“Grandma loved Berta. Someone has to take her,” I insisted.
The room filled with bitter laughter.
“If you want her, take her,” my mother said. “That woman didn’t care about us. Why should we care about her dog?”
“I can’t. My lease doesn’t allow pets,” I said quietly.
“Then it’s decided—we’ll put her down,” Uncle Jack said firmly.
“Tom? Alice?” I turned to my cousins.
Tom waved dismissively. Alice shook her head. “No way. I’m not bringing a flea-ridden animal into my house.”
I sighed heavily. “Fine. I’ll take Berta.”
Mr. Johnson cleared his throat, reminding everyone he was still there.
“I’ll ask you one last time—please leave the house. You no longer have the right to be here.”
“And who does?!” my mother shouted. “We grew up here!”
“Please don’t make me call the police,” he replied calmly.
Grumbling angrily, everyone gathered their things and left.
I packed Berta’s belongings, helped her into the car, and drove back to my apartment.
Thankfully, my landlord agreed to let me keep her—for a slightly higher rent.
I had already prepared myself for the possibility that we might end up homeless.
Berta clearly missed Grandma, just as I did.
Grandma had been the only one in the family who truly supported me. She paid for my education, asked about my work, and celebrated every patient I helped save.
I missed her deeply.
One day, after a night shift, I heard a knock at my door.
When I opened it, I froze.
My mother stood there.
“Mom? What are you doing here?”
“I know you have it!” she shouted.
“What are you talking about?”
“I know you inherited everything!” she screamed.
“All I inherited was Berta,” I said.
“What?” she asked, confused.
“Berta. Grandma’s dog.”
“Don’t lie to me!” she yelled. “You lived with her! She must have left everything to you!”
“Grandma didn’t give me money—just like she didn’t give any to you.”
“Liar! Where is it? I gave birth to you! You owe me that money!”
“I have nothing!” I cried.
“We’ll see about that, witch!” she spat before storming off.
I collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. Berta climbed into my lap, trying to comfort me.
As I stroked her, something on her collar caught my eye.
I removed it and turned it over.
An engraved address. And the number 153.
I entered it into my GPS—it led to the train station.
A locker?
But where was the key?
Then I noticed the tag could be opened. Inside, a small key fell into my hand.
Without hesitation, I went to the station.
Locker 153.
The key fit.
Inside was a folder labeled: For Meredith.
My hands trembled as I opened it. Inside was a note and documents.
I began to read.
I decided to leave everything I earned to a person with a pure heart who would not exploit others.
Everything I own will go to the one who agrees to care for Berta. And I am certain that person is you, Meredith.
You are the only one left who still shows decency. You deserve the best.
With love, your Grandma.
My heart pounded as I realized—the documents were her will.
“Aha! I knew you were hiding something!”
I spun around.
My mother.
“I swear, I didn’t know anything!” I said.
“So she really left everything to Meredith,” Uncle Jack said, appearing behind her.
“What are you doing here?!” my mother shouted.
“I hired a private detective to follow her,” he smirked. “Now, Meredith—hand it over.”
“No! You’re my daughter!” my mother screamed.
“Meredith will give it to no one,” Mr. Johnson’s voice cut in firmly.
“And where did you come from?!” Uncle Jack barked.
“The locker alerted me,” Mr. Johnson said. “I anticipated something like this.”
“I don’t care! I’m her mother!” she insisted.
“The estate belongs to the one who took responsibility for Berta. That was not you.”
“I’ll take that dog then!” Uncle Jack shouted.
“It’s too late. Meredith already did—without knowing what she’d receive. That was the condition. Interfere again, and you’ll deal with me and the police.”
I stood there, shaking, clutching the folder.
“Come on, Meredith,” Mr. Johnson said gently.
We walked to my car.
“Why did she do this?” I asked quietly. “Why make everyone fight?”
“She didn’t,” he said. “She made sure her money went to someone good.”
I nodded slowly.
“Then I’ll give most of it to the hospital,” I said.
“It’s yours now. You decide.”
In that moment, I missed Grandma more than ever.
But I knew one thing for certain—
I wouldn’t let her down.
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