After Our Mom’s Death, My Sister Claimed I Had No Right to Inheritance—But In the End, She Deeply Regretted It
I put my life on hold to care for Mom.
When her health declined, I moved into her house, managing her medications, taking her to appointments, and sitting by her bedside through countless sleepless nights. It was exhausting, but I never once regretted it.
My sister, Barbara? She was too busy chasing her acting dreams in California. She visited twice in three years, both times only staying for a weekend. She was always too *busy* for Mom but had plenty of time for red carpet events and Instagram selfies with C-list celebrities.
When Mom passed, I was devastated. Barbara, on the other hand, arrived **grinning** at the lawyer’s office, looking like she had **won the lottery.**
Before the lawyer could even read the will, she reached into her **designer bag** and pulled out a **yellowed, folded piece of paper.**
*”Before you read that,”* she said, smirking, *”I have something interesting to share. The thing is—Charlotte WON’T GET A DIME.”*
I blinked. *”What are you talking about?”*
Barbara dramatically unfolded the paper and placed it on the lawyer’s desk.
*”This is a handwritten note from Mom. I found it in her drawer when I was looking for… uh, sentimental things.”* (Right. **Jewelry.**) *”In it, she says she doesn’t want Charlotte inheriting anything. Since it’s dated after the official will, this should override it!”*
My stomach twisted. *She wouldn’t.*
The lawyer picked up the paper, adjusted his glasses, and scanned it silently. Barbara crossed her arms, practically **vibrating** with confidence.
I, on the other hand, felt like I might throw up. Had Mom really written me out of the will? Had she changed her mind after everything I had done for her?
Finally, the lawyer **chuckled.**
Barbara frowned. *”What’s so funny?”*
He cleared his throat. *”This note is not legally binding.”*
*”What? But it’s in her handwriting!”* she snapped.
*”Yes. But this is also… a grocery list.”* He turned it so we could see.
Barbara snatched it up, eyes scanning the paper.
**Eggs
Milk
Bananas
NO WALNUTS FOR CHARLOTTE!**
My mother had written that because I was **allergic to walnuts.**
Barbara’s face turned **beet red.**
I would have laughed if I wasn’t so furious.
The lawyer shook his head. *”Let’s proceed with the real will, shall we?”*
And then came **Barbara’s real regret.**
Mom had left **me the house** and a **substantial amount of her savings.** Barbara? She got **one single dollar.**
Mom **hadn’t** forgotten who was there for her in her final years. She knew who had cared and who had only shown up to **rummage through her belongings.**
Barbara stormed out, **furious and humiliated.**
I stayed behind, pressing a hand to my mouth to stifle my laughter.
Mom always did have a great sense of humor.