He blamed himself for everything, drank excessively, and became involved in criminal activities when his money ran out. He had come to believe that good things only bring pain and suffering, much like how Nick ended up dead when all he was trying to do was save a comrade’s life. However, sitting in Nick’s mother’s kitchen, being served food by the poor woman who was telling him about her late son, he realized how wrong he was.
Mike, what were you thinking? Have you gone insane? You were about to murder Nick’s mother!
From that day on, it seemed like Michael was a completely different person. He not only gave up on the wrongdoings but also confessed to his crimes and turned himself in. When he was released from prison after serving his sentence, he began paying frequent visits to Mrs.
Jeggings. He took care of her, spent time with her, and made sure she was never alone. When Mrs.
Jeggings died at the age of 98, he received a call from her lawyer informing him that she had left him a note as well as property and assets. Michael couldn’t stop crying when he arrived at the lawyer’s office and received the letter. Mrs.
Jeggings had written that she always knew he was Nick’s friend and comrade. “Did you really think I wouldn’t recognize you?” the note read. “Yes, at first I didn’t, but when I looked at you closely, I knew it was you, Mike!
I knew you were going to kill me that day. I noticed you were following me with a knife. But look at you; you’re still the sweet young man Nick told me about.
“You kept telling me that a friend died because of your actions. If I’m not mistaken, you were talking about Nick. I recall you had gone missing from the army, and everyone was looking for you.
I wanted to meet you back then, but no one knew where you went. “Stop blaming yourself for what happened, Mike. Nick didn’t die because of you.
If you’re reading this, promise me you’ll never return to a life of crime. Also, thank you for taking such good care of me. I’m glad we finally met.
At least, I didn’t miss my son in my final days. I hope you live happily and never miss out on anything. With love, Mrs.
Claire Jeggings.”
What can we learn from this story?
