Following instinct, I drove straight to the station and located the locker. Inside was a folder labeled For Meredith. My hands trembled as I opened it and found a letter in Grandma’s handwriting. She explained that she wanted her life’s earnings to go to someone who showed compassion without expecting anything in return. She believed that the one who chose to care for Berta—without knowing anything about the will—would be the most deserving heir. I felt tears forming as I realized the trust she had placed in me. Along with the letter were the legal documents naming me as her sole beneficiary. Before I could gather myself, my family appeared, having followed me there. But the lawyer who had managed the estate arrived as well, calmly reaffirming that Grandma’s wishes were clear and protected: the inheritance belonged to the person who chose kindness.

Driving home, I held the folder tightly while Berta rested her head on my shoulder. I felt an overwhelming mix of gratitude and responsibility. Grandma had always believed in integrity and generosity, and she wanted her legacy to support that spirit. I decided that part of the inheritance would go toward the hospital where I worked—toward helping the people she always encouraged me to care for. As I looked at Berta, I whispered a quiet thank you to Grandma. Her final lesson wasn’t about wealth but about the quiet power of compassion, and I was determined to honor it every day.