I always believed that I had raised a good person.
Ethan was my only son. Since his childhood, I tried to give him everything: a good education, a comfortable life, and support in all his endeavors. After his father passed away, it was just the two of us, and I did everything I could to make sure he lacked nothing.
He grew up, built a career, started a family. But he barely had time for me.
— Mom, I have work, kids, responsibilities… I’ll call you back later.
That “later” could last for weeks.
But I never took offense. Isn’t that why I raised him? So that he could live happily?
The Discovered Will
One day, he came over unannounced.
He walked into the house and quickly made his way to the living room. I was surprised—he never visited me just like that.
— Mom, what is this? — he threw a piece of paper in front of me.
I picked up the document and immediately realized: it was my will.
— Where did you get this?
— That doesn’t matter, — his voice was cold. — You’re not leaving the house to me?
I sighed heavily.
— I’m leaving it to Emily.
Emily was my niece. She wasn’t my daughter, but at one time, she was closer to me than my own son.
When her mother passed away, I helped her get back on her feet. Unlike Ethan, she always found time for me.
But he didn’t understand that.
— Are you serious? — his voice trembled. — So I get nothing?!
I remained silent.
Then, suddenly, he let out a sharp sigh and said:
— Pack your things.
At first, I didn’t understand.
— What?
— I don’t want you living here. If this house is no longer mine, then you have no reason to stay here.
I looked at him and didn’t recognize the boy I had raised.
— Ethan… you’re throwing me out of my own home?
— You made your choice about who matters more to you.
He stood up, pulled some money from his pocket, and placed it in front of me.
— This should be enough for now.
Then he simply walked out.
I sat there motionless for a long time, tears streaming down my face, unable to believe that this was my son.
Of course, I didn’t leave. I already felt like I had lost everything.
I used to think that the worst thing was not having someone to leave my inheritance to.
It turned out, the worst thing was realizing that I had raised a complete stranger.
