I turned over the wristwatch… and there, faintly scratched on the back, were four tiny digits.
The safe code.
For the first time since my father’s death, I laughed. Truly laughed. 😂
Charlotte might have the house — but along with it, all the debts. And she had just thrown out the only person who could have saved her.
📞 The Call from Charlotte
A few days later, my phone rang. It was her. I ignored it at first, but eventually picked up.
“Hello?” I said quietly.
“You knew, didn’t you?” she snapped.
“Knew what?” I asked.
“The lawyer called. The house… it’s drowning in debt. If I don’t pay it back, they’ll seize everything. And you…” she hesitated, trembling, “… you have the money, don’t you?”
I twisted Dad’s watch around my wrist.
“Maybe I do,” I said. “But let’s be honest, Charlotte… you kicked me out. Why should I help you now?”
She went silent.
“Please, you have to help me!” she finally begged.
I smiled softly.
“I would have helped you, Charlotte… if you had been kinder to me growing up. Maybe then, I’d feel sorry for you.”
And I hung up. 📞❌
🌟 A New Beginning
Matthew later helped me find a small furnished apartment in an artistic part of the city. 🎨 It was perfect.
I didn’t know what happened to Charlotte after that, until one evening I walked past our old house. A big sign hung on the gate: “FOR SALE.”
I thought I’d feel guilty. But I didn’t. Because that place hadn’t been my home since my father was gone.
And in a way, he was still taking care of me — through Matthew, through his letter, and through the little watch on my wrist. ⌚❤️
✨ Moral of the story:
Family isn’t just about blood — it’s about love, respect, and loyalty. My father knew this, and he made sure I would be okay… even when others tried to break me.
