A Gift That Didn’t Fit
Daniel returned from work in high spirits. For once, he didn’t even bother taking off his jacket at the door. Instead, 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 immediately tensed. Eleanor sat by the window, her chin resting on her palms. Her face was drawn, her eyes red.
“Ellie… what’s wrong?” he asked softly, sitting carefully beside her.
“Mum came by,” she muttered bitterly. “Same old criticisms, same old money talk. Said I was sloppy, that we live ‘like we’re in a basement’… Why are you so cheerful, anyway?”
Daniel hesitated, then grinned.
“Because I’ve got a surprise for you! You’ll want to see this. Wait here!”
He stepped out and returned moments later lugging a bulky sports bag.
“What’s that?”
“Open it. See for yourself.”
With little enthusiasm, Eleanor unzipped it—and gasped. The bag was stuffed full of cash.
“This… Where did this come from?”
“Grandad came by the office today. Said he wanted to give us a fresh start—all his savings so we could have our own home. I tried to refuse, but he insisted. Said I’m his only grandson.”
Eleanor burst into tears.
“I’m just so tired… and then you bring this… Thank you. Thank Grandad.”
They held each other tightly. That evening, curled up on the sofa, they debated which flat to choose, where to buy furniture, and how to arrange everything. Happiness felt within reach—just a step away.
They kept the housewarming simple but heartfelt. Family came, including Eleanor’s mum. True to form, she sized up the decor the moment she walked in, declared the kitchen “nothing special,” and thrust her “gift” at them—their old living room set.
“We’ve got furniture for you. Almost new. For the bedroom and lounge,” she announced proudly.
Eleanor clenched her jaw.
“Mum… we’ve already ordered new things.”
“Well, you could’ve said! Now what do we do with ours? You always ruin everything! And don’t forget about that coat you promised.”
“The gift’s ready. But it’s not a coat.”
Offended, her mother left without a word.
They decided to spend New Year’s Eve alone. Or rather, not quite alone—just days before Christmas, Eleanor discovered she was pregnant. They shared the news first with Grandad.
The old man’s eyes welled up when he heard he’d soon be a great-grandfather.
“I didn’t think I’d live to see it… Thank you, both of you. This is the best gift.”
And in that moment, surrounded by winter’s hush, the scent of pine and tangerines in the air, with an old man’s damp eyes and warmth swelling in his chest, Daniel knew—no one’s complaints, no hand-me-down cabinets or parental lectures mattered. Because beside him was his family. His home. His happiness.
