Chapter 8 - Evelyn's DecisionA year after the hearing, Evelyn came to visit Summer.
She carried a box.
“I have something for you.”
Summer opened it.
Inside was an old photograph.
Her father-in-law stood beside a young Andy.
On the back was a handwritten note.
Teach him that money is a tool, not a measure of worth.
Summer looked at Evelyn.
“He knew.”
“He worried about Andy.”
“Why didn't he say anything?”
“He thought he had more time.”
Summer looked at the photograph.
“I'm sorry.”
“So am I.”
Evelyn sat beside her.
Then she said:
“I want to give you something.”
Summer shook her head.
“No.”
“You haven't even heard it.”
“I don't want money.”
Evelyn smiled.
“I know.”
She handed her a document.
It was the deed to a small piece of land.
“Your father-in-law bought it years ago.”
“What am I supposed to do with it?”
“Whatever you want.”
Summer stared.
“I can't accept this.”
“You can.”
“Why?”
“Because you were the only person who treated my son like a human being when he was sick.”
Summer looked down.
“I gave him a kidney.”
“You did.”
“And he betrayed me.”
“I know.”
Evelyn took her hand.
“But your kindness doesn't become foolish just because someone abused it.”
Summer's eyes filled.
That sentence stayed with her.
May you like
Her kindness didn't become foolish.
It remained hers.
