When a strange package shows up at Kate and Josh’s doorstep, they are bewildered to see it’s from Josh’s estranged father. The mystery deepens when Josh discovers a ticking box within the gift — an ornate pillow. This leads to a confrontation and leaves Josh grappling with a dilemma. Should he forgive his father or continue to act as if their relationship is non-existent?
Josh had just taken their daughter, Emily, for a walk around the garden when the doorbell rang, signaling the start of the day.
“I have a delivery for you,” the courier said when I opened the door.
I signed and brought the package into the kitchen. Our third wedding anniversary was this week, and Josh was always buying me little surprises.
But before we could process this further, Taylor called back.
I answered, hesitant.
“We found the check,” I said. “Why did you do this?”
“Because I’m dying, Kate,” he confessed quietly. “I’ve made my share of mistakes, and I know Josh hates me. But that money is for you. If Josh doesn’t want it, keep it for Emily’s future. For school. No one needs to know it came from me.”
I walked inside the house, realizing we had left Emily alone for too long. Not that it mattered, because she was sitting quietly and eating her fruit.
Josh was right behind me.
“Dad,” he said, taking the phone from me. “If you’re serious about your health, then we need to talk. No more games.”
“Thank you, Josh,” Taylor’s voice came through the phone. “You tell me when.”
We arranged to meet Taylor at a park later that week; it wasn’t far from us, and we often took Emily there.
When the day arrived, Josh was visibly nervous, fidgeting as we waited on a secluded bench.
When Taylor arrived, he looked frail and worn.
“I’m so sorry for everything. I was a terrible father. I don’t have much time left, but I want to spend it making amends.”
Josh took a deep breath.
“It’s not easy, Dad. But I’m willing to try. For Emily’s sake, so that one day, she’ll know her grandfather helped her through school.”
While Josh and my father-in-law talked, I set up the picnic I had brought along. I figured that if anything awkward happened, we still needed to eat.
As we left the park, Josh squeezed my hand, a weight lifted from his shoulders.
“Maybe it’s good that pillow showed up after all,” he mused, a small smile breaking through.
Things could only get better from here, right?
What would you have done?