CHAPTER 2: THE MAN THEY LIED ABOUT
CHAPTER 2: THE MAN THEY LIED ABOUT
I drove to the hospital in a panic.
My hands shook the entire way.
This couldn't be real.
My grandfather was alive?
For five years I had believed he was dead.
I attended a memorial service.
I cried.
I grieved.
Now suddenly...
He was in a hospital bed.
Breathing.
Alive.
When I entered the room, an elderly man opened his eyes.
The moment he saw me, tears filled them.
"Abby."
I froze.
Only one person ever called me Abby.
My grandfather.
I rushed to his bedside.
"Oh my God."
He grabbed my hand.
His fingers trembled.
"They told me you moved away."
"What?"
"They said you wanted nothing to do with me."
My heart shattered.
"No."
The room spun.
All these years.
All these birthdays.
All these holidays.
He thought I abandoned him.
And I thought he was dead.
Someone had lied to both of us.
I already knew who.
My father.
The door suddenly opened.
A doctor walked inside.
He glanced at me.
"Are you family?"
"Yes."
The doctor nodded.
"We need to discuss treatment options."
My grandfather squeezed my hand.
Then quietly whispered:
"Don't let your father sign anything."
I looked at him.
"What?"
His eyes filled with fear.
"Promise me."
The doctor shifted uncomfortably.
My pulse quickened.
"What aren't you telling me?"
The doctor sighed.
Then placed a medical file on the table.
"The issue isn't treatment."
Silence.
"What is it?"
The doctor looked directly at me.
"Someone has already submitted documents requesting power of attorney."
My stomach dropped.
"Who?"
The doctor answered immediately.
"Your father."
I felt sick.
But my grandfather wasn't finished.
Because with the last of his strength...
He whispered six words.
Six words that changed everything.
May you like
"He wants the inheritance, not me."
END OF CHAPTER 2
