Kevin’s small hands trembled as he brushed the dust from the old, worn-out sofa. The piece of furniture had seen better days, but it held sentimental value. It was the last thing Granny had left him in her will. As the movers deposited it into his father’s cluttered apartment with a loud thud, Kevin coughed, waving away a puff of dust that rose like a ghost.

“I’m going to miss Granny,” he murmured, tracing his fingers over a faint, dark stain. It had been his fault, a juice spill from one of the many afternoons he’d spent on that sofa, laughing and chatting with her. Granny had just smiled and refilled his glass, brushing off the incident as if the stain didn’t matter at all.

“Why mourn for an old trout who left you this junk?” his father, Jerry, scoffed, kicking the corner of the sofa.

Kevin’s head snapped up, his eyes flashing with defiance. “It’s not junk, Dad. It’s a memory of Granny. I can’t make more memories with her now, but I’ll earn my own money someday. I’ll take care of myself.”

Jerry’s lips curled into a sneer. “She’s done nothing but cause us trouble since your mom died. Have you forgotten how she reported me to Social Services? And let’s not even talk about how she tried to hand you over to another family.”

Kevin’s shoulders slumped. “They’re not so bad. Denise and Miguel even let me stay here with you for Granny’s funeral. But… I wish I didn’t have to go back. I want to stay here with you.”

Jerry’s expression softened for a moment. He ruffled Kevin’s hair. “Don’t worry, kid. I’ll figure it out. Now that your nosy granny is out of the picture, I’ll make sure we’re a family again.”

Kevin smiled faintly and moved closer, ready to hug his dad. But Jerry turned away, grabbing a beer from the fridge and sinking into his armchair. The television blared to life, filling the room with the chaotic sounds of swearing and gunfire. Kevin’s heart sank. He had missed his dad so much, but this man seemed miles away from the affectionate father he’d imagined during his months with Denise and Miguel.

Trying to shake off his disappointment, Kevin sat on the sofa. A sharp poke startled him.

“Ow! What was that?” Kevin exclaimed. He shifted his weight, prodding the seat until his fingers brushed against something hard beneath the fabric. “There’s something inside the sofa!”

Jerry didn’t even glance up, engrossed in his show. Kevin carefully lifted the cushion and found a flap of material, haphazardly sewn shut. Curiosity surged through him. He dashed to the kitchen, fetched a pair of scissors, and snipped the stitches. Beneath the fabric lay a small rectangular box sealed with tape. Written on its lid in Granny’s familiar handwriting were the words: “For Kevin.”

Kevin’s chest tightened as he read the words. Granny had left this just for him. He peeled back the tape, revealing an envelope, a stack of legal documents, and a handwritten letter. He unfolded the letter first, recognizing Granny’s neat penmanship.

“My dearest Kevin,

I’m sorry to burden you with such a decision, but your well-being depends on it. You need to understand something important about your father. He’s only returned for his inheritance. Please read carefully, and when the time comes, make the choice that will shape your future.”

Kevin’s hands shook as he read the letter. He glanced toward Jerry, who was still glued to the TV, then returned to Granny’s words.

The letter painted a painful picture of his father. Granny detailed how she had fought to protect him after his mother’s death, battling a man who seemed more interested in money than his son’s welfare. Kevin’s heart ached as he read about her sacrifices and her fears for his future.

“The legal papers in this box are a test,” the letter continued. “They outline a condition: Jerry can inherit my money only if he agrees to never contact you again. The papers aren’t real, but they’ll reveal his true priorities. If he destroys them, he loves you more than money. But if he takes them to a lawyer, you’ll know the truth.”

Tears blurred Kevin’s vision. He didn’t want to believe his father could choose money over him. But deep down, he couldn’t ignore the doubts.

“Hey, Dad!” Kevin called, holding up the papers. “I found these in Granny’s sofa. They’re for you.”

Jerry snatched the papers, his eyes scanning the text. A grin spread across his face. Without a word, he grabbed his coat and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Kevin asked, panic rising.

“Out,” Jerry replied curtly. “Got important things to do.”

Kevin followed him, his heart pounding. He trailed his father for several blocks until Jerry entered a building with a polished sign that read “Law Offices.” Kevin stopped, staring at the sign as tears streamed down his face. Granny had been right.

Back at the apartment, Kevin knocked on Miss Tina’s door. “Can I use your phone?” he asked, his voice trembling.

An hour later, Kevin stood on Denise and Miguel’s doorstep. Denise opened the door, her face etched with concern.

“Kevin? What are you doing here?” she asked.

Kevin hesitated, then blurted, “I want to stay here. I can’t go back.”

Denise knelt to his level, placing her hands on his shoulders. “Whatever happened, we’ll figure it out together. You’re safe here, Kevin.”

For the first time in days, Kevin felt a sliver of hope. As he stepped inside, he silently thanked Granny for giving him the strength to see the truth—and for ensuring he had a loving home to turn to when he needed it most.