The Ill-Fitting Gift
Oliver returned home from work in high spirits. Instead of hanging his coat as usual, he called out as soon as he stepped inside:
“Darling, I’m home!”
But the silence that greeted him dampened his excitement. He peeked into the kitchen—and tensed at once. Evelyn sat by the window, chin resting on her palms. Her face was troubled, her eyes red.
“Evie… what’s wrong?” he asked softly, settling beside her.
“Mum dropped by,” she said bitterly. “Same old—criticising, complaining about money. Says we live ‘like a pair of students in a bedsit’… Why are you so cheerful?”
Oliver hesitated, then grinned.
“Because I’ve got a surprise! You’ll want to see this yourself. Just wait!”
He left and returned moments later with a bulky duffel bag.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Evelyn unzipped it reluctantly—and gasped. The bag was stuffed to the brim with cash.
“Where… Where did this come from?”
“Granddad turned up at the office today. Said he wanted to give us a fresh start—all his savings so we could have a proper home. I tried to refuse, but he insisted. Said I’m his only grandson.”
Evelyn burst into tears.
“I’ve been so worn out… and now this… Thank you. Thank him for me.”
They held each other close. That evening, sprawled on the sofa, they debated neighbourhoods, furniture shops, and paint colours. Happiness was within reach—just a breath away.
Their housewarming was small but heartfelt. Family came, including Evelyn’s mother. True to form, she sized up the decor instantly, declared the kitchen “nothing special,” and thrust a “gift” at them—their old living room set.
“We’ll give you our furniture. Practically new. For the lounge and bedroom,” she announced proudly.
Evelyn barely kept her composure.
“Mum… We’ve already ordered new pieces.”
“Well, you might’ve said! Now what do we do with ours? You always ruin everything! And don’t forget about that coat you owe me.”
“The gift’s ready. But it’s not a coat.”
Offended, her mother left without a word.
They decided to ring in the New Year alone—or nearly. Days before, Evelyn discovered she was pregnant. The first to hear was Granddad.
When the old man learned he’d soon be a great-grandfather, his eyes glistened.
“I thought I wouldn’t live to see this… Thank you, both of you. This is the greatest gift.”
In that moment—amidst the winter hush, the scent of pine and clementines, the quiet tears of an old man, the warmth and hope swelling in his chest—Oliver understood. No scolding, no hand-me-down furniture, no parental lectures mattered. Because beside him was his family. His home. His joy.
And that was more than enough.
