In her final lucid moment, Mom made her will in the ICU.]
“Mrs. Williams, you mentioned wanting to prepare a will?“]]
Mom nodded weakly. “Yes, while I’m still… lucid. I need to address my estate.“[]
Though frail, each word came out with deliberate precision as she drew a labored breath. []
Mr. Bennett uncapped his fountain pen, his expression turning formal behind rimless glasses.
“Of course, Mrs. Williams. Whenever you’re ready.”
“Besides the family home in Springfield, I have $1.480,000 in my bank account.”
The revelation landed like a bomb in the quiet room.]
I stared at my mother in disbelief. When had she accumulated nearly $1,480,000? She was just a retired school administrator with a modest pension of barely $2,000 a month.
“The house goes to Jason.”
My brother’s face brightened slightly, as if this was exactly what he’d anticipated. That property was worth at least $2,000,000 in today’s market.[]
“And…. the savings… Mom paused, her voice trembling but determined, “those go to Jason as well. Emma can have my wedding jewelry and the family heirlooms in my bedroom chest.”
The air in the room seemed to solidify. I felt my breath catch in my throat as everything around me became distant and unreal.]
“Mom…” I managed, my voice barely a whisper. “What did you just say?
But Mom’s gaze remained fixed on Jason Sullivan, as if she hadn’t heard me at all. Her fingers gently stroked the back of his hand, her eyes filled with tenderness and compassion.
“Jason’s had it rough these past years, working so hard out west, struggling to get his business off the ground.” Though weak, her voice carried unwavering conviction. “Leaving the house and the savings to him is also a gesture of my love as a mother.”
My brother, equally shocked by this windfall, quickly embraced Mom, his eyes glistening with excitement despite his attempt to appear solemn.
“Mom, no… you need to focus on getting better. I haven’t even had the chance to pay you back for everything you’ve done.“]
My heart clenched painfully in my chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Looking at my mother’s pale face, I suddenly felt like I was staring at a stranger. []
showing Jason, never spoken.
In all my thirty–six years, she had never once looked at me with the same adoration she was now show to me with such tender consideration.
“Mom, what about me?” I finally managed, my voice betraying a slight tremor. “I’m your daughter too.”
Mom finally turned toward me, but her eyes held none of the warmth I desperately sought. Instead, her gaze remained sharp. tinged with impatience.[]
“Emma, you’ve always been independent, never needed my help.” Her tone was dismissive. “You’ve got your stable job at the firm, your comfortable condo. You’ve always managed fine on your own. Jason’s different–he needs this house to finally get ahead.”
I felt heat building behind my eyes, a lump forming in my throat that made speaking impossible.
“Mrs. Williams,” Mr. Bennett adjusted his glasses, his tone remaining professionally neutral, “I should advise you that legally, children typically have equal inheritance rights. Without specific justification, this distribution could potentially face legal challenges.”
My mother’s expression suddenly hardened, her eyes boring into the lawyer with unmistakable determination.]
This is my decision. Jason is my son–the house and money go to him. That’s non–negotiable.“[]
Jason stood awkwardly nearby, his expression a complicated mix of emotions. He glanced between Mom and me, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately just lowered his head and squeezed Mom’s hand
“Mom, please don’t talk like that,” he finally said, his voice rough. “Emma is your daughter, and 1-”
“That’s enough, Jason,” Mom cut him off wearily. “I’ve made my decision. No one’s changing my mind.”
I felt my heart sinking deeper with each passing second.
Looking at this woman I’d known all my life, I suddenly realized I had never truly penetrated her inner circle.
No matter how hard I’d tried–the straight A’s, the law degree, the promotions–Mom’s attention and affection had always been. reserved exclusively for my brother.]
I’d foolishly believed that if I just achieved enough, she would eventually see me. Now I understood some things were simply immutable.
“I understand, Mom,” I finally said, my voice surprisingly steady. “Don’t worry, I won’t contest anything.”
My mother seemed momentarily taken aback by my compliance, something complicated flickering across her expression]
“Emma, don’t be upset with me,” she said, her voice suddenly softer, tinged with exhaustion and resignation. “I just… I just want to make sure Jason can have a better life.”
I didn’t respond, just nodded silently. My eyes burned, but I refused to let tears fall. This moment demanded strength, not vulnerability.
Mr, Bennett glanced between us before finishing his notes, the oppressive silence broken only by the rhythmic beeping of monitoring equipment.[]
“Mrs, Williams, I’ve recorded your wishes,” he said, closing his notebook. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll begin processing the necessary paperwork.“]
Mom nodded, a tired smile crossing her face. “Thank you.“]]
Jason stood nearby, his expression a bizarre mixture of elation and discomfort.
“Get some rest, Mom,” he said softly, his voice catching. “I’m staying right here with you.“]
Mom’s expression softened as she patted his hand, her face radiating contentment.
I watched silently from the periphery, feeling as though someone had driven an ice pick through my heart, making each breath a struggle.
In that moment, I knew I’d lost my last hope of maternal recognition.[]
“I should go. Mom. Try to rest,” I said quietly, my voice laden with exhaustion.
Mom merely nodded without looking at me, her attention entirely consumed by Jason’s presence.
I stepped out of the room, closing the door gently behind me.]]
The hallway’s fluorescent lights felt harsh and cold. I leaned against the wall, drawing a deep breath to steady myself.]]
101
