Gerald Nizbit stared at the document on his screen, eyebrows raised in surprise. A message from his attorney had just popped up—and it wasn’t meant for him. It was his mother’s new will. Accidentally sent to him for review.
He leaned back in his chair, silent for a moment, then picked up the phone. “Helen,” he said to his assistant, “please connect me with my lawyer, then Margaret Pratt, then my mother—in that order.”
Helen, who had worked with Gerald for a decade, didn’t waste time. She immediately started making the calls, while Gerald gazed out of his Manhattan office window, the snowy skyline reflecting in his thoughtful eyes.
A few minutes later, the lawyer picked up. “Sam,” Gerald said, calmly but firmly. “Looks like you accidentally sent me my mother’s will.” The attorney was flustered, apologizing profusely, but Gerald had heard enough and thanked him before ending the call.
Next was Margaret Pratt, the travel agent. “Margaret,” Gerald said, “I need a special arrangement—for this afternoon. Something peaceful, warm, and far away.” When she hesitated, Gerald smiled and said, “I’d appreciate it if you could make it happen. It’s important.”
Then came the final call.
“Mother,” Gerald said when she picked up. “We need to talk. I got a copy of your new will by mistake… and I need you to pack a bag.”
There was silence on the other end. “Gerald, I was going to explain…” she said nervously.
“I’ll be there at four. Please be ready,” he said, then gently ended the call.
Edith sat quietly in Gerald’s beautiful home—where she had been living since her arthritis made things difficult—staring at her phone. Her heart ached. She never wanted to hurt her youngest son.
She had divided her house and savings between her two older children, Amy and Oliver, who were each facing financial hardships. Gerald was different—he had built a successful life and never asked for a thing. But she never expected this kind of reaction. Still, she packed a small bag and waited.
At 4:00 p.m. sharp, Gerald arrived. He gave her a quick hug and helped with her suitcase. “Let’s go,” he said warmly.
During the drive, Edith tried to explain. “About the will—”
“I know,” he said, eyes on the road. “You left me the lakeside cabin, Dad’s watch, and Grandfather’s war photos.”
She nodded quietly.
Gerald parked the car in front of a small private airfield. A sleek jet waited nearby, engines humming gently.
He turned to his mother, his voice filled with emotion. “Mom, what you’re leaving me… it means more than any house or bank account. You know me better than anyone. Those things—memories, stories, history—that’s what I treasure.”
Tears filled Edith’s eyes. “I thought you were sending me away…”
Gerald smiled. “Not a chance. We’re flying to Tahiti. The warm weather should help your joints, and I could really use some time with my favorite travel buddy.”
Edith laughed through her tears and hugged her son tightly. “You always surprise me, Gerald.”
The trip turned out to be more than just relaxing—it was joyful. They walked along white sandy beaches, watched the sunsets, and made new memories. Gerald even met someone—another traveler from New York—and Edith found herself smiling at the possibility of a new beginning in her son’s life.
About the Author
