Grandma Had Been Very Specific

Sophie’s grandmother, Eleanor, had started putting money aside when Sophie was eight.

Eleanor had been a public-school teacher for more than thirty years.

She wasn’t wealthy.

But she was careful with money.

Every birthday, she would tell Sophie the same thing.

“I’m not buying you something you’ll forget in six months. I’m helping you buy choices later.”

When Sophie turned sixteen, Eleanor showed her a folder.

Inside were account statements.

The fund had grown far beyond anything Sophie expected.

“This is for education,” Eleanor told her.

“College. Training. Whatever helps you build a life.”

Sophie remembered asking:

“What if I don’t go to college?”

Eleanor smiled.

“Then we’ll figure out the right thing together.”

There had been no mention of weddings.

Or Ryan.

Or her parents being allowed to “borrow” anything.

Eleanor had died the following year.

Sophie was still in high school.

Her parents took over handling the paperwork.

She trusted them completely.

Until now.