When Amy’s grandfather passed away, he left behind a will that shocked everyone. He had always been a man of strong opinions, and for as long as Amy could remember, he had a long-standing feud with their next-door neighbor, John Gilliam.
Nobody in town understood the origins of their rivalry, but it was the kind of legendary quarrel that people whispered about. The two men constantly bickered over everything, especially their gardens. Both took great pride in their flowers and would do anything to outshine the other.
Amy had fond memories of sitting with her grandfather, eating cookies while he told her about the importance of having a beautiful garden.
“Amy,” he would say with a smile, “as long as I can plant flowers, you and your mom will always have fresh ones in your home.”
As much as he loved his family, he held onto grudges just as tightly. That’s why, when the lawyer read his will, Amy’s family could hardly believe what they heard.
The lawyer listed everything her grandfather had left behind. Amy’s mother received his antique furniture, her father got his tie and bow tie collection, and Amy herself was given a portion of his money. But there was still a large sum unaccounted for.
“What about the rest?” Amy’s mother, Jessica, asked, her voice tight with emotion. “The rest of Dad’s money was supposed to be for Amy’s education.”
“Relax, Jessica,” Amy’s father said gently. “She has been given more than enough for now.”
But then the lawyer continued reading, and what he said next sent a wave of shock through the room.
“To his neighbor, John Gilliam, Matthew leaves $350,000 and his vintage car.”
“What?” Jessica shot up from her chair. “That’s impossible! Are you sure that’s what it says? My father hated John.”
The lawyer nodded. “It’s all written here. And he left behind a letter as well.”
“A letter?” Amy asked, leaning forward. “What does it say?”
“It was addressed to John, but I’ve been instructed to read it to you first.”
The lawyer pulled out a piece of yellowed paper and unfolded it. The air in the room grew heavy, as if they all sensed something important was about to be revealed.
My Dear John,
Please tell my family that despite the ridiculous feud we held for so many years, I could not turn my back on you in your time of need. You have always been a worthy adversary, and for that, you have my respect.
I recently found out about Olive’s condition. Dr. Mackay let it slip when I went in for my blood tests. Please don’t be angry with him—it’s through him that I learned how serious it is.
I know she needs a kidney transplant. I know how costly it is. And I know how much you love her.
Please use this money for her treatment. Use it to help save your daughter. I promised my granddaughter I would help with her studies, so I am also leaving my car to you. It’s worth a lot. If you need more money for Olive, sell it. I hope this gesture can lift some of your burdens.
Warmly,
Matthew
The room was silent. Amy’s mother sat down slowly, struggling to process what she had just heard.
Amy’s grandfather had spent years arguing with John, but in the end, he had chosen kindness over resentment. He had chosen to help.
They needed to see John.
The three of them walked next door and knocked. When John answered, he looked wary, as if expecting an argument.
“Hello?” he said cautiously.
Amy’s father cleared his throat. “We need to talk. Can we come in?”
John hesitated before stepping aside. His wife, Emma, greeted them and made them tea as they all sat in the living room. Amy’s father explained what they had learned from the will and the letter.
John shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe he did that.”
Jessica, still overwhelmed, asked, “Has Olive been sick for a long time?”
John sighed heavily. “Yes. We’ve been trying everything we can, but it’s been exhausting. We don’t have medical insurance, so everything has to be paid out of pocket. Your father’s gift… it changes everything.”
There was a long silence.
Amy looked around, wondering where Olive was. John must have noticed because he said, “She’s asleep. She’s been very tired lately.”
Jessica took a deep breath. “So, what does this mean? Will Olive be able to get her transplant now?”
John nodded. “She’s already on the donor list. We just needed the funds to move forward. Now, we can.”
That night, Amy sat in her grandfather’s room, looking at the old books on his shelves, the faded wallpaper, and the chair where he used to sit. She thought about the way he had changed in his last few months. He had stopped glaring at John. Instead, he would sit on the porch at sunset, lost in thought.
He must have been thinking about this decision.
Months later, they got the news—Olive had found a match.
John showed up at their house, knocking urgently. When Amy opened the door, he grinned. “It’s time!”
He had become like family since Matthew’s passing, often helping with the garden and walking their dog. Now, as he sat at their dining table, he could hardly eat, nerves getting the better of him.
“The surgery is tomorrow,” he said. “I need this to work.”
“And it will,” Amy’s father assured him. “Have faith.”
The next day, at the hospital, John was pacing nonstop. Amy tried to calm him down, but his anxiety was overwhelming. “It’s still a few hours to go,” he muttered, looking at his watch.
Finally, the doctors came out with an update. The surgery was a success.
When Amy went to visit Olive, the girl’s eyes welled up with tears. “Amy,” she said, her voice soft but grateful, “I don’t know how to thank you and your family enough.”
Their families had grown closer than ever. And on Amy’s next birthday, John did something unexpected—he handed her a set of car keys.
“This belongs to you,” he said. “Your grandfather left it for me, but I know he meant for you to have it.”
Amy was speechless. She looked at the car, her grandfather’s beloved vintage beauty, and felt a warmth in her chest.
Now, whenever she visited his grave, she thanked him—not just for the car, but for the lesson he had taught her.
You can choose to change at any moment. Nothing is set in stone.
And when Amy drove off to university in her grandfather’s car, she knew he was watching over her, smiling, proud of the person she had become.