Emily gazed at the photo in its lovely frame and sighed deeply. It had been two years since her husband, Tom, had passed away. A freak accident, with snow falling from a roof and a swift blow, and Tom was gone.
They’d only been married for two years and hadn’t had the chance to start a family. All that was left of her beloved husband were memories, photographs, and his mother, Laura.
Laura would visit Emily, crying and lamenting, even blaming her for not giving them a grandchild.
“If only you were a proper woman, we’d have a child now…” she would say. Emily just shrugged. She was struggling with her loss too, but she didn’t hold herself responsible. Before having children, she and Tom wanted to settle the housing issue first. They were preparing to move, but Tom didn’t live to see it.
After Tom’s death, Emily threw herself into work to keep herself occupied and distracted. She worked tirelessly, taking extra shifts, and within a year, on her thirtieth birthday, she moved from her rented flat to her own small place.
Her father had helped her a bit; he was proud of her and supported her in everything. But a year later, he too passed away due to heart issues.
Emily lost her only close family member. She was now alone, and only Laura kept visiting under the guise of offering “condolences” and sympathy.
Laura came over after the funeral and, without preamble, said, “You should write a will, Emily, while you can.”
Emily nearly dropped her cup.
“Yes, I’m serious. No one is immune to passing on. Today you’re healthy, but who knows what tomorrow might bring.”
“What are you suggesting?” Emily questioned.
“You’re thirty now, without any relatives. It’s time you started thinking of others.”
“Don’t worry, Laura. I’m not a minister; my savings will cover a basic funeral,” Emily joked, even though irritation simmered inside her. She figured stress from another funeral must have unhinged Laura’s mind.
“You’re joking, but you shouldn’t be. If I were you, I’d transfer the flat to my nephews.”
“Oh? You’re proposing I leave all my property to your grandchildren?” Emily raised an eyebrow. Laura had another son, Greg, with whom Emily didn’t maintain a relationship. Even during his lifetime, Tom hadn’t gotten along with his brother. Greg married young, had daughters, and divorced. He remarried, had a son, and divorced again. Just six months ago, Greg found another wife.
“I don’t mean right now, but draft your will. Otherwise, everything will go to the government when you’re gone!”
“Laura… perhaps you should head home. You must be tired.”
“Greg and Lucy are staying at my place,” Laura admitted. “I don’t want to disturb the young ones; I hope you understand.”
“Well, don’t interfere. What’s that got to do with me?” Emily asked, puzzled.
“I was counting on you. Since your father’s flat is empty now, I could stay there until Greg sorts things out. They’re planning to take a mortgage once he finds a job. I’ve already packed; I just need the keys from you. Don’t worry, I’ll only occupy one room. The second can be rented out. I’ve already found someone interested, Rita and her son are looking for a place…”
“Rita? Greg’s second wife?”
“Yes, you remember her? A good woman. We get along well… she could stay. I’m already looking after my grandson, so it saves me from traveling, an economy.”
“And how much are you willing to pay for rent?”
“Pay?!” Laura exclaimed. “I’m like a mother to you! And you’re asking me for money? I didn’t think Tom married someone like that…”
“Laura, forgive me, but I won’t let you stay, neither for free nor for payment. And when I write a will, it’ll be for my own child, who I will certainly have. I have my whole life ahead.”
“Oh, really? At thirty, it’s already late to have children! And from whom? You’re all alone! Playing with dreams. Watch it, greed will ruin you! You’ll find yourself with nothing. You’ll remember my words in tears!” Laura’s face twisted like a witch, and Emily felt the urge to show her the door and never let her back in. She started to think that all her troubles stemmed from Laura’s envy, that Laura always disliked her and insisted to Tom that they’d never be happy.
“Leave, Laura. I’ll manage on my own. I’m thirty now and have a good head on my shoulders. If it comes to it, I’d rather the state get everything than you.”
Laura muttered something and left, slamming the door. The next day, Greg phoned Emily, yelling and accusing her of upsetting his mother to the point of illness after the visit.
Emily realized that if she wanted peace, she needed to distance herself from Laura and her family. She put her flat up for sale. It quickly found a buyer. After that, Emily sorted out the inheritance papers and sold her father’s property. With the proceeds, she bought a larger living space and moved on to a new life, free from old “relatives.” None of them knew her new address, leaving Emily free to plan her future.
