But when his will was read, nobody saw coming the twist that turned everything upside down because of a little girl’s unselfish devotion.
Mr. Lewis thought back on the life he had created as he reclined in his favorite leather recliner, the one that had seen him through many late-night work sessions.
He had seen it all at eighty-three.
After starting from nothing and putting in endless hours to grow his company, he had established himself as a well-known figure by the time he was in his 40s.
But his identity went beyond his wealth. Mr. Lewis had lived a virtuous life,
providing for his family of eight children—four biological and four adopted—and welcoming foster children into his house when they had nowhere else to go.
His late wife would see him welcome each new child into their lives and would ask with a gentle smile, “You always have room for one more, don’t you?”
Mr. Lewis was always decisive.
He was a firm believer in giving back, whether it was by providing for the needs of others or by donating to charities.
However, as the kids grew older and the years passed, things altered.
His house, which had once been lively, fell silently. Unless they were in need of anything, his adopted and biological children did not often pay him a visit. It was how the chats would always begin. Richard, his eldest son, would utter, “Dad, you know how tough it is out there,” with hardly any eye contact. “I just need a little help getting through this month.” His daughter Olivia wasn’t all that different. “Dad, the school costs for the kids are ridiculous.
Could you please—” she would begin, and before she knew it, he would be grabbing his checkbook. < The grandchildren did not fare much better. They would visit him exclusively throughout the holidays, observing him as if he were a human bank vault.
Although he loved his grandchildren, he had to face the hard reality that they were growing up to view him as a tool rather than as a human being.Mr. Lewis’s physician gave him a devastating diagnosis when he became 83 years old. “Mr. Lewis, you have roughly a month left. I apologize. Even though the words rang in his ears, he handled them with the quiet dignity he had always displayed. He informed his kids and grandkids of the news over the phone that evening. They came from all over the world to his residence in a matter of hours.
As the obedient son, Richard arrived with his wife and three children. Olivia appeared next, accompanied by her two girls, wearing a smile that was more akin to a grimace. Even his adoptive children, who were dispersed over the world, found time all of a sudden to return home.
“Dad, don’t worry, we’re here now,” Richard reassuringly patted his father on the shoulder. “We’ve got you, Grandpa,” one of the granddaughters, Willow, a teenager who stayed glued to her phone, interrupted.They surrounded him for weeks, giving him hollow words and phony grins. “Can I get you anything, Dad?” Olivia would inquire while passing him a cup of tea that she had not bothered to brew.
“Grandpa, you need to relax. Derek, Richard’s youngest son, said, “We’ll handle everything. The youngster gazed longingly at the elaborate paintings that adorned the walls, as though he was mentally cataloguing his grandfather’s collection already.Mr. Lewis watched with heavy heart as it all came to pass. He was able to see through the pretense. They were there for the money, not for love. In an attempt to gain his favor and claim their piece of the pie before he left, they stumbled over one another. Mr. Lewis, though, was not a moron.
His children and grandkids quickly turned their focus to what truly important to them once he eventually went away peacefully in his sleep: the inheritance. It was the same on the day of the will reading. With their pretended sorrow long forgotten, they crammed themselves into the lawyer’s office, restless and impatient.Olivia whispered under her breath, “I bet he left the most to me,” her voice brimming with entitlement. Richard smirked and shot back, “You’re delusional.”
“Dad always said I had the best business sense.” Their small-talking continued until the door opened. The family lawyer, Mr. Alaric, entered the room, and a young girl, no older than thirteen, stood next to him.
Her entrance was silent, unanticipated, and perplexing for the quarreling heirs in the room. “Who’s the kid?” Blurting, Richard’s smug smile vanished. “This,” Mr. Alaric said, with a tinge of something none of them could quite identify, “is Harper.” She has come to hear the will read.”The room was filled with confusion as the heirs exchanged perplexed glances. Their smug, avaricious smiles faltered for the first time. There stood Harper, a peaceful man in a sea of greed, unaware that he held the secret to a turn of events that none of them had anticipated.
Mr. Alaric shuffled his papers, the sound of crisp pages resonating in the strained mood that filled the room filled with nervous quiet. The children and grandchildren of Mr. Lewis sat impatiently, their gazes flitting from one another to the small girl who stood silently next to the attorney. Harper stood out among the adult vultures circling what they thought was their prey because of her large eyes and innocent manner. The stillness was broken by Mr. Alaric clearing his throat. “None of you know this, but Harper is here today because Mr. Lewis made her the sole heir to his entire fortune.
”The space erupted. Anger flushing his face, Richard leaped from his seat. “What on earth are you discussing? She is only a young child! Dad wouldn’t act in that way. Olivia had a harsh, even frantic voice. “This is absurd! We are his offspring by blood! Isn’t this a scam? Tell me if this is a cruel joke of any way.” Mr. Alaric gestured for silence with his hand. “I know this is shocking, but Mr. Lewis made his decision knowing exactly what he wanted.” He left a note outlining all of this.
I’ll read it right now. The room went silent as the attorney unfurled the letter, yet the tension remained high.Greetings, family With a firm voice, Mr. Alaric started. I understand that my choice has probably angered, perplexed, and perhaps even harmed you. However, I need your attention. Harper has been the bright spot in my life for the last few years. She is the young child whose parents lived next door.
She was the first to notice that I wasn’t feeling well. She would watch me sitting on the porch by myself or straining to retrieve the mail. With everyone looking at her, Harper shifted uneasily, but she said nothing, her hands clenched. Harper came to see me every day. She asked for neither money nor favors from me. She would simply stop by and play cards, tell me jokes, or read me stories. She eased my loneliness. Over the past few years, while you were all preoccupied with your own life, Harper has been my true family.Shaking his head, Richard gave a sneer. “Dad, we were occupied with organizing our life. You ought to have let us know that you were lonely.”
Mr. Alaric continued reading throughout the pauses, though. Harper needs to face her fights. She was given a terminal diagnosis a few months ago, something no youngster should ever have to deal with. I’ve observed how she gets excited to talk about her goals and the locations and activities she hopes to see and experience. No matter how brief it may be, she deserves to live the life she has always wanted. The room fell silent as Mr. Lewis’s comments began to register. Even Olivia, who had just been furious, sat silently with tears in her eyes.
The letter went on, “By the time you read this, I’ll be gone.” Harper may not have much longer than a year or two. I’ve made sure she has all she requires to fully enjoy those years. I also know deep down that it’s the correct thing to do.Therefore, I hope you can find it in yourselves to support this little child who did what none of you did—she cared—instead of arguing about what I left behind. Mr. Alaric folded the letter, and a heavy sound of horrified quiet permeated the room for a little while. Nobody was sure what to say.
Richard and Olivia exchanged a look, and the truth of their father’s remarks struck them more deeply than any inheritance disagreement could have. Harper moved forward, speaking in a quiet but distinct tone. “I was friends with Mr. Lewis. When I didn’t feel like smiling, he made me laugh. I just ever wanted his time and tales, never his money.” Richard tried to hide how embarrassed he was by clearing his throat. “Kid… I mean, Harper, I—” He had trouble uttering the words. “I apologize. I was ignorant.”Harper only nodded, her eyes unblinking.
“With the money, I’m going to treat my parents to everything I’ve always desired. We’re going to spend time together, travel, and have ice cream for morning. And the remainder will be given to children who are struggling for a little more time, just like me, when I’m gone.” Olivia was crying all over the place right now. Harper, you’re so brave. I hope you’re able to pursue all of your goals.”
Harper delivered on her promise in the months that followed. She made the most of every day, savoring every second spent with her parents, traveling to destinations she had only ever imagined, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. She laughed more than she had ever laughed, saw the Eiffel Tower, and dipped her toes in the ocean. And she died quietly in the company of her loved ones when the time came.
She requested that the remainder of her wealth be given to organizations that assisted needy families, sponsored research, and helped kids with cancer. For countless others, Harper’s legacy served as a ray of hope and a constant reminder of the importance of one sincere connection and the power of compassion.Mr. Lewis’s children were motivated to pursue a different life after being profoundly impacted by Harper’s bravery and their father’s parting instruction. What mattered now was not the money for which they had previously been yearning. Ultimately, Harper’s steadfast spirit imparted to them the genuine meaning of love and life.
