Mark paced on my porch.
“You’re taking something that belongs to us.”
“Your father gave me a choice. That’s different.”
He stopped. Looked at me.
“You’re going to regret this.”
I didn’t respond.
So he just walked off.
***
The following morning, I called Thomas and asked to see inside Arthur’s house one more time.
He obliged.
“You’re going to regret this.
***
I brought all seven kids. They were part of every decision I made.
Thomas opened the front door.
“You’ve got a few hours.”
I nodded.
***
The house felt different as I walked through slowly.
The photos were still there. I stepped closer this time. Younger versions of Daniel, Claire, and Mark, smiling.
“You’ve got a few hours.
I glanced toward the hallway.
“Go ahead, explore,” I told my kids.
Within seconds, they were running through the house, playing and laughing.
I froze because I hadn’t heard that sound in that house before.
It filled every room.
I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes.
Arthur had lived here alone for years.
And now… it didn’t feel empty.
It felt as if it had been waiting.
“Go ahead, explore.
***
Three days later, we were back in Thomas’ office.
The lawyer looked at me. “Kylie, have you made your decision?”
“I’m not selling the house.”
Silence.
Then it broke.
“This is insane!” Daniel snapped.
“You can’t do this!” Claire added.
Mark shook his head. “Unbelievable!”
“Have you made your decision?
“You’re taking our inheritance!” Daniel shouted.
“Enough!” Thomas said.
The room went still.
Then he reached for the recorder.
“There is one final instruction.”
Daniel leaned back. “Finally.”
Arthur’s voice came through again.
