Margaret, 74, was knitting in her nursing home when her aide, Sophie, announced, “Your grandson’s visiting!” Margaret’s heart grew heavy, knowing Michael sought money, not her. Five years earlier, she lived in her late husband’s house. Michael, married to Rachel, rarely visited until he came often, claiming Rachel needed surgery. Margaret sold her home, gave him the funds, and moved in, unaware they spent it on a Miami vacation. Overhearing Rachel’s plan to send her away, Margaret uncovered their lie.
Michael soon proposed a nursing home, saying they needed space for a child. Devastated, Margaret agreed, seeing him only yearly. Now, suspecting he knew of her cousin’s inheritance, she dressed thoughtfully before facing him. Michael’s warm embrace hid his intent: “Rachel needs surgery,” he said, requesting her money. Aware of his deceit, Margaret cited her own “cancer surgery,” asking whose was more vital. Michael chose Rachel, crushing Margaret. She asked for a day, hoping he’d prioritize her.
That night, Margaret wept, recalling Michael’s troubled youth with a neglectful father before she raised him. She longed for his care, but he didn’t show it. The next day, Michael pressed again. Margaret said the inheritance was delayed, suggesting he mortgage his house, promising repayment. Michael agreed, unaware of her plan. Sophie later showed Margaret Michael and Rachel’s Bali vacation photos, funded by the mortgage. Margaret’s health faded, and she died two weeks later, leaving a final lesson.
At her funeral, Michael, mourning, was urged by Rachel to check the inheritance. A lawyer delivered an envelope with $50 and a note: “I knew your lies, Michael. Money isn’t love. Work at my nursing home for a year to learn kindness. This is bus fare. Love, Grandma.” Furious, Michael cursed her, missing that her fortune awaited him if he met her condition; otherwise, it went to the nursing home. With his mortgage looming, Margaret’s message was clear: greed reaps emptiness, but love transforms, a truth Michael might yet embrace.
