The Secret Inside the Pillow
That night, during the wake, I quietly opened the torn pillow. What fell out made my heart stop—small gold coins and three old savings passbooks. I stared in disbelief, then broke into tears. All those years, he had saved every bit of money his children gave him, even the earnings from selling a small piece of land. Instead of using it for himself, he hid everything inside that pillow—just to give it to me.
Inside was also a note, written in shaky handwriting: “Althea, you are the kindest and most hardworking daughter-in-law I could ever ask for. I cannot leave you wealth, but I hope this helps you live a little better. Do not blame your husband’s siblings—this was my choice. I leave this to you because you cared for me for twelve years.”
