After scoring eight million in the lottery, I sold the restaurant I’d been running for, like, twenty years. Then I started hunting for a three-story house for Henry—a place he could settle into once he got married. 

That night, I gave him a call. 

“Henry, I closed up the restaurant today. Thought I’d come crash with you for a bit, cool?” 

“Closed it? What, did it go under or something?” he asked, totally thrown. 

“Yep. Sold it at a discount,” I replied with a hint of playfulness. “Honestly, I’ve been running it solo for years—I’m wiped. Feels like the right time to retire. And with your wedding next month, I don’t even have to worry about asking for time off—” 

Before I could finish, I heard Tina, my future daughter-in-law, shout in the background, “Retire? You’re not even fifty! Don’t tell me you’re planning to mooch off us already?” 

Her words left me speechless for a second. 

Tina and Henry had met right after college and dated for two years before getting engaged last year. We’d met a few times, and she’d always been super polite, sending gifts and holiday greetings. But now, her tone was sharp, almost hostile. 

Then again, I got it—she was probably just stressing about the future, worried about extra responsibilities after marriage. 

I was about to explain, dropping the playful tone, but before I could get a word in, Tina’s voice cut through the line, shrill and icy. 

“I don’t care! No way am I supporting your mother! If she even tries to come here, this wedding is off. I’ll move out right now!” 

Her words left a bitter taste in my mouth. Frustration, I could understand, but this felt extreme… 

Henry sounded annoyed too. “What’s wrong with you? My mom’s treated you like family these past two years, and we should take care of her, together!” 

“Well, go ahead—you take care of her. I’m not doing it!” 

Their argument just kept escalating, and I could even hear stuff slamming around on his end. After a few minutes, Henry’s voice came back, low and careful. “Mom, don’t worry. Tina’s…she’s just got a bit of a temper. But I know she cares about you deep down. I’ll talk to her once she cools off, then we’ll bring you over. You’ve worked hard your whole life—it’s time you relax. I’ll take care of you now.” 

His words were so warm and genuine, they actually made my eyes sting. Just knowing he felt this way was enough. 

After we hung up, I figured I’d wait until they sorted things out, then tell Henry about the lottery. I’d even give him a couple hundred thousand to help him finally start his own business. With this money, he wouldn’t have to worry about cash anymore… and if anything went sideways, I’d be here to back him up. 

I thought I had everything under control. But Henry’s next call brought nothing but disaster. 

On the other end, Tina’s voice was shaking with tears. “Henry’s been in a serious car accident. He needs fifty thousand for surgery! Please, help us… find a way to get the money!” 

“What? How did this happen?” My heart dropped as I transferred the money immediately. 

The restaurant payment had just cleared—it was exactly fifty thousand. 

Tina didn’t say another word. She just hung up as soon as the money went through. 

I tried to book a ticket to go see Henry, but a storm hit, canceling all flights and trains. I had no choice but to stay home, calling Henry and Tina over and over. 

But after that day, neither of them ever picked up. 

A week later, both their numbers were disconnected.