For a moment, I couldn’t breathe, and the room grew blurry as tears welled up in my eyes.
My escape plan, the life I had worked so hard to build, had just been burned right in front of me. “Why would you do this?” I whispered.
Kelly shrugged. “I’m doing you a favor, Pamela. You never would’ve made it in college anyway. It’s better for you to do practical work.”
I wanted to scream, to throw something, to make her explain how she could be so cruel. But then the doorbell rang loudly, cutting through my thoughts.
Kelly frowned and stood up, smoothing her sweater. “Stay here,” she said sharply. “I’ll get it.”
I wiped my cheeks and followed her to the door. I didn’t have the energy to argue. I thought it was one of our neighbors, coming to visit or drop something off.
But when she opened the door, it wasn’t someone we knew. Standing on the porch was a well – dressed man in a neat suit, holding a bright pink suitcase.
“Are you Pamela?” he asked, looking at me with warmth.
“Yes,” I said carefully, stepping forward.
“I’m Mr. Robertson,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m here because your mom asked me to.”
I blinked. “My mom?” Those words felt strange on my lips. I barely remembered her. “I don’t understand.”
Mr. Robertson nodded as if he knew I’d be confused. “Your mom and I attended the state college together. We stayed in touch over the years, and she always spoke of you with so much love and hope for your future. I’m the Dean of Admissions now. When she knew her time was running out, she made me promise to look after you when the time was right. And that time is now.”
Kelly’s eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back. “What is the meaning of this?” she demanded.
Mr. Robertson ignored her and continued speaking to me. “Your mom set aside a trust fund for your education. She knew you’d be a bright student, and she wanted to make sure you had every opportunity. I’ve been following your academic progress, and I was so proud to send you that acceptance letter. When I didn’t hear back from you, I got worried.”
I was speechless, my heart pounding in my chest. “But… Kelly burned it,” I managed to say.
