I cared for my mother until the very end, sacrificing everything to stay by her side. Yet, when her will was read, I was left with nothing. The betrayal cut deep, but the hidden truths that emerged afterward changed everything I thought I knew about my family—and myself.
As I drove toward my late mother’s house, her passing still weighed heavily on my heart. The funeral had only been a week ago, yet here I was, once again shouldering the practical burdens alone. It was always me—Katherine—the rational one, the responsible daughter everyone leaned on, especially during Mom’s final months.
I’d spent countless nights at her bedside, comforting her, feeding her, making sure she never felt alone. I had no doubt she’d leave the house to me. Certainly not to Phoebe.
Phoebe had always been complicated—unpredictable, fragile, and burdened by emotional scars she couldn’t heal. She struggled to handle even the simplest of life’s demands. Despite our distance, I couldn’t help worrying about her. She was, after all, my younger sister.
Beside me in the car, Dan sat quietly, smelling faintly of alcohol. He’d promised to quit drinking, but the familiar scent betrayed him. My patience was wearing thin, but I pushed the anger aside.
We pulled up in front of Mom’s house, where my lawyer stood waiting with a briefcase. I stepped out, surprised he wasn’t already inside.
“Why are you waiting outside?” I asked, approaching him.
“It’s locked,” he replied, gesturing toward the house.
I frowned. “Phoebe isn’t here yet? She promised to arrive early.”
My call to her went straight to voicemail, deepening my frustration. Dan shook his head and muttered under his breath about Phoebe needing a babysitter, but I shot him a warning glance that silenced him.
Minutes later, Phoebe arrived, disheveled and weary, mascara smeared beneath tired eyes.
“Rough night?” I asked, folding my arms.
Phoebe smiled weakly. “That obvious?”
I sighed, motioning toward the lawyer. “Just get yourself together. He’s waiting.”
“Oh, please,” she scoffed. “We both know Mom left the house to you. You’re the perfect daughter, right?”
I bit back my response, knowing her grief had a sharper edge. Everyone had always pointed out how much Phoebe resembled Mom. Perhaps that’s why Mom favored her.
Inside, the lawyer began reading the will. His voice droned until he spoke words that stunned me: “The house and all assets are left to Phoebe.”
“What?” I blurted out, shocked. “How can it all go to Phoebe?”
“I’m simply reading your mother’s wishes,” he replied calmly.
“That’s not fair!” Dan exploded, jabbing a finger toward Phoebe. “Katherine did everything—Phoebe didn’t lift a finger!”
Phoebe bolted from her seat, tears welling in her eyes, and ran outside.
“Dan!” I snapped.
“What?” he defended. “You know it’s true.”
I shook my head in frustration and went after Phoebe. I found her sitting on the backyard bench, Mom’s favorite place. She looked broken, her shoulders trembling slightly.
“I’m sorry about Dan,” I said softly.
She shrugged, looking away. “He’s always been like that. You deserve better.”
“I can’t just leave him,” I replied, sinking down beside her. “He’s my husband.”
She didn’t respond, so I broke the silence again. “Phoebe, sell me the house.”
She turned sharply, surprise crossing her face. “What?”
“You need money for your flower shop, and I’ve always dreamed of building something new here—something for myself. Please, sell it to me.”
“No,” she said firmly.
Anger boiled inside me. “You didn’t do anything to earn it! I was the one caring for Mom day and night—feeding her, bathing her, handling every expense. Yet, she still chose you!”
“You already have everything, Katherine!” Phoebe shouted, standing abruptly. “You have a career, a husband—even if he’s a disaster—and countless opportunities you refuse to take. Remember that job abroad? You turned it down because you’re afraid! Meanwhile, I have nothing but this house!”
“I stayed because of you! I knew you couldn’t cope!” I shouted back.
“Get out!” Phoebe screamed. “I’m not selling!”
“Then I’ll take it!” I shouted in anger, storming away.
The argument haunted me for days. Phoebe was right—I did have more opportunities. I could buy another house. Yet, Dan wouldn’t let the matter rest. He pushed me relentlessly to contest the will, insisting I deserved the house. His persistence confused me until one night, days before the court hearing, I found a stack of overdue bills and debt notices on Dan’s desk.
My stomach twisted painfully as I confronted him. “Care to explain these?”
Dan’s face paled. “It’s just a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding?” My voice shook. “You’re drowning in debt. Is this why you insisted on fighting Phoebe for the house?”
He finally broke down, admitting, “It’s gambling. But if we sell the house, I can pay it all off. I’ll quit for good—this time.”
“Like you quit drinking?” My voice was ice.
He didn’t respond, the truth hanging heavy between us. Disgusted, I walked out, took my keys, and drove to Mom’s house—the only place I could think clearly. Phoebe answered the door, immediately wary.
“Are you here to convince me again before the court date?” she asked bitterly.
“No,” I said quietly, stepping inside. “Dan gambled away all our money.”
Phoebe’s eyes softened, her irritation replaced by shock. Silently, she led me to the backyard bench. We sat together in quiet reflection.
Eventually, Phoebe broke the silence. “We can sell the house and split the money.”
I shook my head. “Mom left it to you. I won’t take that away.”
“But you were going to,” she said softly.
“I said things out of anger. Then Dan manipulated me into making it real,” I confessed, ashamed.
“You’re not helping him with his debt?” she asked carefully.
“No,” I said firmly. “The only person I’d ever sacrifice everything for is you.”
Phoebe stared at the ground, voice shaking as she spoke. “I’m sorry for yelling. I’ve always lived in your shadow—Katherine, the responsible one, the strong one. I’ve always been the screw-up.”
“Funny,” I said softly. “I always thought Mom loved you more. You were the one she talked about endlessly, her beautiful Phoebe. I felt overshadowed by you.”
Phoebe smiled gently, her voice filled with newfound warmth. “Mom really should’ve taken parenting lessons.”
We laughed quietly together, finally understanding one another.
“What will you do now?” she asked after a moment.
“Leave Dan, help you open your flower shop, and take that job abroad,” I answered decisively.
“Katherine,” she said, turning toward me.
“Yes?”
“We’re both going to be okay.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, pulling her close. “I know.”
