Inheritance tends to bring out people’s true colors. The prospect of “free money” can reveal feelings of entitlement, resentment, and sometimes, humility. Because truly good people don’t try to scheme their way into a will; they end up there because of their love, kindness, and devotion. In this case, Milah helped her grandmother for years, not for a reward, but because she loved her. Meanwhile, her half-brother Eddie wanted nothing to do with them — until the inheritance came.
Only Half a Family
After graduating from college, Milah moved in with her grandmother. The older woman’s health had worsened and her part-time assistant, Gina, couldn’t manage all of the new responsibilities. So Milah lived in her grandmother’s house, taking care of her until her final days. When the reading of the will came, Milah was shocked to learn she will only receive a few items. And neither she nor her half brother, Eddie, would receive the house.
Eddie was about ten years older than Milah. He didn’t take his parents’ divorce well, and he became angrier when his father married Milah’s mother. Milah was ecstatic to have an older brother. She tried to win Eddie’s approval but he didn’t want anything to do with her. She continued to try to impress him until their father passed away. In his eulogy, Eddie talked about family but only mentioned his father and mother, never Milah’s mother or Milah herself.
Milah stopped reaching out to Eddie after that and they lost contact. So Milah focused on strengthening her relationship with her mother and grandmother, with who she lived for eight years. Milah was devastated when she passed away, but she was comforted that she got to spend many precious and happy years with her. Eddie made no effort to visit their grandmother. Milah only saw him at the funeral. Then at the reading of the will.
No One Gets the House
The half-siblings didn’t exchange words before the meeting. Eddie barely acknowledged her and Milah too deep in grief to make any effort. Fortunately, Gina was there to support her. The lawyer explained the division of the grandmother’s possessions between the three, but he made no mention of her old house. When Eddie asked about it, the lawyer coldly responded that she had sold her house years ago. It wasn’t hers anymore to give to her heirs.
Eddie was furious. He accused Milah of trying to swindle him out of his share of the property; after all, she was living there this whole time. Milah glared at him and responded that she had helped their grandmother all of these years. She had her own job, she didn’t need to —or would she ever — con anyone.
The lawyer broke up the argument with documents proving their grandmother didn’t own the house. There was no way to claim it. Eddie left the office in a huff. Milah and Gina quietly thanked the lawyer and left. On the way home, they tried to figure out the new owner. It was curious the grandmother had never mentioned the sale to them.
Home At Last
When Milah arrived at the home she no longer owned, she began to pack as someone knocked on the door. On the stoop was one of the neighbors, an elderly woman named Mrs. Took who was at the funeral. Milah thanked her for coming and invited her in for some tea.
Over a cup of oolong, Mrs. Took revealed an intriguing story. Milah’s grandmother had sold her the house but on a condition. She was aware of Eddie and Milah’s taut relationship, and she knew Eddie wouldn’t allow her to get a bigger inheritance than him. But Milah deserved to get the house, so she sold it to Mrs. Took to give it to Milah after she passed. To prove it, Mrs. Took took the house deed out of her purse and placed it on the table. Milah began crying as she looked over at her grandmother’s signature. She had no idea how far her grandmother would go to provide for her. She thought her heart would burst from joy.
Mrs. Took ended up staying for dinner and she told Milah many wonderful stories about her grandmother. That night Milah walked through the house, feeling at home with her grandmother’s love permeating from every corner. Later, she told Gina and her mother about the house deed. Eddie never found out about it. Perhaps he would’ve if he made an effort to talk with his half-sister, but he never did.
This story was inspired by an original piece of fiction. Any similarities between this story and actual people are purely coincidental.
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