**A Gift Too Big**
I came home from work in high spirits today, so eager that I didn’t even bother taking off my coat. “Darling, I’m home!” I called out as soon as I stepped inside.
But the silence that greeted me dampened my mood. I peeked into the kitchen—and my heart sank. Evelyn sat by the window, chin resting on her palms, her expression troubled, eyes red.
“Evie… love, what’s wrong?” I approached carefully, sitting beside her.
“Mum came by again,” she muttered bitterly. “Same old digs, same guilt about money. Says I’m slovenly, that we live ‘like beggars in a hovel.’ And why are *you* so cheerful?”
I hesitated for a second, then grinned. “Because I’ve got a surprise for you. You’ll want to see this.” I stepped out and returned moments later with a bulky sports bag.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Reluctantly, she unzipped it—and gasped. The bag was stuffed to the brim with cash.
“Where on earth—?”
“Grandad turned up at work today. Said he wanted to give us a proper start—all his savings so we could buy our own place. I refused, but he insisted. Told me I’m his only grandson.”
Evelyn burst into tears. “I’ve been so worn out… and now *this*… Thank you. Thank him for me.”
We held each other tight. That evening, sprawled on the sofa, we talked about which flat to pick, where to buy furniture, how to make it ours. Happiness was right there—just within reach.
We kept the housewarming modest but warm, inviting family, including Evelyn’s mum. True to form, she marched in, sized up the decor, declared the kitchen “nothing special,” and thrust her “gift” upon us—their old dining set.
“We’ve got furniture for you. Nearly new. For the lounge and bedroom,” she announced proudly.
Evelyn clenched her fists. “Mum… we’ve already ordered new ones.”
“Well, you might’ve *said*! Now what do we do with ours? You always spoil everything! And don’t forget about that coat!”
“The gift’s already sorted. But not a coat.”
Sulking, she left without a word.
We decided to spend New Year’s Eve alone—or rather, the three of us. A few days before, Evelyn found out she was pregnant. The first person we told was Grandad.
When the old man heard he’d soon be a great-grandfather, his eyes welled up. “Thought I might not live to see the day… Thank you, both of you. Best gift I could’ve had.”
And there, in the hush of winter, the scent of pine and oranges in the air, watching tears streak the old man’s face, I understood. None of the nagging, the hand-me-down clutter, or parental lectures mattered. Not when I had *this*—my family. My home. My happiness.
*Sometimes, life gives you far more than you ever asked for—hold it tight.*
