"Anne," Margaret called out, stepping forward with a file clutched in her hands. She paused, taking a shaky breath. "I've waited for this moment for so many years," she said, her eyes glistening with emotion.
Anne reached out to wipe the tears from her mother's cheeks. "Don't cry," she whispered back. "Tonight is about joy, not tears."
Margaret nodded, smiling through her emotions. "I know, sweetheart. But sometimes, tears have a mind of their own." She stroked Anne's cheek, then held out the file. "This is what my father left for you. A property document. I've held onto it all this time, waiting to give it to you."
Anne took the file. Her heart twisted. She had never even met her grandfather, who had left her such a gift.
A wave of regret washed over her for all the lost time, for the years spent away from the family who had cared about her all along. Still, amid the sorrow, there was overwhelming gratitude.
"Thank you," she said, choking with emotion.
