Linda picked her way over the dirty clothes on the floor. “Pull yourself together, Jerry, or face the consequences. I won’t sit idly by while you fall apart, or let you drag my grandson down with you.”
Weeks later, Linda sat on the sunny porch of the main building in her nursing home.
She’d brought her current sewing project out but couldn’t focus on it. She was waiting for someone, a person who might be able to save the terrible situation she found herself in.
A nurse walked around the corner, and Linda immediately waved at her and beckoned for her to approach.
“Something you need help with, Linda?” the nurse asked.
“Yes, Denise, there is, but I’m afraid it’s a big favor I have to ask you.”
Denise frowned and sat down in the chair beside Linda. “This sounds serious…is everything okay?”
Linda shook her head.
“I’ve been to court and Social Services to have my son-in-law’s parental rights removed. He’s been neglecting my grandson, Denise! That poor boy.
I hate to say it, but I think all Jerry cares about is the money he gets from me and the state to help him care for Kevin.”
“That’s very sad, Linda, but I don’t understand what I can do to help.”
“You and your husband can adopt Kevin.”
“Adopt your grandson?” Denise’s jaw dropped in surprise.
“You’ve wanted to adopt for ages, dear, and I want to ensure my Kevin lives in a happy, loving home where he’ll be nurtured.” Linda put her hand over Denise’s. “I’d take him if I could, but it’s impossible. The next best thing I can do is try to get him placed with someone I trust.”
“I’m…I don’t know what to say, Linda.” Denise smiled at her.
“I’m honored and incredibly nervous!
But I’d be delighted to welcome Kevin into the family and I know my husband will feel the same way.”
“Bless you, Denise! I will speak to my lawyer and have her arrange everything.” Linda squeezed Denise’s hand. “You’ve made this old dame very happy, and lifted a heavy worry from my shoulders.”
“Well, you’ve given me an even greater gift: a child to love.” Denise’s voice quivered with emotion.
“OMG, I can’t believe my dream is finally in reach, and all thanks to you!”
Denise leaned over to hug Linda. She was overjoyed that Denise had agreed to her plan. Now she knew that Kevin’s future was secure and that he’d grow up in a household where he was cherished.
“And this will be your room.
What do you think?”
Linda cocked her head to gauge Kevin’s reaction as Denise and her husband, Miguel, showed off the bedroom they’d prepared for him. Kevin wrinkled his nose and scanned the blue-painted room. The couple had decorated the walls with vinyl stickers of console controllers and posters.
“It’s nice,” Kevin said glumly, shrugging one shoulder.
Denise and Miguel exchanged worried glances.
“We can always change the decor, if you don’t like it,” Miguel said.
“Let Kevin have some time to live in the room before making such big decisions,” Linda said.
She put a hand on Kevin’s shoulder and leaned in to whisper to him: “I know it’s strange, dear, but give them a chance. They’re good people who will take excellent care of you.”
Kevin turned away and ran for the front door. Linda sighed and went after him.
When she got outside, she found Kevin sitting on the front lawn, tearing grass from the dirt. No matter what Linda said, he refused to answer her.
Linda prepared for bed that evening with mixed feelings. She was relieved to know Kevin was in a good home, but it saddened her that he was so upset by the change.
Linda was confident her grandson would eventually settle in, though.
After all, he was an intelligent boy and would one day realize that Denise and Miguel were far better parents than Jerry. It would just take time…
The phone rang. Linda’s heart began to race when she saw the caller’s identity.
“Is everything okay?” Linda asked when she answered the call.
“No,” Denise replied.
“I just went to check on Kevin and ask if he wanted a cookie, but he’s not here, Linda! I searched everywhere! I think he’s run away.”
Linda pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I think I know exactly where he’s gone, Denise. Don’t worry anymore, I’ll bring him back to you.”
Linda arrived on Jerry’s doorstep with Kevin’s case worker, Mrs. Jameson.
Just as Linda suspected, Kevin was in the apartment. While Mrs. Jameson took Kevin aside to speak to the boy, Linda confronted Jerry.
“Does it bug you to see all your clever plans come to nothing?” Jerry smirked at her as he leaned heavily against the kitchen counter.
“No matter what you do, Kevin will keep running back home to his dad, where he belongs.”
Linda searched Jerry’s bloodshot eyes for some sign of emotion other than smugness. His neglect wasn’t the struggle of an overwhelmed parent adjusting to the loss of a spouse. He seemed to feel nothing for Kevin.
Then Linda looked at Jerry’s branded clothes and the new, big-screen TV.
She narrowed her eyes as she noticed something else just beneath the TV: a brand-new gaming console. She’d always suspected Jerry only wanted money. Now she knew her plan would work.
“I think I know how to convince you to do the right thing here, Jerry.” Linda removed her checkbook from her purse.
“Will fifty thousand be enough to convince you to leave Kevin alone?”
“Fifty thousand?” Jerry laughed and crossed his arms. “I know you can do better than that. Try three hundred thousand and we’ll see.”
Linda gasped.
“I don’t have that type of money! Just take the fifty thousand, Jerry. It’s all I can offer you.”
Jerry tsked and let out a dramatic sigh.
“Guess you don’t value your grandson as much as you pretend to, Linda. I’ll see you next time the boy comes running home.”
Jerry shambled across the room and flopped into his armchair. Linda tucked her checkbook into her purse.
There had to be something she could do to ensure Jerry didn’t become an obstacle in Kevin’s life.
She wanted the best for her grandson, but this was a one-way road to ruin.
If only Kevin were mature enough to realize how selfish Jerry’s intentions were, but he was just a child. No child should have to confront the fact that a parent was using them for money.
Kevin emerged from his bedroom with Mrs. Jameson in tow.
He tearfully said goodbye to Jerry, who patted him on the shoulder without even looking away from the TV. As Linda escorted Kevin from the apartment, she realized there was only one way to help Kevin.
‘…so I devised a means for you to uncover your father’s true character and see the truth about the way he treats you for yourself,’ Granny’s letter continued.
‘The legal papers in this box outline an agreement that will allow Jerry to inherit all of my money on one condition: He must stay away from you. The papers are fake, but he will not know that.
Give them to him and see what he does.
If he destroys the papers, then you know your father values you more than money, but if he takes them to a lawyer…well, you have a safe, loving home with Denise and Miguel.’
Kevin returned Granny’s letter to the box and picked up the legal papers. Fear made his heart speed up as he looked across at where Dad sat watching TV. He didn’t want to believe Dad would turn his back on him, but doubts gnawed at the back of his mind.
“Hey, Dad!” Kevin crossed the room and held out the legal papers.
“I found these in Granny’s old sofa. I think they’re for you.”
Dad muttered grumpily and snatched the papers from Kevin’s hand. Dad started to grin as he read the agreement.
Kevin’s fears were realized when Dad leaped from his chair and strode to the door.
“I’m going out, Kevin. There are important things I need to do today. See you later.”
This couldn’t be happening!
Kevin ran after Dad and followed him out to the street. It might just be a coincidence that Dad left after reading those papers…maybe he suddenly remembered they needed milk and was headed to the store.
But Dad went past the store without even looking at it. Kevin followed him for several blocks before Dad entered a fancy-looking building.
Kevin stopped outside and read the sign at the entrance.
It was a lawyer’s office!
Kevin angrily wiped away tears as he headed back to the apartment. Granny was right; Dad loved money more than him. He didn’t want to cry about it—Dad didn’t deserve his tears—but it hurt!
Kevin knocked on the neighbor’s door when he got back
