Off The Record
My Family Argued Over Grandma’s Will—I Took Her Dog Instead And Found The Secret She Left Behind
In an attempt to locate Grandma’s will, my family members hurried to her home after she passed away. Unaware that she held more than just memories of Grandma, I was the only one who brought her old dog home. A few days later, I found the secret that Grandma had concealed in a place that no one else would have thought to search.
You have to wait for someone to pass away or toss a bunch of cash in front of my entire family to get them all together. Sadly, it was both on that particular day.
Grandma was dropped far into the earth as I watched from the cemetery.
Berta pulled forward as if she wanted to chase after Grandma while I held her leash securely.
Grandma had a dog named Berta. As Grandma used to like to say, Berta was her dearest friend and the only person she could really trust. She had purchased her when I was a child.
Despite being a lovely person, Grandma was undoubtedly a little picky.
Despite having amassed a substantial fortune over her lifetime, she never handed her children or grandkids a single penny.
Rather, she funded everyone’s schooling. She felt that everyone should succeed in life by themselves, starting from nothing, just as she had done.
As a result, until that day, my mom, my uncle, aunt, and their kids didn’t talk to Grandma or even bring her up.
I surveyed them, examining every face. They were all there, and I understood why. Cash.
At the very least, they wanted to receive something after Grandma’s passing. It wasn’t going to be that simple, though, knowing her.
Grandma had been quite ill for the last six months of her life, and I had to move in to care for her.
It had been challenging to juggle that with my work as a nurse, but I succeeded.
I was aware that Grandma had been appreciative that someone had at least supported her during those trying times.
She hadn’t, however, made my life any simpler. I recalled receiving a hefty bill for auto maintenance one day.
I said to her, “I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for this.”
“You’re a girl with strength.” “You’ll be alright,” Grandma said.
I hadn’t anticipated anything different, of course. She made no exceptions, not even for me. However, I was grateful for her constant guidance and encouragement.
Everyone gathered at Grandma’s house to hear the will following the funeral. Knowing my family, I had prepared my belongings in advance.
I was aware that I would not be permitted to remain in her home. No one spoke as we waited for the lawyer to show up, only icy, antagonistic looks.
Then Aunt Florence turned to me, clearly bored, and said, “Remind me, Meredith, what kind of doctor are you?” She inquired.
I answered, “I work as a nurse.”
“A nurse? Uncle Jack reiterated in surprise.” That’s not how you’re going to make any money. He pointed to my cousins sitting with their noses high in the air and continued, “Alice owns multiple beauty salons, and Tom has his own car company.”
“I assist others.” I responded, “That’s sufficient for me.”
Mom whispered, “I can’t believe I gave birth to her.”
On my birthday, her birthday, and Christmas, I spoke to her on the phone exactly three times a year.
The doorbell rang abruptly. I opened the door myself when I realized no one would answer.
Mr. Johnson, the attorney in charge of Grandma’s will, was standing there. I ushered him into the family’s quiet sitting area in the living room.
I invited Mr. Johnson to sit, but he graciously declined, standing by the living room entrance.
Calmly, he said, “I won’t take much of your time.” “There isn’t much to talk about.”
“You mean there isn’t much to talk about? How about the will?” Mom inquired, seeming irritated.
Uncle Jack impatiently remarked, “Someone must have inherited something from her.”
“It appears Cassandra didn’t agree,” Mr. Johnson said icily.
“What are you saying?” Aunt Florence inquired.
In a cold voice, Mr. Johnson declared, “Cassandra will not leave any inheritance to any of you.”
Anger-laden gasps flooded the room.
“How is that even possible? Her family is us! Then, who will inherit the house and the money?” Mom yelled.
Mr. Johnson stated, “I’m afraid I can’t share that information with you.” “I have to ask everyone to leave the house now.”
However, no one took any action.
“That elderly sorceress!” Uncle Jack bellowed. “I was aware that our mother didn’t give a damn about us, but not a single dime after her passing?”
“Don’t say that,” I snapped. “Grandma was concerned for us. She simply expressed her concern for everyone in her own way.”
“That’s correct,” Mom whispered. “She is still a witch, just as she was when she was alive.”
Berta let out a loud bark at that point.
“Oh, I see. What will we do about that dog?” Aunt Florence inquired.
“Set her down,” ordered Mom icily.
“Yes,” Uncle Jack replied. “Anyway, she’s as old as dirt.”
She is impossible to put down!I yelled.
What should we do with her, then? “It’s preferable to abandoning her on the street,” Mom remarked.
Berta was adored by Grandma. I said, “Someone has to take her.”
Bitter laughter flooded the room.
Mom said, “Take her if you want her.” “That woman showed no concern for us. Why is her dog important to us?”
I muttered, “My lease doesn’t allow pets, so I can’t take her.”
Then, Uncle Jack stated firmly, “it’s decided, we’ll put her down.”
“Tom? Alice?” Desperate, I resorted to my cousins.
Tom dismissed me with a wave. Alice gave a headshake. “Nope.” “I refuse to bring an animal with fleas into my home,” she declared.
I gave a deep sigh. “All right.” I said, “I’ll take Berta.”
Mr. Johnson reminded everyone of his presence by clearing his throat loudly. “Please, one final time, get out of the house.” He declared, “You no longer have the right to be here.”
And who is the rightful owner of that? Mom yelled. “This house is where we grew up!”
Mr. Johnson said, “Please don’t force me to call the police.”
One by one, they gathered their things, complained bitterly, and departed. After gathering Berta’s belongings and loading them into the car, I assisted her in getting into the back seat and headed back to my flat.
Although he slightly increased the rent, I was relieved when my landlord consented to let me keep Berta for a time.
We might wind up on the street, and I had braced myself for that.
Berta clearly missed Grandma just as much as I did. In our family, Grandma had been the only one who really helped me.
She had supported my schooling, inquired about my work constantly, and rejoiced over each patient’s recovery. I really missed her.
I was working a night shift at the hospital one day when I heard a tap on my door.
I froze as I opened it. There stood my mother.
“Mom? Why are you here?” I inquired.
“I’m positive you have it!” She yelled.
“What are discussing?” Startled, I inquired.
“I’m sure Grandma gave you everything!” My mom cried out.
I answered, “Berta was all I inherited.”
“What? Unable to understand,” she asked.
I mentioned Grandma’s dog, Berta.
“Don’t tell me lies!” My mom shouted. For the past six months, you have been living with her. You must have inherited everything from her! She repeated the last word, “You were always her favorite granddaughter.”
I replied, “Grandma didn’t give me any money, just as she didn’t give you any.”
“You’re lying!” My mom cried out. “Where is it? You were born to me! That money is due to me!”
“I have nothing!” I sobbed, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Witch, we’ll check on that!” After spitting, my mother departed.
Unable to stop crying, I sank to the floor and shut the door. As though to console me, Berta got into my lap.
I started to pet her when I noticed something on her collar. I removed Berta’s collar and flipped it around.
On the back was the number 153 and an etched address. Putting the address into my GPS, I scowled.
The number appeared to be a locker, and it led to the train station. But where could I find the locker’s key?
Then I saw that Berta’s collar tag was openable. A tiny key landed in my hand when I opened it.
I went directly to the station without hesitation. I located locker 153 and attempted to use the key. It was appropriate.
I discovered a folder labeled “For Meredith” when I unlocked the locker. There were some papers and a note in Grandma’s handwriting inside. I took the note out and started reading.
I made the decision to give what I had worked so hard for to a kindhearted individual who would not take advantage of others.
Whoever agreed to take care of Berta would get everything I owned. And Meredith, I have no doubt that you would be that person.
You deserve the best because you are the only member of our family that still acts decently. From your grandmother, with love.
I took the papers out of the folder after reading the note and realized it was Grandma’s will. It seemed almost unbelievable to me.
“Aha! You were hiding something, and I knew it!” Behind me, I heard my mother’s voice.
I turned, startled. I said, “I swear, I knew nothing.”
Uncle Jack remarked, seemingly out of nowhere, “so she really decided to leave everything to Meredith.”
“Why are you in this place?” My mother yelled.
“Sister, you didn’t believe you were the astute one.” Uncle Jack remarked, “I hired a private investigator to follow Meredith.” “Be a sweetheart and give the will to Meredith now.”
“No! You are my daughter! Let me have it!” My mom cried out.
Mr. Johnson stated clearly that Meredith would not give it to anyone.
“And from where do you originate?” Uncle Jack let out a bark.
Mr. Johnson clarified, “I was notified when the locker opened by the sensor on my phone.” “I came as soon as I could because I am in charge of carrying out Cassandra’s will and I thought something similar might occur.”
“I don’t give a damn! Meredith’s mother is me! I’m entitled to the will!” My mother demanded.
“Whoever took on the duty of looking after Berta will receive Cassie’s estate. You weren’t that person,” Mr. Johnson stated coolly.
“If I have to, I’ll take that flea-ridden puppy!” Uncle Jack bellowed.
“It’s too late. Unaware that she would get anything in return, Meredith took Berta. That was the will’s primary requirement.” Mr. Johnson added, “And you will have to deal with me and the police if any of you try to interfere.”
Unable to speak, I stood there with the folder in my hands, trembling.
We walked to my car after Mr. Johnson said, “Come on, Meredith, we have a lot to discuss.”
Why did she act in this way? Why force everyone to fight? As we sat in the car, I asked Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson stated, “She wanted her money to go to a good person who would spend it on good deeds.”
I gave a nod. I answered, “I will then donate the larger portion to the hospital.”
It is now yours. Mr. Johnson answered, “You can use it whatever you like.”
I knew I would try not to disappoint Grandma, even though I missed her more than ever at that precise moment.
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