I noticed something was awry when my brother drove a bright red convertible. I had no notion the car was connected to an unexpected betrayal and Nana’s pre-death plan.
My name is Willow. At 26, I’ve lived away from home for four years. I made the finest decision by leaving my family and all the sorrow.
I was never one of them. My parents always preferred Peregrine, my older brother. They dubbed him Perry, their star. Growing up, I was just there. Nana teased the “extra” with a pleasant grin.
I left partly because of this. That and Finn, my lover. He told me to live for myself and leave my family’s shadow.
I moved to the city with him in our modest automobile, abandoning my parents, Perry, and all those memories.
“Finn, I just couldn’t stay there anymore,” I told him at supper. I still see him smiling and holding my hand across the table.
Willow, you don’t need to repeat. He squeezed my hand and whispered, “You did right.” “You deserve better than being ignored.”
I hardly spoke to my family after four years. Phone calls ended, and texts were brief. My parents? They had no interest. I felt gone from their lives. Nana alone kept nearby.
She alone made me feel unique. She hid chocolate bars from Mom or called me at night to ask about my day when I was little.
Nana didn’t mind my dull stories or messiness. She listened.
Later, I learned she died. By chance. No call, text, nothing. Can you believe? An old family acquaintance posted on Facebook as I was browsing. Photo of Nana with date and “Rest in Peace.”
Unable to breathe. I looked at my phone to comprehend, but it didn’t make sense. I felt heartbroken.
I stood up, dropped my phone on the table, and said, “Nana’s gone.”
From the couch, Finn looked up. “What? What, she left?
“She died. No one told me.” My eyes burned with fury and possibly betrayal. “How could they not tell me?”
Finn leaped up and hugged me, but nothing worked. Why didn’t my parents call? Or Perry? Nothing.
Flight home was arranged that night.
I had to visit Nana’s grave no matter what. I said farewell my way. I walked through my hometown the next morning, a place I hadn’t gone to in years and had worked so hard to leave. Everything was the same except one thing.
What I witnessed on a cemetery street corner stopped me cold. A sparkling red convertible driven by my brother Perry.
Perry? The cashier who struggled to pay his bills? His automobile looked like it cost more than everything he possessed.
My stomach twisted. Something was wrong.
Later that day, I stood beside Nana’s grave with trees whispering. I felt a big knot in the fresh dirt. Real Nana was gone. I couldn’t finish saying goodbye or express my love.
Facebook news of her passing stings.
When I kneeled by the tomb, I heard footsteps. I noticed Nana’s best friend Mr. Hawthorne up above. The gentle elder man constantly helped Nana with her needs. Walking over, he looked dejected.
He whispered, “Willow, I’m so sorry,” softly, standing next to me. “Your Nana…she was unique.”
Swallowing hard, I held back tears. Really, she was. I wish I had more time with her.”
With distant eyes, he nodded. After a time, he asked, “Did you get the $20,000 she left you?”
Shocked, I froze. The…what?
Hawthorne’s expression changed. “Your Nana. In her will, she gave you $20,000. I thought you knew.”
Heart plummeted. This red convertible Perry was driving made sense. My anger blazed. “No,” I stood, hands clinched. “I didn’t know.”
Mr. Hawthorne paled. Oh, Willow, I’m sorry.”
But I stopped listening. Perry’s trailer was my destination. Right now.
Mind racing, I ran to my car. Perry, who was always unemployed, drove a fancy car, and I didn’t question it. Of course, my money. My only carer, Nana, left me money, which he grabbed without a thought.
When I reached Perry’s trailer, I was ready to yell. But what I saw stopped me. The red convertible sat on the driveway, front bumper damaged, windshield broken, tires flat. It appeared to crash badly.
Perry appeared at his rundown trailer doorway. His crutches, leg cast, and face were covered with cuts and bruises.
He was caught by Karma.
My wrath turned to amazement as I walked up. Perry, what happened?
Moving on crutches, he looked away. “It’s nothing.”
“Nothing?” Pointing at the destroyed automobile. That’s not nothing. You did what? Perry, why did you steal Nana’s money?
He winced at being captured. Willow, I didn’t mean to finish this way. My initial instinct was to borrow it. I would repay you. But then I saw that automobile, and…
“Borrow it?” I was stunned. You don’t ‘borrow’ $20,000 for someone else. I received that money from Nana, and you ignored it. Now look at you. Perry gets this. You deserve this.”
Perry began to argue, but I continued. “You always took everything. Our parents always loved and focused on you. But this? It was different. This was from Nana, my only carer, and you stole it.”
Perry looked down. “I erred, okay? I thought—”
You thought what? I snapped. That I wouldn’t know? That Nana left me unworthy?
He said nothing. We stood silently, feeling the weight of it all. My phone buzzed. Lawyer Mr. Whitlock represented Nana.
“Mr. Whitlock?” I replied, glancing at Perry.
“Willow, I’ve been checking your grandmother’s will,” Mr. Whitlock replied calmly. Something you should know. You grandmother thought this might happen.”
“You mean what?” My heart pounded as I asked.
Perry may try to steal the money, so she planned. Part of her estate was $20,000. Willow, you own her house, savings, and investments. She left everything to you.”
I was stunned. “Everything?”
“Yes, everything,” Mr. Whitlock answered. “Your grandmother was clear. She wanted to take care of you so you wouldn’t need anyone.”
My eyes hurt, but not only from sadness. Nana knew. She sensed this coming and shielded me like only she could. She protected me when she left, telling me I mattered.
I inhaled and stared at Perry. Perry, I hope that convertible was worth it. I hope you enjoyed the ride.”
“Willow, I—” he shakily began.
I stopped him with my hand. “Don’t. Perry, stop making excuses. Simply save.”
I turned and left without a response, leaving him broken in more ways. First time not feeling forgotten sibling. Nana ensured that.
