“Well, I guess that’s what happens when you keep secrets,” Priscilla said casually.
“You’re right, I think it’s time for me to face reality and do the right thing,” Marianne continues.
“Oh, I’m not asking you to do it.”
“I know. But I’m old, and who knows how much time I have left to confess?” Marianne wondered. “Do you think you could get Kenji here?”
“Maybe,” Priscilla said, tilting her head. “I could lie about some documents or something.”
Surprisingly, this plan worked. Kenji came, telling Priscilla that he would sign anything to never see her again. But Priscilla made him wait in the common room of the retirement home, and Marianne appeared.
She let them talk for a long time. When she came back, Kenji was in tears. She had never seen that in all the time she had known him. He never showed emotion, especially not in public.
Kenji wiped away a tear and looked up, suddenly noticing Priscilla. “Priscilla, I… I’m so sorry,” he choked out, his body still sobbing from the emotional roller coaster.
For years he had passionately hated his stepmother and longed for his biological mother to return, before discovering this heartbreaking truth.
Priscilla quickly forgave him and promised him that everything would be okay. They eventually stopped crying and managed to lighten the mood by talking about Kenji’s life.
When he got up to leave, he said, “Priscilla, you can have the house back. It’s your house, no matter what my father’s will says,” Kenji told her. “I shouldn’t have kicked you out.”
Priscilla thought. “You know, I feel good here, and I don’t need to go back there. I feel good here, and I’m 75. So I think I’ll stay. But if you want to do something for me, come visit Marianne if you can,” she said, hinting that she would see her at her graduation.
Kenji nodded and left. He came back once a week and greeted Priscilla with more kindness than she had ever known from him, but he spent most of his time with his mother.
Eventually, Priscilla learned that Kenji was renting the house and all the funds were going to the retirement home.
At least he learned something from me, she thought proudly when Mrs. Patrick told her the news.
What can we learn from this story?
Misunderstandings can ruin lives. Communication and honesty are essential, even if you think you are protecting a loved one. People need to know the truth in order to decide what to do.
Your generosity will be returned tenfold. Priscilla donated to a nursing home for many years, and the home stepped in to help her when she needed it most.
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