Old Lady Pretends to Be Dead to Determine Her Heir among Her Children — Story of the Day
Agatha Stones sat in her cozy living room, the ticking clock amplifying her solitude. At 83, she felt the weight of her years more than ever, and the absence of her four children stung like a fresh wound. Despite the love she had poured into their upbringing, it seemed that her children had traded familial bonds for the allure of wealth and success.
Days turned into weeks without a call or visit from any of them. Brian, Sally, John, and Mary were consumed by their own lives, their priorities lost to the relentless grind of career ambitions. Each time she reached out, they offered excuses that felt more like dismissals.
It was during one of her many lamentations to her friend Sharon that the idea struck. “What if I could find out who truly cares?” Sharon’s voice danced with mischief. “Fake your death. See how they react.”
Agatha hesitated. It felt cruel, but desperation clung to her heart. Maybe a shocking wake-up call would jolt them back to reality. She agreed, and the plan unfolded.
Days later, a fabricated heart attack had her in the hospital, her children none the wiser. When the news of her “passing” spread, they arrived at her home, not in mourning, but with plans for her estate.
“Let’s just focus on how to split everything!” Brian said, voice loud and greedy. The others nodded in agreement, chattering about properties and savings as if she were already gone.
Mary, the youngest, shouted, “Can we not? This isn’t right!” But her voice was drowned out by their calculating chatter.
Just then, Sharon entered the room, her expression somber. “It’s time to say goodbye to Agatha,” she announced, leading them toward what they assumed would be a coffin.
Brian stepped in first, ready to express his condolences, but instead, he was met with his mother’s warm smile. Confusion washed over him as Agatha explained the ruse. “I wanted to see how much you care, not just about my money, but about me.”
Each child faced Agatha in turn, their reactions a mix of shock and guilt. Sally and John exited, teary-eyed and silent. But when Mary entered, her eyes lit up at the sight of her mother alive. She threw her arms around Agatha, sobbing, “I thought we lost you!”
Agatha’s heart swelled. “You, my dear, are the one who truly feels my absence,” she said, her voice tender. “You’re the one who has shown me love amidst all this greed.”
Later, as they sat together, Agatha declared, “I’ll divide my estate equally among you all. But know this: love and connection are far more valuable than money. I hope you all take this to heart.”
In the years that followed, her children began to change. They called more frequently, made weekend visits, and learned to cherish the time they had with their mother. Holidays turned into joyous gatherings, filled with laughter and love, just as Agatha had always envisioned.
Fifteen years later, when Agatha passed away peacefully, her children honored her legacy in the most profound way. They pooled their inheritance to create a shelter for those less fortunate, ensuring that her spirit of kindness and generosity would live on.
As they stood together at the shelter’s grand opening, Mary smiled, feeling her mother’s presence in every moment of joy they would create for others. Agatha’s lessons had transformed their lives, and her love continued to shine through their actions, guiding them to a brighter future.
