“I finally understand.
Why she did what she did.”
“She knew this place needed someone who’d love it as much as she did,” Jack replied. “And that someone was always you.”
The farm became my world. It filled the void that my job and city life had left behind.
***
Finally, the day came for the second part of the will to be read.
I walked into the lawyer’s office, my hands clammy with nerves.
Felicity was already there, looking smug and indifferent. Her husband sat beside her, tapping his foot impatiently. The room was tense.
The lawyer opened the sealed envelope, his eyes scanning the letter before he began to read aloud:
“My dear Felicity and Diana,
If you are hearing this, then 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, so if no one objects…”
Felicity’s face went pale. The lawyer didn’t get a chance to finish.
“This is ridiculous!” she exclaimed. “She burned down the house!
She’s a failure!”
Jack, who came with me, suddenly stood up. “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 seen purchasing gasoline from the local store that afternoon.”
“This evidence suggests otherwise, Ms.
Felicity.”
“Fine! That was me! Somebody had to help my sister move out.”
I watched as the truth came to light, piece by piece.
Felicity had been so desperate to rid herself of me and sell the farm that she had resorted to arson.
“Diana, the farm is now officially yours,” the lawyer finally said.
***
I settled into my role as the farm’s guardian. I cared for the land and the animals as Grandma had, feeling closer to her than ever. Her spirit lingered in every corner, in the fields, the barns, the wind that rustled the leaves.
One evening, Jack asked me, “How about that dinner I promised you?”
“You know what, Jack?
I think I finally have the time.”
We made plans, and for the first time in months, I felt a flutter of excitement. The farm was my past, my present, and now, thanks to Jack, maybe my future held a bit of happiness too.
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