Left Without a Share, Her Daughter Lost Her Mind

We received $800,000 in compensation for the demolition of our old house. After talking it over with Michael and Emily, I decided to give $200,000 to Sarah.

The next day, just as dawn broke, I set out with my bank card in hand and a basket of freshly picked vegetables from our garden.

Knowing Sarah loves these homegrown vegetables, and having missed her for so long, my heart was full of anticipation.

After more than two hours on the road, I finally arrived at Sarah’s home.

I had just set the vegetable basket in the entryway when Mrs. Adams stood up from the sofa, glancing at me with clear disdain.

“Oh dear, what did you bring? Look at this basket, it’s getting mud all over the floor! We just cleaned everything, and now it’s dirty again!”

I hurried to wipe it, but David frowned and said.

“Mom, with respect, aren’t vegetables from gardens usually fertilized with manure? They’re filthy! How can we keep them here? Henry is still small—who would take responsibility if he gets sick?”

I froze, turning to Sarah, but she avoided my gaze.

“Yes, Mom, please don’t bring these things next time. Nobody here likes eating them.”

Those words felt like a bucket of ice-cold water poured over me.

My heart went numb. Without saying anything, I silently gathered the things I brought, turned around, and stepped out of her home.

The cold winter wind made me shiver, extinguishing all thoughts of using demolition money to support Sarah.

——

On the day the demolition compensation arrived in my account, I called Michael and Emily over.

“Out of this $800,000, I plan to give you two $200,000, keep $200,000 for Robert and me for retirement, and give the remaining amount to your sister.”

“She married far away, so as her mother, I should still look after her.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Michael smiled and nodded.

“Mom, you’re right. It’s comforting to know our sister will have something to rely on.”

Emily added, “Giving money to our sister makes perfect sense; we fully agree.”

Seeing their response, I felt truly happy.

Back then, we were struggling. When Emily married into the family, we didn’t give her a proper dowry, not even a single valuable piece of jewelry. Yet she never complained and lived simply with Michael.

Looking at the balance in my bank account, I quietly decided that after visiting Sarah, I would withdraw another 200,000 dollars for Emily. It would be a small sign of appreciation from me, something she could use to buy jewelry or anything she liked.

After making up my mind, I began thinking about what to bring for Sarah.

After a long moment of consideration, I concluded that vegetables from our own garden would be the best gift.

Sarah had loved my vegetables since childhood, and besides, I personally took care of the garden without pesticides or chemical fertilizers—they were much healthier than anything in supermarkets.

With that thought, I went into the garden and began picking vegetables. The frost these past days made them taste even better.

I collected several different kinds of vegetables until my bamboo basket was full.

After finishing with the vegetables, I remembered Sarah often said how delicious countryside poultry was, so I went to the coop. I caught two geese and two chickens, tied them with a straw rope, and placed them beside the basket.

Once everything was prepared, I finally took out my phone to call Sarah. When she heard I was coming, she immediately said she had the next day off and would wait for me at the station.

The following morning, Michael and Emily carried my bags to the station and saw me off. Emily even slipped a hand warmer into my palm.

“Mom, it’s cold outside. This will keep your hands warm.”

“Please let me know once you arrive safely.”