Emily woke on her own a few minutes before the alarm was set to go off at six. Waking at that hour had become habit. She slipped out of bed in the dim room and listened for any sound from her father’s bedroom at the end of the hall. When she heard nothing, she let out a quiet breath.
Her sleep had been light for years, because her father Robert sometimes struggled to breathe in the night. She padded downstairs in her slippers and divided his medicines into a small cup with practiced movements. Heart medication, blood pressure pills, and a new prescription he had been given recently. His health had declined quickly since their mother died three years earlier.
According to the doctor, his heart condition was worse than expected, and anything could happen at any time. Good morning, Dad. She entered his room and opened the curtains just a little. Robert looked small in his bed.
A man who had once stood six feet tall now seemed as fragile as a child. His white hair had thinned, his cheeks were sunken, but his eyes still held the same gentleness as always. Emily, good morning. His voice was hoarse, but the look he gave his daughter was warm.
Time for your medicine. How do you feel today? Emily helped him sit up and handed him the pills one by one. Robert took them with trembling hands and swallowed slowly with water.
This routine had gone on for three years, and Emily had never noticed the small changes in her father’s condition. While she made breakfast she glanced out the window. Mrs. Johnson from across the street was in her garden, looking toward their house.
All the neighbors knew that Emily cared for her father with devotion. Three years ago, when their mother Margaret died suddenly of a heart attack, Emily did not hesitate to leave her job and return to the family home. She had worked at the local bank, where a promotion had even been mentioned, but she could not leave her father alone. Her sister Sara had said, Wouldn’t it be better to put Dad in a facility?
After her marriage she had stopped coming to their house. At the funeral she had left early, saying she was busy with work. Sara’s husband Mike ran a real estate business and always talked about money. This house is increasing in value, so it would be a good time to sell it, he had said right after the mother died.
Emily thought about Sara as she fed her father oatmeal. Her sister did not even show up once a month. Yesterday, suddenly, she had called. It was only a brief message saying, I’m coming to see how Dad is.
But for Emily it was unusual. Sara is coming, Dad. I see. It’s been a long time.
Robert smiled slightly, but his expression carried complex emotions. In the afternoon Emily put her father in the wheelchair and took him for a walk around the neighborhood. The autumn breeze was pleasant, and he seemed to enjoy the fresh air for the first time in a long while. Everyone they passed spoke to Emily.
Emily, how is your father? You’re doing a wonderful job. You’re an extraordinary daughter. If I can help in any way, let me know.
The warm words of the neighbors were a great support. Mrs. Johnson especially would sometimes bring homemade soup or sit and chat with her father. In the evenings after putting her father to bed, Emily sat quietly alone in the living room.
Three years of caregiving had changed her world considerably. She had drifted away from friends and had no time for romance. Still, the time spent with her father was never painful. As the only person who could share the grief of losing their mother, his presence was also a support to her.
The phone rang. It was Sara. I’ll come tomorrow afternoon. I understand.
Dad is looking forward to it. Okay, see you tomorrow. After hanging up, Emily felt a little uneasy. She sensed something strange in her sister’s sudden visit to the family home.
But she told herself it was good that Sara was concerned about their father. That evening, while giving her father his last medicine in his bedroom, Emily said, Sara is coming tomorrow. It’s exciting. Yes.
But Emily. Her father took her hand. Don’t forget that you are the most important one. Emily felt the warmth of her father’s hand and, for some reason, tears almost came to her eyes.
His words sank deep into her heart, a heart tired from three years of caregiving. The next afternoon, after finishing her father’s lunch, Emily was reading in the living room and glancing at the clock. It was past two. Sara had said she would come in the afternoon, but not an exact time.
Emily set the book down in her lap, feeling restless for some reason. Around three, she heard the sound of a car. Looking out the window, an unfamiliar black luxury sedan was parked in front of the house. Sara and Mike got out.
Mike wore a new suit, and Sara was dressed more formally than usual. The two of them looked like they were heading to an important business meeting. Hi. Sara smiled faintly at Emily, who met them at the entrance.
How is Dad? Thanks to you, it’s a relatively good day, Emily replied. Is that a new car? It’s beautiful.
Mike puffed out his chest. It’s the latest Mercedes model. Business is going well. The three went into the living room, and Emily prepared coffee.
Sara looked around and murmured, This house has gotten quite old. Dad is resting upstairs. Should I wake him? Yes, I’d like to see his face after so long.
When Emily went to wake her father, Robert was already awake. Did Sara come? Yes, she’s with Mike. Do you want to go down in the wheelchair?
Yes, let’s do that. When they returned to the living room, Sara showed a look of momentary surprise at seeing her father. He was clearly thinner and more fragile than when she had seen him three years ago. Dad, how are you?
Sara took her father’s hand. Sara, it’s been a long time. I’m glad you’re well. Robert looked at his daughter.
Mike glanced around the room and said, Emily takes care of you every day. Yes, I couldn’t live without Emily. Sara showed a subtle expression at her father’s words, then changed the subject smoothly. By the way, how do you manage Dad’s daily expenses?
Is his pension enough? Emily was a little surprised. We get by somehow with Dad’s pension and my savings. Medical expenses are expensive, and it’s not easy.
I see. By the way, Sara continued, have you been managing Dad’s pension properly lately? Where do you keep things like his bankbook? Emily sensed something strange in her sister’s questions.
Why do you ask? Oh, nothing special. I’m just concerned about whether Dad’s assets are being managed correctly. Mike intervened.
Actually, lately I’ve been studying financial management for the elderly. If family members don’t handle things properly, it can lead to problems later. Robert said in a tired voice, Don’t worry about me. Emily is handling everything properly.
Sara showed a slightly dissatisfied expression at her father’s words. But I think it’s better for the whole family to understand Dad’s assets. Sara, there’s no need to discuss Dad’s assets right now, Emily said quietly. But Emily, it must be hard for you too.
You left your job and devoted yourself to caring for Dad. Managing money alone must be a heavy burden, don’t you think? Emily sensed the hidden intention in her sister’s words. I’m fine.
I’ll do anything for Dad. Mike intervened again. But Emily, you have to think about your future too. It’s a waste to spend your whole life just caring for your father.
I have no regrets, Emily declared. Sara showed a slightly irritated expression. But realistically, we need to properly manage Dad’s pension and the assets Mom left behind. Mom’s inheritance?
Emily was surprised. Mom had an inheritance? Sara said hastily, No, nothing important. Just money Mom had deposited in the bank.
Things like that. Emily noticed something strange in her sister’s behavior. When our mother died, nothing was said about any inheritance. Sara, I never heard about Mom’s inheritance.
Oh, this is — Sara was at a loss for words. At that moment Robert began to cough. Emily hurried to rub her father’s back. Dad, are you okay?
I’m a bit tired. I’d like to go back to my room. Emily accompanied her father to his bedroom upstairs. As she settled him into bed, she asked quietly, Dad, do you know anything about Mom’s inheritance?
Robert looked at his daughter and said, Emily, you are my most precious daughter. Remember that. Emily was puzzled by her father’s vague answer. However, since her father was clearly tired, she did not press further.
When she returned to the living room, Sara and Mike were quietly talking about something. When Emily approached, the two suddenly stopped speaking. How is Dad? Sara asked.
He seems tired, so I’ll let him rest for a while. I see. Well, maybe we should head home soon. Sara stood up.
You’re leaving already? You came after so long. I’ll come again another time, Sara replied vaguely. At the front door, Mike said to Emily, Emily, taking care of your father must be difficult, but you should manage the money properly.
It would be trouble if problems arose later. What do you mean? Oh, I don’t mean anything deep by it. I’m just saying it thinking of the family.
After the two left, Emily sat alone in the living room. There was something unnatural about Sara and Mike’s behavior today. She was particularly bothered by how insistently they had asked about her father’s pension and her mother’s inheritance. That evening, when she brought dinner to her father, Robert was looking out the window.
Dad, is something worrying you? Emily, you are truly a good daughter. Your mother would be happy even in heaven. Dad, about what Sara said today, about Mom’s inheritance — Robert cleared his throat and looked at his daughter.
Emily, there’s something I want to tell you, but I’m tired today. Let’s talk tomorrow. Emily felt anxious at her father’s words. Still, she asked no further questions.
That night Emily could not sleep. Sara and Mike’s behavior from today would not leave her mind. It was particularly troubling how insistently they had asked about her father’s assets. Was it a coincidence that her sister, who had not come to their house even once in three years, had suddenly appeared and started talking about money?
Emily thought about what her father had said he wanted to discuss tomorrow. Surely there was something important about her mother’s inheritance. Perhaps it was something Sara already knew about. The next morning Emily went out to do the shopping.
Her father’s medicine was running low, and she needed to stock up on groceries. When she returned home after about an hour, she noticed the house was too quiet. Dad? There was no answer.
She hurried up the stairs, but her father’s bedroom was empty. When she came down to the living room, Sara was there. She was rummaging through a box containing her father’s documents, examining the contents. Sara, what are you doing?
Sara turned in a panic. Oh, Emily, I’m just organizing Dad’s documents. How dare you rummage through someone else’s documents without permission? Where is Dad’s bankbook?
Sara asked directly. Why? To manage Dad’s assets properly. Without Dad’s consent —
Sara showed an irritated expression.
Emily, it’s not fair for you to manage Dad’s assets alone. I’m his daughter too, so I should have the right to know. Where is Dad? He’s in the garden.
He said he wanted to get some fresh air in his wheelchair. Emily went out and found her father sitting alone in the garden. Dad, are you okay? Yes, just a little tired.
Sara is rummaging through your documents without permission. Robert sighed deeply. Emily, it seems the time has come to tell you everything. Just then Sara came out into the garden.
Dad, please tell me where your bankbook is. Sara, why are you in such a hurry? I want to manage Dad’s assets properly. I’m worried about leaving everything to Emily alone.
Emily felt anger at her sister’s words. Are you saying I’m using Dad’s assets wrongly? I’m not saying that, but transparency is necessary. No.
Robert looked at his two daughters. Sara, you haven’t come to see me even once in three years, and now you’re worried about my assets? Sara could not argue with her father’s words. However, there was no sign of surrender in her eyes.
Dad, since we’re a family, we should work together. Cooperation. Robert smiled bitterly. Your cooperation is managing my assets?
At that moment Mike appeared in the garden. Dad, we’re just worried about you. Mike, are you interested in my assets? No.
Tell me honestly. Robert’s voice was stern. Sara said, as if to escape her father’s questions, I’m going home today. I’ll come back tomorrow.
Tomorrow. Emily was surprised. Yes, because I’m worried about Dad. After Sara and Mike left, Emily asked her father, Dad, what on earth is going on?
Emily, I’ll tell you everything tomorrow. It’s still too early now. The next morning, while preparing her father’s breakfast, Emily thought about the events of yesterday. There was clearly something behind Sara and Mike’s behavior.
She was especially bothered by the way Sara had panicked when she mentioned their mother’s inheritance. Her father seemed more energetic than usual. Emily, I promised to tell you something today. Yes, Dad, but first let’s finish breakfast.
Just then the doorbell rang. Checking the clock, it was only nine in the morning. When Emily went to the front door, Sara and Mike were standing there again. The two were clearly different from yesterday.
Sara had a stern expression, and Mike was holding what appeared to be documents. Good morning, Emily. Sara’s voice was cold. Dad is awake.
He’s awake, but he’s having breakfast. That’s fine. Today we need to discuss important business. Sara and Mike walked into the house with quick steps.
As they headed toward the living room, Mike said, Emily, we’ve conducted an investigation into yesterday’s matter. An investigation into what? Things like Dad’s pension, beneficiary status, and bank account activity. Emily was shocked.
What right do you have to investigate these things? I work in real estate, so I’m used to this kind of investigation. And we found something. When the three entered the living room, Robert was sitting in his wheelchair waiting.
Good morning, Sara. You’re early again. Today we need to discuss important business. Sara sat down across from her father.
It is suspected that Emily has been embezzling Dad’s pension. What did you say? Emily stood up. I would never do such a thing.
Mike spread out the documents. But look at these bank records. Every month, a considerable amount of money is withdrawn from Dad’s account. That’s for living expenses, food for Dad, medical expenses, medicine.
Everything is used for Dad. Is that really so? Sara’s voice was full of suspicion. You quit your job and have no income.
So how do you live? I’m using my savings. Your savings must have run out long ago, right? You haven’t worked for three years.
Emily was hurt by her sister’s words. It was true that her savings were nearly gone. However, she had never used her father’s pension for personal purposes. Sara, what are you saying?
That I’m stealing Dad’s money? It’s a possibility, isn’t it? Sara replied calmly. And we have evidence.
Mike pulled out another document. Look at these receipts. Purchases at expensive supermarkets, new clothes, beauty salon expenses. All of this was paid for with money from Dad’s account.
Emily was at a loss for words. It was true that she had been living on her father’s pension lately. But it was also for her father’s sake. See, you admitted it.
Sara stood up. At that moment Emily noticed Mrs. Johnson across the street hanging laundry in her garden. The window was open, and the conversation inside could be heard outside.
Sara seemed to notice the same thing and deliberately raised her voice. You’re stealing Dad’s pension. Sara’s loud voice echoed throughout the neighborhood. Not only Mrs.
Johnson, but other neighbors also looked out their windows. Sara, stop it. You’re disturbing the neighbors. Emily was agitated.
Disturbing the neighbors? You, who steal Dad’s pension, are a much bigger problem. Mike also stood up. Emily.
Don’t think you can keep hiding it. If necessary, we’ll call the police. The police. Emily’s voice trembled.
On what charges? Elder abuse and embezzlement. Mike’s voice rose too. The neighbors began to murmur.
Emily felt the trust she had built with the neighborhood over three years crumbling. It’s not true. I sacrificed everything for Dad. I quit my job.
I lost my boyfriend. I drifted away from my friends. All for Dad. Liar.
Sara pointed her finger. You’re using Dad. You only take care of him because you want his pension. That’s not true.
Tears welled up in Emily’s eyes. We have evidence, Sara said triumphantly. You’re also hiding Mom’s will. Will?
What are you talking about? Don’t play dumb. You’re hiding the will Mom left, and you’re trying to monopolize the inheritance. Emily was completely confused.
She had never seen her mother’s will. I don’t know anything. I’ve never seen a will. You’re lying.
You must be hiding it. Mike took out his phone. I’m calling the police. Stop it, please.
At that moment Robert, who had heard the intense argument, called out in a trembling voice. Stop it. The three turned toward their father. Robert was leaning forward from his wheelchair, pointing at something with a trembling hand.
Dad! Emily rushed to her father’s side. Actually — Robert’s voice was shaky but clearly audible. Sara and Mike waited for their father’s words.
Even the neighbors fell silent. Robert pointed to the drawer of the coffee table with his trembling hand. There’s a lawyer’s business card in there. Emily quickly opened the drawer.
She pulled out an expensive-looking business card. It read: Harrison Law Firm. William Harrison, Attorney. Sara’s face went pale.
Everything is entrusted to the lawyer. Robert’s voice was weak, but his words rang out clearly. Mike looked at the business card. That’s a fairly famous law firm.
Dad, what did you entrust to the lawyer? Emily asked. The trust account. Robert answered breathlessly.
All of my assets. To Emily. Sara’s face went completely pale. When did this happen?
Three years ago. Right after — Mike said with a trembling voice. After Mom died. And the management of the pension as well.
Everything legally entrusted to Emily. Sara stood up. But then what about us? Robert looked at his daughter.
Sara, you haven’t come even once in three years. Emily sacrificed everything to support me. Emily could not stop crying hearing her father’s words. Furthermore, Robert continued, there is also Mom’s will.
Sara’s body began to tremble. A will? Yes. Mom thought the same way.
Leave everything to the child who provides the care. Mike said frantically, But that’s not fair. Fair. Robert’s voice filled with anger.
What have you done for three years? At that moment the doorbell rang. When Emily opened the door, a middle-aged man in a suit and tie stood before her. I’m William from Harrison Law Firm.
I received an emergency call from Mr. Robert. Emily was surprised. The lawyer?
Yes. Since he said it was an emergency, I came right away. When the lawyer entered the living room, Sara and Mike’s faces became even paler. I see everyone is gathered.
The lawyer took documents from his briefcase. Very well, then I will explain Robert’s asset management, he said calmly, pulling out thick documents. The living room was filled with tension. Sara and Mike were pale.
Emily sat beside her father, holding Robert’s trembling hand. First, let me explain Robert’s asset management. The lawyer adjusted his glasses. Three years ago, right after the death of his wife Margaret, Robert came to my office.
Sara said in a trembling voice. Three years ago, they never told me about this. Of course not, the lawyer replied calmly. Robert transferred all of his assets to a trust account to prepare for the possibility of developing dementia in the future.
Emily is the beneficiary. A trust account, Mike intervened. Yes. Robert’s pension, bank deposits, the ownership of this house — everything is subject to the trust.
As long as Emily continues to care for her father, she has management rights. Emily was surprised. Dad, I had no idea you had done something like this. Robert looked at his daughter.
I knew you would sacrifice everything for me. The lawyer pulled out another document. In addition, we also have Margaret’s will. Sara’s face became even paler.
Mom’s will. Yes. Margaret made her will at my office one year before she died. The contents are clear.
My assets will be transferred to the daughter who devotes herself to caring for my husband. That can’t be. Sara was speechless. The lawyer looked at Sara with a stern expression.
Sara, you knew about the existence of this will, didn’t you? Me? Well —
Three years ago, after your mother’s funeral, you came to my office. You heard the contents of the will and you became furious, didn’t you?
Mike stood up frantically. But that’s not fair. If there’s a blood relationship, the assets should be divided equally. Legally, the testator’s wishes have priority, the lawyer replied calmly.
Furthermore, Sara has committed a serious crime. What crime? Emily asked. The lawyer stared at Sara.
Sara, you took a copy of the will without authorization and did not inform your family. That is the crime of concealing a will. Sara slumped into her chair. I — I just —
What?
The lawyer’s voice was stern. I thought it wasn’t fair. I’m a daughter too. So why should Emily have everything?
Robert said quietly, Sara, you never came to see me when your mother was sick. When I had a heart attack, only Emily rushed to the hospital. But I have my own life. That’s true.
And it is precisely for that reason that you don’t need the assets. You have a husband and a stable life. But Emily sacrificed everything for me. Mike intervened again.
But the fact that Emily used the pension for personal purposes — that’s a fact? No. The lawyer flipped through his documents. Looking at the trust account records, all of Emily’s expenses are appropriate.
Robert’s medical expenses, living costs, house maintenance. In fact, she even used her own savings to support her father. Emily wiped her tears. I never used Dad’s money for personal purposes.
However, the lawyer continued, there are problems with the actions of Sara and Mike. Yesterday you rummaged through Robert’s documents without permission, didn’t you? Well — Mike hesitated. Furthermore, this morning’s commotion was heard throughout the neighborhood.
You treated Emily like a criminal and damaged her reputation. That constitutes defamation. Sara said in a trembling voice. We were just worried about Dad.
Worried. Robert’s voice filled with anger. You who never worried about me for three years. The lawyer took another document from his briefcase.
Actually, there is one more important document. What is it? Emily asked. A letter left by Margaret.
It was preserved together with the will. The lawyer opened the envelope and handed it to Emily. If you are reading this letter, it means I am no longer in this world. I know your kindness and your devotion.
And if Sara complains about the inheritance, show her this letter. I am watching over you. I know who truly supports the family with real love. Emily cried out loud hearing her mother’s letter.
Even Sara was crying, but they were tears of frustration. But I am also Mom’s daughter. I should have been loved too. Robert sighed deeply.
Sara, love and responsibility are different. You were loved. But only Emily fulfilled her responsibilities. Mike stood up.
That’s enough. Let’s go home. Wait. The lawyer called out.
The discussion is not over yet. Now, the matter of concealing a will is a legitimate criminal act. If Emily, the victim, presses charges, Sara could be prosecuted. Sara’s face went completely white.
That can’t be. Emily looked at her father. Robert nodded silently. I won’t press charges, Emily said quietly.
But please, don’t disturb Dad anymore. Sara stood up, crying. Emily, I —
It’s okay, Sara, Emily replied tiredly. Live your life.
I’ll take responsibility for Dad. Mike put a hand on Sara’s shoulder. Sara, let’s give up. It’s over.
We lost. The lawyer said as he organized his documents. Very well, the legal procedures are complete. Emily, do you have any questions?
Is it really possible for me to manage Dad’s assets? Yes. It is your father’s and your mother’s will. Please manage them with confidence.
Sara and Mike walked toward the front door with heavy steps. Sara turned and said quietly, Emily, I’m very sorry. Emily did not respond. At the front door, Mike said to Sara, This puts an end to our plan.
We have to give up the assets of that house. But Mike—
Sara, because of you, I was almost treated like a criminal too. I’ve had enough. What do you mean?
I’m considering a divorce. Mike said coldly. Part of the reason I married you was your family’s assets. Now that they’re gone, there’s no point in staying with you.
Sara looked desperate. She had lost the assets and been abandoned by her husband. Everything had collapsed. After the two left, Emily sat beside her father.
Dad, thank you so much. Emily, you are truly a good daughter. Your mother would be happy too. The lawyer said as he was leaving.
Emily, Robert is lucky to have a daughter like you. I’m the lucky one to have such wonderful parents. After the lawyer left, Emily remained alone with her father. The evening light came into the living room, and the weariness of a long day wrapped around them both.
Robert sat in his wheelchair, holding his daughter’s hand. Dad, why did you stay silent until now? Emily asked quietly. Robert’s eyes were as if looking into the distance.
Emily, for three years I watched every day as you devoted yourself to me. I wanted to repay that devotion. But I didn’t even know about Mom’s will myself. Your mother knew what a kind child you were.
When your mother was sick, you were the only one who went to the hospital every day. Sara said she was busy and came maybe once a week. Emily remembered her mother and burst into tears. Mom always said that family supports each other.
That’s true. However, real family is not just about blood relations. What you did for me is real love. The following week, Mrs.
Johnson from the neighborhood came to bring some soup. Emily, did everything go well with that commotion the other day? Yes, everything was resolved. Emily smiled.
I’m sorry for worrying you. You are truly an extraordinary daughter. It must have been very painful to receive those accusations against you. But I’m glad the truth came to light.
Mrs. Johnson said kindly, All the neighbors know how much you care for your father. No one believed your sister’s words. A month later, Emily accompanied her father to his regular check-up.
After examining his condition, the doctor said to Emily, Your father’s condition is stable. That is thanks to your care. Thank you. Family support makes a big difference in a patient’s recovery.
Your father is lucky. On the way home, her father said, Emily, I have been a burden to you. That’s not true. Being with you is my happiness.
You should have had a more youthful life. Dad, I have no regrets. Because you and Mom raised me with such care, now it’s my turn to take care of you. Around that time, Sara was in the middle of divorce proceedings.
When Mike learned about her family’s assets, he showed his true nature. He coldly told her, You have no value, and left without paying alimony. Only after being alone did Sara realize the extent of what she had lost. Her father’s love, her mother’s inheritance, her husband, and her relationship with her sister.
By wanting everything, she had lost everything. A few months later, Sara called Emily. Emily, how is Dad? Her voice was different from before.
Weak. Thanks to you, he’s stable. I want to apologize. That time, I said terrible things.
It’s in the past now. Could I see Dad this time, properly? As his daughter. Emily consulted with her father.
Robert thought for a moment and then said, We are blood. She can come to visit. When Sara came to visit, she was a different person from before. She had stopped wearing flashy clothes and was dressed modestly.
She sat as if kneeling before her father and cried. Dad, I’m so sorry. Robert looked at his daughter. Sara, you are also my daughter.
However, I cannot forget what Emily did for me. I understand. I couldn’t be as devoted as Emily, but I could come to visit. Sometimes, from now on.
Emily looked at her father, and Robert nodded quietly. Sometimes would be fine, but you must not cause trouble for Emily. A few years later, Robert passed away quietly. With Emily holding his hand, he drew his last breath peacefully.
Sara also attended the funeral, but she cried silently from a corner. After the funeral, Emily said to Sara, Dad loved you until the end. But I could not do anything for him. There’s no point in regretting it now.
But I believe Dad was glad that you apologized in the end. Emily began to live alone in the house inherited from her father. The neighbors remained kind and sometimes invited her for tea. She left her father’s room exactly as it was, and sometimes she sat there looking at photographs of her parents.
Dad, Mom, I’m happy, Emily said, smiling at the photograph. Thank you for teaching me what a real family means. Outside the window, spring flowers were beginning to bloom. It was the beginning of a new season.
Emily renewed her determination to walk through the rest of her life carrying the love she had inherited from her parents. She had learned from experience that there are things more important than blood ties. The heart that cares for one another.