The young woman was looking after her neighbours grandmother, and everyone assumed it was for an inheritance, but they were mistaken.
Katie never knew her fatherhe abandoned her mother when Katie was just a toddler. It was only her mother and her grandfather who raised her. As fate would have it, her mother fell ill with cancer and passed away when Katie was ten. Katie was left with her grandfather, who became both father and mother to her, a pillar she could always depend on.
Her grandmother had died before her mother, so she and her grandfather were the only family either of them had. Now an adult, Katie held down a steady job and cared for her grandfather, who recently had become frail and mostly bedridden. Katie realised, with a heavy heart, that his time was drawing near.
Katie, I need to ask you a favour, her grandfather said one evening.
What is it? she replied.
You know, your grandmother had a dear friend, almost like a sister. When your grandmother was alive, shed always visit, help around the house, and keep her company. After your grandmother passed, I kept an eye on Edith. Love, dont let her be alone. When Im gone, promise me youll look after her.
I promise, said Katie.
The very next day, her grandfather passed away. Katie found herself alone in the world. True to her word, she began visiting Edith, helping her with chores and preparing meals. Oddly enough, though Edith had relatives, none of them seemed concerned about her well-being. Three years later, when Edith died, her family suddenly appeared.
On the day of the funeral, all the relatives were searching through Ediths flat, clearly looking for money. Katie took only a photograph from Ediths home and quietly left. The following day, Ediths sister came to Katies house.
Katie, theres something I need to talk to you about
Whats happened?
Edith wrote a will for you. But you know, youre not really family. We are her relatives. Yes, I didnt care for her, but Ive had a difficult life. I can make it up to you in some way.
Thats fine. Pay up, then, Katie replied.
Did Katie hand everything over to the family? No, she donated everything to support the local childrens home.
