The Misjudged Gift
Oliver came home from work in high spirits. Instead of hanging up his jacket as usual, he called out the moment he stepped inside:
“Love, I’m home!”
But the silence that greeted him dampened his excitement. He peeked into the kitchen—and stiffened. Emily sat by the window, her chin resting on her hands. Her face was drawn, her eyes red.
“Em… what’s wrong?” He approached carefully and sat beside her.
“Mum dropped by,” she said bitterly. “Same old digs, same complaints about money. Said I was slovenly, that we live ‘like squatters’… Why are you in such a good mood?”
Oliver hesitated, then grinned.
“Because I’ve got a surprise for you! You’ve got to see it yourself. Wait here!”
He left and returned moments later with a bulky gym bag.
“What’s this?”
“Open it. Have a look.”
Emily reluctantly unzipped it—and gasped. The bag was stuffed full of cash.
“This… Where did this come from?”
“Granddad showed up today. Right at work. 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.”
Emily burst into tears.
“I’ve been so worn out… and then you come home with this… Thank you. Thank Granddad.”
They held each other tight. That evening, sprawled on the sofa, they discussed which flat to choose, where to buy furniture, and how to sort the paperwork. Happiness was within reach—just a step away.
They held a modest but warm housewarming. Family came, including Emily’s mother. True to form, she sized up the place the moment she walked in, declared the kitchen “nothing special,” and thrust a “gift” at them—their old dining set.
“We’re giving you our furniture. Practically new. For the bedroom and lounge,” she announced proudly.
Emily bit her tongue.
“Mum… We’ve already ordered new things.”
“Well, you could’ve said! Now what are we supposed to do with ours? You always spoil everything! And don’t forget about that coat!”
“The gift’s ready. But it’s not a coat.”
Offended, her mother left without a goodbye.
They decided to spend New Year’s Eve just the two of them. Or rather, the three of them. Days before the holiday, Emily found out she was pregnant. The first person they told was Granddad.
The old man’s eyes welled up when he heard he’d soon be a great-grandfather.
“I thought I might not live to see this… Thank you, both of you. This is the best gift.”
And in that quiet winter moment, with the scent of pine and clementines in the air, with an old man’s tears and warmth swelling in his chest, Oliver realised—no one’s complaints, no hand-me-down wardrobes or parental lectures mattered. Because beside him was his family. His home. His happiness.
