Chapter 14 - THE LEGACY
Ten years later, the Carter Foundation had become one of the largest family-funded organizations in the country.
Robert was eleven.
He knew the truth about his family.
But he didn't grow up believing he was better than anyone.
I made sure of that.
One day, he asked me:
“Mom, am I rich?”
I smiled.
“Yes.”
“How rich?”
“Very.”
He thought about it.
“Can I buy anything?”
“No.”
He frowned.
“Why?”
“Because the money isn't really yours.”
“Whose is it?”
“Everyone's.”
He smiled.
“I like that.”
Daniel entered the room.
“What are you two talking about?”
Robert pointed at me.
“Mom says I'm rich but the money isn't mine.”
Daniel laughed.
“Your mother is right.”
Robert looked confused.
“Then what's mine?”
I knelt beside him.
“Your choices.”
He thought about that.
Then smiled.
“I choose ice cream.”
I laughed.
“That sounds expensive.”
That Christmas, the entire family gathered.
Sophia.
Lucas.
My father.
Daniel.
Robert.
Everyone sat at one table.
No one had an empty plate.
No one was excluded.
No one was afraid.
The house was filled with laughter.
I looked at the front door.
The same door that had once closed in my face.
Now it stood open.
May you like
Anyone could enter.
That was my favorite change.
