My Mom Gave My College Fund to My Brother — So I Sold the Family Land, Then She Came Crying
DC - Tales Uncovered
[{'start': '0.160', 'end': '5.640', 'text': "Hi, I'm Naen and this is the story of"}, {'start': '3.439', 'end': '8.080', 'text': 'how a hidden envelope on a summer'}, {'start': '5.640', 'end': '11.040', 'text': 'afternoon changed everything I thought I'}, {'start': '8.080', 'end': '13.679', 'text': 'knew about family fairness and who we'}, {'start': '11.040', 'end': '16.320', 'text': "choose to become when no one's watching."}, {'start': '13.679', 'end': '19.520', 'text': 'For years, I paid the bills, covered the'}, {'start': '16.320', 'end': '22.880', 'text': "taxes, and kept the peace because that's"}, {'start': '19.520', 'end': '24.800', 'text': 'what the responsible one does. But the'}, {'start': '22.880', 'end': '26.560', 'text': 'day I found out my mother gave my'}, {'start': '24.800', 'end': '30.080', 'text': 'college fund to my brother without'}, {'start': '26.560', 'end': '33.360', 'text': 'telling me, I stopped being silent.'}, {'start': '30.080', 'end': '35.520', 'text': 'Before we go any further, tell me, have'}, {'start': '33.360', 'end': '39.440', 'text': 'you ever felt like an outsider in your'}, {'start': '35.520', 'end': '43.040', 'text': 'own family? If yes, comment number one.'}, {'start': '39.440', 'end': '45.840', 'text': 'If no, comment number zero. This is a'}, {'start': '43.040', 'end': '47.960', 'text': "family drama you don't want to miss."}, {'start': '45.840', 'end': '51.200', 'text': 'They always said the money was never'}, {'start': '47.960', 'end': '54.640', 'text': 'there. But that warm August afternoon'}, {'start': '51.200', 'end': '57.360', 'text': 'proved otherwise. There it was, under a'}, {'start': '54.640', 'end': '59.719', 'text': 'torn envelope on the kitchen counter.'}, {'start': '57.360', 'end': '62.640', 'text': "Jasper's name printed cleanly at the"}, {'start': '59.719', 'end': '65.199', 'text': 'top. The aroma of burgers grilling'}, {'start': '62.640', 'end': '67.840', 'text': 'floated in from the porch, blending with'}, {'start': '65.199', 'end': '70.080', 'text': "the cicada's drone and the soft twang of"}, {'start': '67.840', 'end': '73.560', 'text': 'the country playlist Uncle Vince refused'}, {'start': '70.080', 'end': '75.600', 'text': 'to change. I had come inside for more'}, {'start': '73.560', 'end': '77.920', 'text': "napkins. That's when I noticed the"}, {'start': '75.600', 'end': '80.320', 'text': 'envelope partly hidden beneath a dish'}, {'start': '77.920', 'end': '83.040', 'text': 'towel, the corner jutting out like it'}, {'start': '80.320', 'end': '85.920', 'text': 'had been waiting for me to find it. I'}, {'start': '83.040', 'end': '88.799', 'text': "hadn't intended to snoop, but the word"}, {'start': '85.920', 'end': '92.799', 'text': 'stared back at me. Holloway Family'}, {'start': '88.799', 'end': '96.680', 'text': 'Education Fund. I scanned down and there'}, {'start': '92.799', 'end': '99.439', 'text': 'it was, clear as daylight.'}, {'start': '96.680', 'end': '103.040', 'text': "$78,000 sent to Jasper's tuition account"}, {'start': '99.439', 'end': '105.439', 'text': 'at Washburn. My breath caught. I grabbed'}, {'start': '103.040', 'end': '108.560', 'text': 'the counter, needing the wood beneath my'}, {'start': '105.439', 'end': '110.960', 'text': 'palm to stay upright. Suddenly, I was'}, {'start': '108.560', 'end': '113.280', 'text': 'back in that fall after high school,'}, {'start': '110.960', 'end': '116.240', 'text': 'walking away from my spot at Missizzou'}, {'start': '113.280', 'end': '119.759', 'text': 'because mom said money was tight. I'}, {'start': '116.240', 'end': '122.880', 'text': "hadn't protested. I said I understood. I"}, {'start': '119.759', 'end': '126.000', 'text': 'picked up three jobs and kept going. The'}, {'start': '122.880', 'end': '128.560', 'text': 'time I asked for $300 for textbooks, she'}, {'start': '126.000', 'end': '130.959', 'text': 'looked pained and said, "Honey, we just'}, {'start': '128.560', 'end': '133.360', 'text': 'can\'t stretch that far." But they\'d'}, {'start': '130.959', 'end': '135.599', 'text': 'stretched it for him. My pulse was'}, {'start': '133.360', 'end': '137.280', 'text': 'thuing in my ears when I heard the back'}, {'start': '135.599', 'end': '139.680', 'text': 'door creek open.'}, {'start': '137.280', 'end': '142.200', 'text': 'Ruth stepped in, wiping her hands on a'}, {'start': '139.680', 'end': '144.800', 'text': 'dish towel, smiling like nothing had'}, {'start': '142.200', 'end': '149.360', 'text': 'changed, until she noticed the paper in'}, {'start': '144.800', 'end': '153.440', 'text': 'my hand. That smile dropped. Naen, she'}, {'start': '149.360', 'end': '158.000', 'text': "began gently. He needed it more. You've"}, {'start': '153.440', 'end': '159.840', 'text': "always been so strong. I didn't reply. I"}, {'start': '158.000', 'end': '163.120', 'text': 'slipped the document back into the'}, {'start': '159.840', 'end': '165.920', 'text': 'envelope like it was fragile. I set it'}, {'start': '163.120', 'end': '168.160', 'text': 'down beside the mustard bottle, turned,'}, {'start': '165.920', 'end': '171.440', 'text': 'and walked to the sliding door without'}, {'start': '168.160', 'end': '174.239', 'text': 'meeting her eyes. Outside, laughter'}, {'start': '171.440', 'end': '177.120', 'text': 'echoed, glasses clinkedked, and chairs'}, {'start': '174.239', 'end': '180.239', 'text': 'scraped the patio. I stepped into the'}, {'start': '177.120', 'end': '183.560', 'text': 'fading light, blinking. Jasper was'}, {'start': '180.239', 'end': '186.080', 'text': 'bragging about his new place, balcony,'}, {'start': '183.560', 'end': '189.599', 'text': 'washerdryer. Mom joined him, laughing'}, {'start': '186.080', 'end': '192.319', 'text': 'too loud. I passed them both and made my'}, {'start': '189.599', 'end': '195.440', 'text': 'way to the oak tree by the fence, the'}, {'start': '192.319', 'end': '198.840', 'text': 'one I used to read under when I was 15.'}, {'start': '195.440', 'end': '201.840', 'text': 'I rested my hand on its bark, silent,'}, {'start': '198.840', 'end': '204.879', 'text': 'steady. When I looked back, Ruth stood'}, {'start': '201.840', 'end': '207.760', 'text': 'at the kitchen window. Her mouth moved,'}, {'start': '204.879', 'end': '211.040', 'text': 'but no sound came. I walked inside'}, {'start': '207.760', 'end': '213.840', 'text': 'again, slower this time. The last rays'}, {'start': '211.040', 'end': '217.519', 'text': 'of light stretched across the floor.'}, {'start': '213.840', 'end': '220.720', 'text': 'Ruth stood still, almost uncertain. I'}, {'start': '217.519', 'end': '223.239', 'text': 'asked one question softly but clearly.'}, {'start': '220.720', 'end': '226.959', 'text': 'Was there ever a fund for me? She'}, {'start': '223.239', 'end': '228.959', 'text': 'replied, "You were always so capable. We'}, {'start': '226.959', 'end': '231.599', 'text': "didn't think you needed help. They"}, {'start': '228.959', 'end': '234.080', 'text': "always assumed I'd keep giving. But that"}, {'start': '231.599', 'end': '236.720', 'text': 'night, I sat down to figure out exactly'}, {'start': '234.080', 'end': '239.680', 'text': 'what I had given and what it had cost'}, {'start': '236.720', 'end': '242.799', 'text': 'me." Rain started not long after I got'}, {'start': '239.680', 'end': '245.680', 'text': 'home. A steady Missouri storm crept over'}, {'start': '242.799', 'end': '248.239', 'text': 'the skyline, tapping against my windows'}, {'start': '245.680', 'end': '250.799', 'text': 'while I slipped off my cardigan and sat'}, {'start': '248.239', 'end': '252.120', 'text': 'down at the dining table, still in my'}, {'start': '250.799', 'end': '254.959', 'text': 'jeans from the'}, {'start': '252.120', 'end': '257.440', 'text': 'BBQ. The apartment smelled faintly of'}, {'start': '254.959', 'end': '259.000', 'text': 'cooled tea and the stack of manila'}, {'start': '257.440', 'end': '261.919', 'text': "folders I'd left"}, {'start': '259.000', 'end': '264.720', 'text': 'untouched. I reopened a spreadsheet I'}, {'start': '261.919', 'end': '267.840', 'text': "hadn't looked at since April. It didn't"}, {'start': '264.720', 'end': '271.960', 'text': 'take long. Line after line of quiet'}, {'start': '267.840', 'end': '275.520', 'text': 'generosity glowed back at me.'}, {'start': '271.960', 'end': '277.400', 'text': '$3,200 in taxes for the lakehouse.'}, {'start': '275.520', 'end': '280.759', 'text': '$800 for new'}, {'start': '277.400', 'end': '282.680', 'text': 'gutters. Smaller ones,'}, {'start': '280.759', 'end': '286.000', 'text': '$150,'}, {'start': '282.680', 'end': '288.160', 'text': '$400. Groceries when dad was laid up,'}, {'start': '286.000', 'end': '291.759', 'text': 'gas money when Jasper was interning in'}, {'start': '288.160', 'end': '294.880', 'text': 'Kansas City, HOA fees that nobody else'}, {'start': '291.759', 'end': '296.919', 'text': 'even acknowledged. I did the math,'}, {'start': '294.880', 'end': '299.919', 'text': 'listening to thunder roll through the'}, {'start': '296.919', 'end': '299.919', 'text': 'city.'}, {'start': '302.680', 'end': '309.919', 'text': '$37,962.88. I stared at the total, heart'}, {'start': '306.039', 'end': '312.280', 'text': 'heavy. They had told me year after year'}, {'start': '309.919', 'end': '315.520', 'text': "there wasn't money to help with my"}, {'start': '312.280', 'end': '318.440', 'text': 'education. Yet somehow, I had managed to'}, {'start': '315.520', 'end': '322.000', 'text': 'bankroll nearly every need that'}, {'start': '318.440', 'end': '324.320', 'text': 'arose. And what did I get?'}, {'start': '322.000', 'end': '326.720', 'text': 'Mom\'s sweet voice saying, "You\'re good'}, {'start': '324.320', 'end': '329.520', 'text': 'with money, honey." Like that was'}, {'start': '326.720', 'end': '331.919', 'text': 'enough. I dug through a folder called'}, {'start': '329.520', 'end': '334.520', 'text': 'estate stuff and clicked open the'}, {'start': '331.919', 'end': '337.039', 'text': 'lakehouse deed grandpa had left with'}, {'start': '334.520', 'end': '339.199', 'text': "mom. Expecting to see her and dad's"}, {'start': '337.039', 'end': '341.800', 'text': 'names only. I nearly dropped my mouse'}, {'start': '339.199', 'end': '344.560', 'text': 'when I spotted mine.'}, {'start': '341.800', 'end': '348.520', 'text': 'Co-owners: Gregory Holloway, Ruth'}, {'start': '344.560', 'end': '352.080', 'text': 'Holloway, Naen Holloway. My name on the'}, {'start': '348.520', 'end': '355.840', 'text': 'deed. Not as backup. not conditional,'}, {'start': '352.080', 'end': '359.039', 'text': 'full co-owner. No one had ever told me.'}, {'start': '355.840', 'end': '361.000', 'text': 'Then came a soft knock. Mr. Ruben Bell'}, {'start': '359.039', 'end': '364.000', 'text': 'stood there, cardigan loose on his'}, {'start': '361.000', 'end': '366.720', 'text': 'shoulders. "Sorry to bother you," he'}, {'start': '364.000', 'end': '370.319', 'text': 'rasped. "Been out with pneumonia, behind'}, {'start': '366.720', 'end': '372.960', 'text': 'on rent." He looked ashamed. "You don\'t'}, {'start': '370.319', 'end': '374.600', 'text': 'need to worry, Mr. Bell," I told him.'}, {'start': '372.960', 'end': '378.240', 'text': '"We\'ll figure it'}, {'start': '374.600', 'end': '381.240', 'text': 'out." Relief spread across his face.'}, {'start': '378.240', 'end': '384.319', 'text': '"Thank you. That means more than you'}, {'start': '381.240', 'end': '387.360', 'text': 'know. After he left, I typed Lake'}, {'start': '384.319', 'end': '390.240', 'text': "Ozark's property value into Zillow."}, {'start': '387.360', 'end': '391.800', 'text': 'Modest lots, ours included, hovered'}, {'start': '390.240', 'end': '394.280', 'text': 'around'}, {'start': '391.800', 'end': '397.759', 'text': '$200,000. My share,'}, {'start': '394.280', 'end': '401.759', 'text': '$44,000, maybe more. I whispered to no'}, {'start': '397.759', 'end': '405.039', 'text': 'one, "This land is mine, too." A new'}, {'start': '401.759', 'end': '407.840', 'text': 'email pinged. Subject: Reminder body,'}, {'start': '405.039', 'end': '409.520', 'text': 'property tax due Friday. Can you send it'}, {'start': '407.840', 'end': '412.000', 'text': 'by Thursday?'}, {'start': '409.520', 'end': '413.919', 'text': "I clicked archive. It's a real"}, {'start': '412.000', 'end': '416.880', 'text': 'disappointment to realize that you are'}, {'start': '413.919', 'end': '419.840', 'text': 'just a payer for family problems without'}, {'start': '416.880', 'end': '421.840', 'text': "being respected, isn't it? If you"}, {'start': '419.840', 'end': '424.080', 'text': 'sympathize with me, please leave a'}, {'start': '421.840', 'end': '427.120', 'text': 'comment number nine in the comment'}, {'start': '424.080', 'end': '429.680', 'text': "section below. Now, let's move on to the"}, {'start': '427.120', 'end': '432.639', 'text': 'next development of this story. I once'}, {'start': '429.680', 'end': '434.960', 'text': 'gave Mr. Bell a break on his rent. As it'}, {'start': '432.639', 'end': '438.000', 'text': 'turns out, he knew more about property'}, {'start': '434.960', 'end': '440.160', 'text': "law than anyone I'd ever encountered."}, {'start': '438.000', 'end': '442.400', 'text': 'That Sunday brought a soft breeze that'}, {'start': '440.160', 'end': '444.960', 'text': "didn't cut the heat, but at least made"}, {'start': '442.400', 'end': '446.800', 'text': 'it more bearable. I had intended to'}, {'start': '444.960', 'end': '449.199', 'text': 'spend the afternoon reviewing market'}, {'start': '446.800', 'end': '452.319', 'text': 'trends, but Reuben knocked at my door'}, {'start': '449.199', 'end': '454.199', 'text': 'around 2, carrying a chipped ceramic mug'}, {'start': '452.319', 'end': '457.919', 'text': 'and a thin manila'}, {'start': '454.199', 'end': '460.680', 'text': 'folder. I made cinnamon tea, he offered.'}, {'start': '457.919', 'end': '463.599', 'text': 'Old recipe. Thought you might want some'}, {'start': '460.680', 'end': '466.800', 'text': 'company. His apartment had a scent that'}, {'start': '463.599', 'end': '469.919', 'text': 'was part dust, part books, and just a'}, {'start': '466.800', 'end': '472.319', 'text': 'trace of lavender. Newspapers were tied'}, {'start': '469.919', 'end': '474.960', 'text': 'in careful bundles near the wall, and'}, {'start': '472.319', 'end': '476.599', 'text': 'shelves were lined with jars of buttons,'}, {'start': '474.960', 'end': '479.440', 'text': 'rubber bands, and'}, {'start': '476.599', 'end': '480.919', 'text': 'pennies. It looked chaotic, but'}, {'start': '479.440', 'end': '484.800', 'text': 'everything had its'}, {'start': '480.919', 'end': '487.440', 'text': 'place. "You keep good records," he said,'}, {'start': '484.800', 'end': '490.479', 'text': "glancing at the folder I'd brought. It"}, {'start': '487.440', 'end': '492.560', 'text': 'held the deed, years of tax receipts,'}, {'start': '490.479', 'end': '493.720', 'text': "and copies of everything I'd compiled"}, {'start': '492.560', 'end': '497.160', 'text': 'the night'}, {'start': '493.720', 'end': '499.759', 'text': "before. I didn't know what else to do, I"}, {'start': '497.160', 'end': '502.720', 'text': "admitted. I've been paying into this for"}, {'start': '499.759', 'end': '503.639', 'text': 'so long, but no one ever told me I was'}, {'start': '502.720', 'end': '506.720', 'text': 'part'}, {'start': '503.639', 'end': '509.199', 'text': 'owner. Reuben placed his tea aside and'}, {'start': '506.720', 'end': '512.399', 'text': 'reached under his bookshelf, pulling out'}, {'start': '509.199', 'end': '515.919', 'text': 'an old Missouri land law manual, well'}, {'start': '512.399', 'end': '518.159', 'text': 'wororn and brimming with yellow tabs. I'}, {'start': '515.919', 'end': '520.719', 'text': 'used to do some real estate appraisal'}, {'start': '518.159', 'end': '524.839', 'text': "mostly out by Versailles. I'm retired"}, {'start': '520.719', 'end': '527.000', 'text': 'now, mostly. I blinked. You were an'}, {'start': '524.839', 'end': '530.480', 'text': 'appraiser. He smiled'}, {'start': '527.000', 'end': '532.519', 'text': 'kindly. Before arthritis slowed me down.'}, {'start': '530.480', 'end': '534.959', 'text': 'Most folks in this building never looked'}, {'start': '532.519', 'end': '538.560', 'text': 'twice. You were one of the few who said'}, {'start': '534.959', 'end': '540.480', 'text': 'hello with words and not just a nod. I'}, {'start': '538.560', 'end': '543.440', 'text': "didn't know what to say, so I just"}, {'start': '540.480', 'end': '545.800', 'text': 'smiled back. He examined the deed'}, {'start': '543.440', 'end': '549.680', 'text': 'closely, adjusting his'}, {'start': '545.800', 'end': '552.640', 'text': 'glasses. Co-ownership, joint teny.'}, {'start': '549.680', 'end': '556.399', 'text': "You're within your rights to sell, Naen."}, {'start': '552.640', 'end': '558.720', 'text': "This isn't ceremonial. It's legal. The"}, {'start': '556.399', 'end': '560.880', 'text': "tension inside me loosened, like I'd"}, {'start': '558.720', 'end': '564.000', 'text': 'finally surfaced after holding my breath'}, {'start': '560.880', 'end': '566.560', 'text': 'too long. They always made it feel like'}, {'start': '564.000', 'end': '570.000', 'text': 'I was just the helper, like it made'}, {'start': '566.560', 'end': '573.360', 'text': "sense that I'd shoulder the hard stuff."}, {'start': '570.000', 'end': '575.800', 'text': 'They took advantage, he said plainly. It'}, {'start': '573.360', 'end': '578.519', 'text': 'happens more often than people'}, {'start': '575.800', 'end': '582.120', 'text': 'admit. He helped me draft a letter of'}, {'start': '578.519', 'end': '585.120', 'text': 'intent. Nothing binding, just a'}, {'start': '582.120', 'end': '588.000', 'text': "start. It doesn't mean you'll sell, he"}, {'start': '585.120', 'end': '590.279', 'text': 'explained, but it gives you leverage.'}, {'start': '588.000', 'end': '593.440', 'text': 'Paperwork changes the way people look at'}, {'start': '590.279', 'end': '596.080', 'text': 'you. By the time I left, the sun had'}, {'start': '593.440', 'end': '598.880', 'text': 'already dropped behind the rooftops. The'}, {'start': '596.080', 'end': '602.399', 'text': 'unsigned letter rested in my hand, still'}, {'start': '598.880', 'end': '605.360', 'text': 'only potential but real. I sat in my'}, {'start': '602.399', 'end': '607.959', 'text': 'car, windows down, the sky fading to'}, {'start': '605.360', 'end': '610.959', 'text': 'gold. Then I picked up my phone and'}, {'start': '607.959', 'end': '613.839', 'text': 'called. "Hi," I said to the woman who'}, {'start': '610.959', 'end': '615.640', 'text': 'answered. "This is Naen Holloway. I\'d'}, {'start': '613.839', 'end': '618.560', 'text': 'like to schedule a property'}, {'start': '615.640', 'end': '621.680', 'text': 'valuation." The knock was gentle, but my'}, {'start': '618.560', 'end': '623.440', 'text': 'heart thundered. For the first time, I'}, {'start': '621.680', 'end': '625.040', 'text': "was doing something that didn't require"}, {'start': '623.440', 'end': '628.640', 'text': 'permission.'}, {'start': '625.040', 'end': '631.200', 'text': 'Just past 9, Mr. Garrison arrived. His'}, {'start': '628.640', 'end': '634.000', 'text': "truck's tailgate was rusted, a yellow"}, {'start': '631.200', 'end': '636.240', 'text': 'thermos rolling in the cup holder. He'}, {'start': '634.000', 'end': '639.040', 'text': 'stepped out in pressed jeans and a worn'}, {'start': '636.240', 'end': '642.320', 'text': "vest, calm as someone who'd seen storms,"}, {'start': '639.040', 'end': '645.600', 'text': 'and stayed standing. Ms. Holloway, he'}, {'start': '642.320', 'end': '648.880', 'text': "asked, offering a firm handshake. I'm"}, {'start': '645.600', 'end': '650.320', 'text': 'Garrison. Thanks for being prompt. We'}, {'start': '648.880', 'end': '653.040', 'text': 'walked the edge of the property'}, {'start': '650.320', 'end': '655.519', 'text': 'together. The grass was still wet from'}, {'start': '653.040', 'end': '658.720', 'text': "last night's rain, and the dock grown"}, {'start': '655.519', 'end': '661.440', 'text': 'slightly as the lake shifted beneath it.'}, {'start': '658.720', 'end': '663.680', 'text': "I hadn't been out there in months, maybe"}, {'start': '661.440', 'end': '666.399', 'text': "years, and the place hadn't changed"}, {'start': '663.680', 'end': '669.360', 'text': 'much. Same peeling paint on the shed'}, {'start': '666.399', 'end': '672.880', 'text': 'door, same creaking windchime grandpa'}, {'start': '669.360', 'end': '676.040', 'text': 'had hung decades ago. Mr. Garrison asked'}, {'start': '672.880', 'end': '679.120', 'text': 'the usual questions: square footage,'}, {'start': '676.040', 'end': '681.360', 'text': 'repairs, access, road conditions. I'}, {'start': '679.120', 'end': '683.720', 'text': 'answered, voice steady, even when he'}, {'start': '681.360', 'end': '689.519', 'text': 'said, "Seems like this place was loved'}, {'start': '683.720', 'end': '692.000', 'text': 'once." "Loved? Maybe used? Definitely."'}, {'start': '689.519', 'end': '694.800', 'text': 'I handed him a copy of my tax records.'}, {'start': '692.000', 'end': '696.880', 'text': 'He flipped through them slowly, nodding.'}, {'start': '694.800', 'end': '700.640', 'text': '"So, you\'ve paid the last 5 years'}, {'start': '696.880', 'end': '704.160', 'text': 'property tax yourself?" "Yes." "No one'}, {'start': '700.640', 'end': '707.040', 'text': 'else chipped in?" "No." He looked up at'}, {'start': '704.160', 'end': '710.680', 'text': 'me, eyes narrowed. "And your name\'s on'}, {'start': '707.040', 'end': '713.839', 'text': 'the deed?" Yes, sir. He let out a low'}, {'start': '710.680', 'end': '716.880', 'text': "whistle. Well, then, you've got more at"}, {'start': '713.839', 'end': '719.200', 'text': "stake than they've let on. As he walked"}, {'start': '716.880', 'end': '722.000', 'text': 'the perimeter with his measuring wheel,'}, {'start': '719.200', 'end': '723.320', 'text': 'I stood near the tree where Jasper and I'}, {'start': '722.000', 'end': '726.399', 'text': 'built our old'}, {'start': '723.320', 'end': '728.399', 'text': 'treehouse. The planks were long gone,'}, {'start': '726.399', 'end': '730.800', 'text': 'but I remembered nailing them together'}, {'start': '728.399', 'end': '733.519', 'text': "with Grandpa's hammer, pretending we"}, {'start': '730.800', 'end': '735.519', 'text': 'were architects. Ruth had packed us'}, {'start': '733.519', 'end': '738.000', 'text': 'peanut butter sandwiches and sweet tea'}, {'start': '735.519', 'end': '740.959', 'text': "that day. I hadn't thought of that"}, {'start': '738.000', 'end': '743.760', 'text': 'memory in years. By the time we circled'}, {'start': '740.959', 'end': '747.120', 'text': 'back to the driveway, Mr. Garrison had a'}, {'start': '743.760', 'end': '749.200', 'text': 'number in mind. Given current demand,'}, {'start': '747.120', 'end': '751.079', 'text': "I'd say this whole parcel could go for"}, {'start': '749.200', 'end': '755.519', 'text': 'close to'}, {'start': '751.079', 'end': '755.519', 'text': '$90,000. Your half would fetch around'}, {'start': '755.560', 'end': '761.680', 'text': '$44,000. I nodded, barely trusting'}, {'start': '758.639', 'end': '765.200', 'text': 'myself to speak. He handed me a sealed'}, {'start': '761.680', 'end': '767.760', 'text': "envelope and a pen. That's the valuation"}, {'start': '765.200', 'end': '770.680', 'text': "and letter of intent. Don't commit to"}, {'start': '767.760', 'end': '772.680', 'text': 'anything unless you sign. He tipped his'}, {'start': '770.680', 'end': '776.000', 'text': 'hat. Take your'}, {'start': '772.680', 'end': '778.880', 'text': 'time. After he left, I sat on the edge'}, {'start': '776.000', 'end': '781.480', 'text': 'of my car trunk with my legs dangling,'}, {'start': '778.880', 'end': '785.519', 'text': 'the wind from the lake brushing past my'}, {'start': '781.480', 'end': '788.560', 'text': 'face. I opened the envelope. Inside, the'}, {'start': '785.519', 'end': '791.680', 'text': 'papers looked sterile. Black ink, clean'}, {'start': '788.560', 'end': '794.399', 'text': 'lines, legal language. But they felt'}, {'start': '791.680', 'end': '797.839', 'text': 'like something else, something sharp,'}, {'start': '794.399', 'end': '800.360', 'text': 'something of mine. I unccapped my pen.'}, {'start': '797.839', 'end': '803.079', 'text': 'My hand shook for a moment. Then I'}, {'start': '800.360', 'end': '806.880', 'text': 'signed. Before leaving, I murmured to'}, {'start': '803.079', 'end': '809.839', 'text': "myself. This time, I'm choosing me. The"}, {'start': '806.880', 'end': '812.639', 'text': 'text read, "Come tonight. We need to'}, {'start': '809.839', 'end': '814.800', 'text': 'talk. No please, no love, just'}, {'start': '812.639', 'end': '817.680', 'text': 'pressure." I parked in front of the'}, {'start': '814.800', 'end': '819.760', 'text': 'house just after 6. The porch light was'}, {'start': '817.680', 'end': '822.399', 'text': 'already on, though it was still light'}, {'start': '819.760', 'end': '826.560', 'text': 'out. I could see silhouettes moving'}, {'start': '822.399', 'end': '829.839', 'text': 'behind the curtains. Mom pacing, Jasper'}, {'start': '826.560', 'end': '832.360', 'text': 'seated stiffly, and Uncle Vince, arms'}, {'start': '829.839', 'end': '835.360', 'text': 'folded like he was holding back a'}, {'start': '832.360', 'end': '838.079', 'text': 'sigh. When I walked in, no one greeted'}, {'start': '835.360', 'end': '841.040', 'text': 'me. The room was too quiet for a house'}, {'start': '838.079', 'end': '843.600', 'text': 'with four people. The only sound was the'}, {'start': '841.040', 'end': '846.240', 'text': 'hum of the ceiling fan and the slow tick'}, {'start': '843.600', 'end': '848.560', 'text': 'of the wall clock. Ruth finally broke'}, {'start': '846.240', 'end': '850.959', 'text': 'the silence.'}, {'start': '848.560', 'end': '853.279', 'text': "We heard you're selling the land. I took"}, {'start': '850.959', 'end': '856.639', 'text': 'a slow breath and set my folder down on'}, {'start': '853.279', 'end': '858.279', 'text': 'the coffee table. I had it appraised. My'}, {'start': '856.639', 'end': '862.320', 'text': 'share is worth'}, {'start': '858.279', 'end': '865.639', 'text': "44,000. She blinked. You're just going"}, {'start': '862.320', 'end': '868.639', 'text': "to sell it after all this family's been"}, {'start': '865.639', 'end': '873.440', 'text': "through. After everything I've paid for,"}, {'start': '868.639', 'end': '876.880', 'text': 'I said calmly. Yes, I am. Jasper leaned'}, {'start': '873.440', 'end': '879.920', 'text': 'forward, confusion on his face. Wait,'}, {'start': '876.880', 'end': '883.720', 'text': 'you paid for what? I opened the folder'}, {'start': '879.920', 'end': '887.440', 'text': 'and handed him a page. 5 years of taxes,'}, {'start': '883.720', 'end': '889.440', 'text': 'repairs, HOA dues, the roof, the new'}, {'start': '887.440', 'end': '891.320', 'text': 'water heater, while mom told me they'}, {'start': '889.440', 'end': '894.720', 'text': "couldn't afford to help me through"}, {'start': '891.320', 'end': '896.720', 'text': 'college. Ruth shook her head. That money'}, {'start': '894.720', 'end': '898.600', 'text': 'was meant for the family. You were'}, {'start': '896.720', 'end': '902.240', 'text': 'always the stable'}, {'start': '898.600', 'end': '905.040', 'text': 'one. No, I was always the invisible one,'}, {'start': '902.240', 'end': '906.839', 'text': 'I said. Stable was just the label you'}, {'start': '905.040', 'end': '909.440', 'text': 'gave me. so you could keep'}, {'start': '906.839', 'end': '912.880', 'text': 'asking. Jasper looked at the numbers,'}, {'start': '909.440', 'end': '915.720', 'text': "his eyes widening. I didn't know. I just"}, {'start': '912.880', 'end': '918.920', 'text': 'thought you made more, that you liked'}, {'start': '915.720', 'end': '921.240', 'text': 'helping. No one asked if I could, I'}, {'start': '918.920', 'end': '924.120', 'text': 'said. Only if I'}, {'start': '921.240', 'end': '927.279', 'text': 'would. Uncle Vince cleared his'}, {'start': '924.120', 'end': '929.760', 'text': 'throat. Well, he said, glancing through'}, {'start': '927.279', 'end': '931.959', 'text': "the documents. She's right. Her name's"}, {'start': '929.760', 'end': '935.360', 'text': "on the deed. She's well within her"}, {'start': '931.959', 'end': '937.399', 'text': 'rights. Ruth turned to him, stunned.'}, {'start': '935.360', 'end': '941.279', 'text': 'Vince, this is family'}, {'start': '937.399', 'end': '943.480', 'text': 'land and she\'s family," he said gently.'}, {'start': '941.279', 'end': '947.760', 'text': '"Just one you haven\'t listened'}, {'start': '943.480', 'end': '950.360', 'text': 'to." I looked at Mom. She didn\'t speak.'}, {'start': '947.760', 'end': '953.040', 'text': 'Her hands were clenched tightly in her'}, {'start': '950.360', 'end': '956.320', 'text': 'lap. "You said you were proud of how'}, {'start': '953.040', 'end': '958.480', 'text': 'independent I was," I continued. "But'}, {'start': '956.320', 'end': '962.399', 'text': "what you meant was that I didn't cost"}, {'start': '958.480', 'end': '964.880', 'text': 'you anything." She flinched just barely.'}, {'start': '962.399', 'end': '968.240', 'text': 'Jasper set the paper down.'}, {'start': '964.880', 'end': '971.680', 'text': "I'm sorry, he said, not looking up. I"}, {'start': '968.240', 'end': '974.560', 'text': "didn't know it was this bad. It's okay,"}, {'start': '971.680', 'end': '977.120', 'text': "I said. You weren't the one hiding it."}, {'start': '974.560', 'end': '980.079', 'text': "Ruth's voice cracked. You're tearing"}, {'start': '977.120', 'end': '982.800', 'text': 'this family apart. I stood and picked up'}, {'start': '980.079', 'end': '986.079', 'text': "my folder. Number I'm just refusing to"}, {'start': '982.800', 'end': '988.800', 'text': 'be the glue anymore. I walk to the door.'}, {'start': '986.079', 'end': '992.160', 'text': 'No one followed. I pick up my bag and'}, {'start': '988.800', 'end': '995.120', 'text': 'walk out. Behind me, no one calls me'}, {'start': '992.160', 'end': '998.399', 'text': 'back. Three days later, I opened the'}, {'start': '995.120', 'end': '1001.360', 'text': 'door to find Mr. Bell, not with papers,'}, {'start': '998.399', 'end': '1003.160', 'text': 'but with a homemade peach pie. He held'}, {'start': '1001.360', 'end': '1006.079', 'text': 'the pie like it might break in his'}, {'start': '1003.160', 'end': '1009.199', 'text': 'hands. The crust sagged slightly in the'}, {'start': '1006.079', 'end': '1012.320', 'text': 'center, uneven and golden, but the aroma'}, {'start': '1009.199', 'end': '1015.279', 'text': 'that followed, cinnamon, melted butter,'}, {'start': '1012.320', 'end': '1018.320', 'text': 'ripe peaches, settled over my nerves'}, {'start': '1015.279', 'end': '1020.079', 'text': 'like an old, familiar quilt. "I figured'}, {'start': '1018.320', 'end': '1023.400', 'text': 'this might say more than a thank you'}, {'start': '1020.079', 'end': '1027.240', 'text': 'card," he said. I stepped aside with a'}, {'start': '1023.400', 'end': '1030.079', 'text': 'smile. "You didn\'t have to do that."'}, {'start': '1027.240', 'end': '1033.120', 'text': '"No," he replied, easing toward the'}, {'start': '1030.079', 'end': '1035.760', 'text': 'kitchen table. "But I wanted to." He'}, {'start': '1033.120', 'end': '1037.839', 'text': 'placed the pie down with quiet care,'}, {'start': '1035.760', 'end': '1040.480', 'text': 'taking the same chair he always used'}, {'start': '1037.839', 'end': '1043.679', 'text': 'when we talked finance. This time,'}, {'start': '1040.480', 'end': '1046.000', 'text': 'though, there was no folder, no pen,'}, {'start': '1043.679', 'end': '1046.919', 'text': 'just a folded linen napkin he pulled'}, {'start': '1046.000', 'end': '1050.240', 'text': 'from his'}, {'start': '1046.919', 'end': '1052.640', 'text': "coat. This was my wife's recipe. I"}, {'start': '1050.240', 'end': '1055.280', 'text': "haven't made it since she passed. While"}, {'start': '1052.640', 'end': '1058.120', 'text': 'he sliced the pie, I set out two forks'}, {'start': '1055.280', 'end': '1062.400', 'text': 'and made tea. The first bites were'}, {'start': '1058.120', 'end': '1065.520', 'text': 'silent. Sweet, soft, maybe too sugary,'}, {'start': '1062.400', 'end': '1068.480', 'text': "but somehow just right. Maybe it wasn't"}, {'start': '1065.520', 'end': '1071.280', 'text': 'about the taste. She used to say peaches'}, {'start': '1068.480', 'end': '1073.760', 'text': 'were for endings, Reuben murmured,'}, {'start': '1071.280', 'end': '1076.960', 'text': 'gazing through the window. End of'}, {'start': '1073.760', 'end': '1081.039', 'text': 'summer, end of canning season. It always'}, {'start': '1076.960', 'end': '1083.600', 'text': 'felt like saying goodbye. I nodded. I'}, {'start': '1081.039', 'end': '1087.280', 'text': 'think this is an ending for me too, but'}, {'start': '1083.600', 'end': '1090.400', 'text': 'a good one. He turned to me. You did'}, {'start': '1087.280', 'end': '1092.720', 'text': 'right by yourself, Naen. Not many people'}, {'start': '1090.400', 'end': '1096.200', 'text': 'find the courage to say no after saying'}, {'start': '1092.720', 'end': '1102.120', 'text': "yes for so long. I didn't answer right"}, {'start': '1096.200', 'end': '1105.120', 'text': 'away. Instead, I handed him a receipt,'}, {'start': '1102.120', 'end': '1108.080', 'text': '$43,900, newly deposited into a savings'}, {'start': '1105.120', 'end': '1110.280', 'text': "account I'd called mine. It wasn't"}, {'start': '1108.080', 'end': '1113.760', 'text': 'everything I gave up, but it was'}, {'start': '1110.280', 'end': '1116.080', 'text': "something. Reuben raised his mug. Here's"}, {'start': '1113.760', 'end': '1119.360', 'text': 'to women who pay attention and finally'}, {'start': '1116.080', 'end': '1122.320', 'text': 'get paid back. We clinkedked mugs and'}, {'start': '1119.360', 'end': '1123.000', 'text': 'talked a while longer. Then I saw him at'}, {'start': '1122.320', 'end': '1126.799', 'text': 'the'}, {'start': '1123.000', 'end': '1127.880', 'text': 'door. Next summer, I said, I might buy a'}, {'start': '1126.799', 'end': '1131.160', 'text': 'porch'}, {'start': '1127.880', 'end': '1134.799', 'text': 'swing. Make sure it faces west. He'}, {'start': '1131.160', 'end': '1137.280', 'text': 'smiled. Best place to catch the light.'}, {'start': '1134.799', 'end': '1140.080', 'text': 'Then he walked down the steps slowly, a'}, {'start': '1137.280', 'end': '1142.320', 'text': 'piton tucked under his arm, and I stood'}, {'start': '1140.080', 'end': '1145.039', 'text': 'in the doorway watching until he'}, {'start': '1142.320', 'end': '1148.160', 'text': 'disappeared around the corner. Their'}, {'start': '1145.039', 'end': '1152.400', 'text': 'strength in doing the unexpected, not to'}, {'start': '1148.160', 'end': '1155.440', 'text': "hurt, but to heal. In the end, it wasn't"}, {'start': '1152.400', 'end': '1159.120', 'text': 'family who truly saw me, but the quiet'}, {'start': '1155.440', 'end': '1163.200', 'text': "man I'd once helped without hesitation."}, {'start': '1159.120', 'end': '1165.480', 'text': 'Kindness when freely given often returns'}, {'start': '1163.200', 'end': '1168.240', 'text': 'sometimes in cinnamon and'}, {'start': '1165.480', 'end': '1170.880', 'text': 'peach. If this story meant something to'}, {'start': '1168.240', 'end': '1173.360', 'text': 'you, pause today and truly notice'}, {'start': '1170.880', 'end': '1176.400', 'text': 'someone you might have overlooked. The'}, {'start': '1173.360', 'end': '1179.039', 'text': 'gentlest hearts rarely shout, but they'}, {'start': '1176.400', 'end': '1181.760', 'text': 'carry the words we most need to hear if'}, {'start': '1179.039', 'end': '1181.760', 'text': "we're willing to"}]