When Grandma passed away, I thought the farm would be mine. I had spent my whole life here, working the land, helping her with the animals, learning everything there was to know about the farm. But instead, the farm went to my cousin, Felicity. She never cared about it—only the money it could bring her. All I got was a cryptic letter and permission to stay on the farm… for now. But deep down, I knew there was more to this story than I realized. And I was determined to uncover the truth.
The lawyer’s voice echoed in the room as he finished reading the will. The words felt like a heavy weight pressing on my chest, suffocating me. Grandma’s farm, the heart of our family, the place where I had grown up, was now Felicity’s.
I glanced over at her. She sat there, wearing a smile that barely masked the greed in her eyes. It was all about the money for her. She never spent more than a weekend here, but now, this land would be hers to sell off as she pleased.
I thought about the countless mornings I had woken before dawn to help Grandma—feeding the cows, tending to the garden, checking on the chickens. How many long days had I worked under the scorching sun, while Felicity used the farm as nothing more than a background for her Instagram photos? It wasn’t right.
“Are you okay, Diana?” The lawyer’s voice was soft, trying to comfort me. “Your grandmother loved you more than anyone else… she wanted you to have a place here.”
His words were meant to ease the pain, but they only stung. I reached for the letter he handed me, my hands shaking as I tore open the envelope. Grandma’s familiar handwriting filled the page, each word pulling me deeper into confusion.
“My dearest Diana,
If you are reading this, the time has come for a choice. I know you love this farm, and it has been a part of you as much as it was a part of me. But I needed to be sure that its true caretaker would emerge. I have left the farm to Felicity, but I have also granted you the right to live here for as long as you wish.
As long as you remain on the farm, it cannot be sold. Please be patient, my dear. The second part of my will shall be revealed in three months.
Love, Grandma.”
It didn’t make sense. Why didn’t she leave the farm to me outright? Did she not trust me? I glanced at Felicity again, and the look in her eyes made my stomach churn. She was already planning her next move, whispering with her husband, Jack. I couldn’t catch all their words, but I heard enough to know what they were plotting.
“Sell it… quick profit… developers…” Felicity’s voice floated over to me, filled with excitement.
They didn’t care about the land, about the animals, or about the memories tied to this place. It was all about the money for them.
Later, Felicity approached me with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Take the money, Diana. Just leave the farm,” she said, her voice too sweet. “It’s a generous amount. You could have a nice place in the city.”
“This isn’t about money, Felicity,” I snapped back. “It’s about family. This farm is more than just land. It’s my home.”
She shrugged, as if the idea of family meant nothing to her. “Suit yourself. But you’re wasting your time.”
That night, I lay in bed, the weight of it all pressing down on me. My thoughts were a swirl of emotions—anger, sadness, confusion. But beneath it all, there was one clear thought: I couldn’t leave. I couldn’t let Felicity take this place from me. By morning, I had made my decision. I called my boss and requested a leave of absence from my city job. I needed to be here, on the farm, where I truly belonged.
Felicity handed me the keys with a smirk. She couldn’t get away from the farm fast enough, eager to leave me with the responsibilities she didn’t want.
The first few days were exhausting. Every morning, I rose before the sun, already dreading the long list of chores ahead. As I fed the cows, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “How did Grandma do this all by herself?”
“Morning, Daisy,” I greeted the cow closest to me, scratching behind her ears. “Ready for breakfast?”
Daisy nudged me gently, her warmth a small comfort amidst the heavy workload. “You’re the only one who listens to me,” I said softly, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
But there was no time to rest. I rushed to feed the chickens, check on the goats, and make sure everything was in order. The farm was a never-ending cycle of work, and I felt it in every muscle of my body.
That afternoon, I struggled with the fence. The posts were old and stubborn, and I cursed under my breath as I tried to fix them. That’s when Mr. Harris, the neighbor, appeared, offering his help.
“Need a hand?” he asked, grinning.
“Mr. Harris, you’re a lifesaver,” I said, relieved. “This fence is more trouble than it’s worth.”
He chuckled, setting down his toolbox. “Nah, it just needs a firm hand. You’ve got to show it who’s boss.”
He worked beside me, teaching me how to reinforce the posts.
“Your grandmother used to say, ‘A good fence makes a happy farm,'” he said, a twinkle in his eye.
“Well, she didn’t mention it would drive me crazy,” I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow.
He laughed, his eyes softening with kindness. “She didn’t want to scare you off. But you’re doing good, Diana. You care, and that’s half the battle.”
I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand and glanced at him, curious. “Half the battle? What’s the other half?”
“Sticking it out when things get tough. This farm isn’t just land, Diana. It’s got a soul.”
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. “I just hope I’m doing it justice.”
He patted my shoulder, giving me an encouraging smile. “You are. More than you know.”
Later that evening, the sky turned a smoky orange as I finished my chores. That’s when I smelled it—the unmistakable scent of smoke. My heart raced as I turned toward the farmhouse and froze. Flames were licking the roof, spreading faster than I could run. The fire was raging, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
“No! No!” I screamed, my voice cracking with panic. “Fire! Someone, help!”
Neighbors rushed over, but the fire spread too quickly. Mr. Harris grabbed my arm, pulling me back as I tried to get closer.
“Diana, it’s too dangerous,” he said firmly. “The animals are safe. Focus on that.”
“But the house…!” I protested, my voice breaking.
“They’re fine. The animals are safe.” He looked into my eyes, steady and calm. “You did your part. Now, let it go.”
I stood there, helpless, as the house burned to the ground. The roof collapsed, and the flames swallowed everything. My childhood, my memories, my life—it was all gone in an instant.
The next morning, Felicity showed up. She didn’t seem upset at all. She barely even looked at the charred remains of the farmhouse. Instead, she crossed her arms and smirked.
“Well, this changes things, doesn’t it?” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I couldn’t hold back. “Felicity, the house is gone, but the farm is still here.”
Her smirk faded as she looked around, taking in the damage. “And that’s exactly why it’s time to sell. Look at this place, Diana. It’s a mess. It’s not worth the trouble anymore.”
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. “You don’t understand,” I said through gritted teeth. “This farm isn’t just land to me. It’s a part of my soul.”
Felicity shrugged. “To you, maybe. But to the rest of us? It’s a money pit. When are you planning to leave?”
“I’m not leaving,” I shot back, my voice stronger than I felt. “This is my home.”
She rolled her eyes, dismissing me with a wave. “Be reasonable. You’re living in a barn, Diana. A barn. You’ve lost your job. This place is falling apart. Just accept it.”
But I wasn’t ready to give up. “I’ll figure it out,” I said, my voice steady.
Felicity walked away, leaving me standing there, frustrated and hurt. I pulled out my phone, dialing my boss’s number with trembling fingers. It rang for what felt like forever before he finally picked up.
“Diana, you’re late on your return,” he said without any compassion.
“I need more time,” I begged. “There’s been a fire. The house is gone.”
There was a long pause. “I’m sorry to hear that, but we need you back by Monday.”
“Monday?” I stammered. “I can’t… I can’t be back by then.”
“Then I’m afraid we can’t hold your position any longer,” he said, coldly.
“Wait, please…” I started, but the line went dead.
I was crushed. Everything seemed to be falling apart.
Mr. Harris appeared beside me, his face kind but full of concern. “You alright?” he asked quietly.
“No,” I whispered. “I’m not. But I will be. Somehow.”
He nodded, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re stronger than you think, Diana. And this farm? It’s stronger too. Don’t give up just yet.”
I looked at the barn, the animals, the burned remnants of the farmhouse. Felicity wanted me gone. But this place—this farm—was my heart. And I wouldn’t give up on it.
“I’m not leaving,” I said, my voice firm.
“You can’t stay here like this,” Mr. Harris said gently. “I have a spare room at my place. Stay there until you figure things out.”
His kindness nearly broke me. “Thank you, Jack.”
The weeks that followed were the hardest of my life. But I didn’t give up. Every morning, I rose with the sun, my body aching, but my resolve stronger than ever. The farm became my battleground, and I was its soldier. I repaired the fences, tilled the soil, planted crops, and worked day and night. The animals were my constant companions. I could hear Grandma’s voice in my head, reminding me of the lessons she had taught me.
Jack was there every step of the way, showing up with tools, advice, and sometimes just a listening ear.
“This fence again, huh?” he’d joke, rolling up his sleeves to help.
He taught me more than I could have learned in a lifetime—how to read the land, listen to the animals, and feel the change in the weather. The farm became my new life. My job in the city felt like a distant memory.
One evening, after another long day of work, Jack and I sat on the porch, watching the sun set over the fields.
“You’ve done good, Diana,” he said, looking out over the farm. “Your grandmother would be proud.”
I nodded, staring at the horizon. “I finally understand why she did what she did.”
Jack smiled, his eyes kind. “She knew the farm needed someone who would love it as much as she did. And that someone was always you.”
The farm was no longer just a place. It was my life. It was my future.
The day finally came for the second part of Grandma’s will to be read. I walked into the lawyer’s office, my palms sweating with nerves. Felicity was already there, looking smug and uninterested. Jack stood beside me, his quiet support a steady presence.
The lawyer opened the sealed envelope, his eyes scanning the letter. Then, he began to read aloud:
“My dear Felicity and Diana,
If you are hearing this, the time has come for the farm to find its true guardian. Felicity, I know this may come as a surprise, but I always intended for the farm to belong to the one who truly cares for it…”
“As far as I know, Diana has taken responsibility for managing the farm. If no one objects…”
Felicity’s face went white as a sheet. She shot to her feet, furious. “This is ridiculous!” she screamed. “She burned down the house! She’s a failure!”
Jack stood up, his voice calm but firm. “I think it’s time we tell the truth,” he said, handing the lawyer a receipt.
“I saw Felicity near the farm on the day of the fire. She was purchasing gasoline from the local store that afternoon.”
The room went deathly silent. The truth was out. Felicity had been desperate to get rid of me and sell the farm, so she had resorted to arson.
“Diana, the farm is now officially yours,” the lawyer said, his voice gentle.
I stood there, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. The farm was finally mine. It wasn’t just land; it was my home, my future. And with Jack by my side, I knew I could make it work.
One evening, after everything had settled down, Jack looked at me and asked, “How about that dinner I promised you?”
I smiled, my heart lighter than it had been in months. “You know what, Jack? I think I finally have the time.”
