Gerald Nizbit sat frozen in his sleek office chair, his eyes locked on the glowing screen before him. His heart pounded as he read the words on the will—his mother’s will. What he discovered made his breath catch in disbelief. Then, without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and barked, “Helen, get me my lawyer—Sam Kelson—then Margaret Pratt, and finally, my mother. Call them in that exact order. Now!”
Helen, his personal assistant for ten years, knew Gerald wasn’t a man to waste time. She immediately dialed the lawyer, her fingers flying over the keypad. Meanwhile, Gerald stared at the will, shaking his head in frustration. Oh, she’ll pay for this one, he thought grimly.
Finally, the lawyer came on the line. Gerald’s voice was sharp. “Sam, old boy, I believe you made a serious mistake. You sent me my mother’s new will by accident. It was supposed to go to her, not me.”
There was an awkward silence on the other end, then apologies flooded in. But Gerald cut him off. “Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll take it from here.” He hung up, still staring out at the snowy New York skyline through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows of his office.
No sooner had he set the phone down than it rang again—Margaret Pratt, the executor of the will. Gerald was direct and demanding. “I want this settled today, Miss Pratt.”
She hesitated, citing the tight timeline, but Gerald interrupted coolly, “If you can’t handle it, I’ll find someone who can. This afternoon, 5 p.m. sharp.” A small smile crept over his face when she agreed.
“Alright, Helen,” Gerald said into the internal phone, “Put my mother through.”
Within seconds, his mother’s familiar voice came through. “Gerald?” she said cautiously.
“Mother,” he said briskly, “Two things. First, Sam sent me your new will by mistake. Second, pack your bags immediately. You’re leaving my house today.”
There was a stunned silence on the line. Edith Nezbit, sitting quietly in the elegant living room of Gerald’s house—where she had been living for months now—could barely find words. “Gerald… Are you upset about the will? Please, let me explain.”
Gerald’s voice was cold, firm. “I don’t want explanations. I want you packed and ready to leave by 4 p.m. sharp.” And just like that, he hung up.
Edith sat back, heart pounding. She had left her money and house to her two older children, Amy and Oliver. Gerald, the youngest and her closest, had been given only the small cabin by the lake, her father’s old watch, and some precious family photos from the war. She thought Gerald would understand. After all, he was always her rock—helping her through tough times, especially now with her arthritis growing worse.
But now, she realized, she had deeply hurt the son who loved her most.
With trembling hands, Edith climbed upstairs to pack. Tears blurred her vision as she folded clothes and put them carefully into her suitcase. She called the housekeeper for help and waited nervously in the living room, the clock ticking closer to 4 p.m.
At exactly four, Gerald appeared, as punctual as ever. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. Edith’s tears spilled over as she begged, “Please, Gerald. Let me explain.”
He shook his head. “No time, Mother. It’s all arranged.” He picked up her bag and walked silently to the car. She followed wordlessly.
The drive was quiet, tension hanging thick between them. Edith finally broke the silence. “Where are we going, Gerald?”
Gerald switched on the radio, ignoring her question. The cityscape passed unfamiliar through the window. Edith glanced nervously around; she had never been to this part of town before.
“About the will…” she began again, voice steady despite the knot in her stomach.
Gerald cut in, “Oh, the will! You left your house and the savings to Amy and Oliver. Me? The old cabin, the war photos, and Dad’s watch.”
“Yes,” Edith whispered.
Before she could say more, Gerald stopped the car in front of a small private airport. A sleek jet gleamed on the tarmac.
Turning to her, tears glistening in his eyes, Gerald said softly, “Mom, I get it now. Amy and Oliver need the money—they’re struggling. I don’t. What you left me… it’s priceless. Those memories, those moments—they’re more valuable than any dollar.”
Edith gasped, “I thought you were kicking me out!”
Gerald laughed gently. “No, Mom. I’m taking you to Tahiti for two weeks. The warm sun will help your arthritis, and I could use some time with my mom.”
Edith threw her arms around him, crying tears of relief and love. This was the son she always knew—the one who truly understood.
The trip to Tahiti was magical. Gerald got a tan, and even met a charming woman from New York. Edith watched with a smile, thinking maybe grandchildren weren’t far off after all.
What can we learn from this story?
Don’t jump to conclusions about people’s intentions based on your own fears. Edith feared Gerald’s anger, so she misunderstood his actions. True value comes from the heart, not money. For Gerald, the cabin, photos, and watch were treasures far beyond cash. They symbolized love, memories, and family.
In the end, love and understanding made all the difference.