MY GRANDFATHER RAISED ME ALONE AFTER MY PARENTS DIED. TWO WEEKS AFTER HIS FUNERAL, I FOUND OUT HE’D BEEN HIDING THE TRUTH FROM ME MY ENTIRE LIFE.

My dearest Lila,

If you are reading this, it means I can’t walk you to campus myself, and that breaks my old heart. I’m so sorry, kiddo.

I know I said “no” a lot, didn’t I? I hated doing that, but I had to make sure you could live your dream of saving all those children, just like you told me you wanted to.

This house is yours, the bills are covered for a while, and the trust is more than enough for your tuition, books, and a nice, new phone too!

I’m so proud of you, my girl. I’m still with you, you know. Always.

All my love, Grandpa.

I broke down right there in the office.

When I finally lifted my head, my eyes swollen, I didn’t feel like I was drowning anymore.

“How much is in the trust?” I asked Ms. Reynolds.

She tapped a few keys on her computer.

“Lila, he made sure you are completely taken care of. Full tuition, room, board, and a generous allowance for four years at any state university.”

I spent the next week researching schools and applied to the best social work program in the state.

Two days later, I was accepted.

For illustration purposes only
That same evening, I stepped onto the porch, gazed at the stars, and whispered the vow I had made the moment I read his letter.

“I’m going, Grandpa.” I didn’t even try to wipe the tears sliding down my face. “I’m going to save them all, just like you saved me. You were my hero until the very end. You got me here. You truly did.”

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