Sarah’s eighteenth birthday celebration: An account of affection and surprises.
Sarah was only 11 years old when her mother died, leaving her feeling extremely sad. Her father was also struggling with his own sorrow. But he later fell in love with another person and got married again.
Sarah’s stepmother was an amazing woman who never tried to replace Sarah’s mother, but was always supportive. Sarah felt loved and valued, and she was fortunate to have this woman in her and her dad’s lives.
Life felt good again, but then another tragedy struck. Sarah’s dad lost his life.
Version 1: Sarah and her stepmom stood silently in the dimly lit living room the day after his funeral, feeling the air filled with uncertainty.
Suddenly, the stepmother spoke up, saying, “I can’t even begin to understand how difficult this must be for you. Just know that I’m here to support you. We’re family, no matter what.”
Sarah experienced a sense of relief in that instant. She whispered, fighting back tears, “But people are saying you’ll depart…return to your family. Will I…will I end up in an orphanage?”
“No, darling. We’re staying right here together. Look at me,” she whispered, holding Sarah’s hand in the dark. Then she gently kissed my forehead, saying, “We’ll face this together.”
Sarah and her stepmom continued to live together and maintain a strong bond even when Sarah turned 18. On the day of Sarah’s 18th birthday, her stepmom greeted her with a beautifully wrapped gift and wished her a happy birthday.
Sarah expressed her gratitude, feeling thankful for the woman’s unwavering support. She then hinted at a surprise, adding that the woman would have to pack her belongings.
The stepmom’s expression changed from a smile to a serious look. Sarah wondered what could be the issue and why she was being asked to pack her belongings. “Pack my things? Are you… Are you really asking me to do that?”
“Yes,” Sarah answered. “I want you to pack your things in the next hour. You’re leaving this house.”
“But why, dear? I thought we were a family…”
“It’s time,” Sarah said, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. “I’ve been planning this since the day Dad died. You are going to another city.”
The stepmother, oblivious to the situation, gathered her things and got into Sarah’s car. During the journey to their destination, they both remained silent. Finally, Sarah was the one to speak first.
I was unaware that my father had opened an account in my name when I was young. He saved money for my education in that account. After his passing, I have been depositing all my earnings from part-time jobs and gifts into this account. As a result, there is now a significant amount of money in it.
Sarah’s stepmom gazed at her, filled with bewilderment. “I get it. You’re grown up now, financially independent, and you no longer require my assistance. But why are you sending me to such a distant place? Don’t you want to see me at all?” she questioned Sarah.
But, as they pulled up in front of a quaint, beautiful house, the surprise Sarah had been keeping was finally ready to be unveiled.
She pointed to the house and said, “I’ll use some of this money for my education. I’ve already been accepted to an Ivy League university in this city. Can you see this house?”
“Yes,” the stepmom said in a quiet voice.
I purchased this house for you. We had sufficient funds for everything. I will now study here while you live nearby. We won’t have to be separated, and if you wish, you can always return to our previous house, or we can go back together once I complete my studies.
Sarah’s stepmother was unable to hold back the tears of happiness that began streaming down her face. “I adore you, Sarah,” she expressed. “I adore you as well,” Sarah responded.
When the two women hugged, they realized that family goes beyond blood ties.
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