feel like part of our family. The house was more of a place to sleep than a real home for her.
My father died two weeks ago. We were incredibly close – quite unlike my sister, who always kept her distance.
Then came the will.
At the lawyer's office, we learned that my father had bequeathed the entire house to my sister. And me? I got his old watch.
When I held it in my hands, I almost collapsed. It felt like I was holding a piece of him in my hands.
We lived under the same roof for a few more days – until my sister suddenly said: “That’s it. Our paths diverge here. You have to go.”
I had just gotten home from work. And my things? Already packed, simply thrown out the door.
In a panic, I called our lawyer and told him that my sister had kicked me out and that I needed advice.
But instead of sympathy, I heard something unexpected – he laughed.
"I can't believe it! Everything is happening exactly as your father predicted. Come to my office tomorrow – I have something for you."
"I'll book you a motel for the night," he said. "Or a guesthouse. Just give me ten minutes, and I'll send you a car and the address."
I was waiting for his message.
When the car arrived, I got in and the driver took me to a nice little bed and breakfast.
"Here you are, madam," he said, taking out my suitcases.
I had just unpacked my pajamas when the owner appeared at the door.
“Dawn?” she asked. “Matthew asked me to bring you something to eat. I have macaroni and cheese and a salad.”
I could hardly believe my luck with the lawyer. I didn't know him well, but at least he took care of me.
I hardly slept that night.
The next morning, exhausted and feeling numb, I dragged myself to Matthew's office. He greeted me with a warm smile.
"Sit down, boy," he said. "You should sit down."
"What's up?"
He pushed a folder across the desk.
“Your father was a wise man, Dawn,” he said. “He knew that Charlotte would most likely throw you out as soon as she gained control of the house.”
"He knew?" I swallowed.
"That's why he had me design it," he said.
Matthew opened the folder.
"Seven years ago, your father inherited a very large sum of money. It was almost two million dollars. The money came from a distant relative who had no children, but your father took care of her when she needed help."
"What?" I gasped.
"Yes, he didn't tell either of you in the end. But I'm sure he had his reasons. And now comes the catch, Dawn: Your father split the money between you and Charlotte."
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