That was another lesson.
15
The biggest surprise came on Eli’s eleventh birthday.
His mother brought out Walter’s red lunchbox.
She placed it on the table after cake.
Eli frowned.
“I already have it.”
“Open it.”
He did.
Inside was an envelope none of them recognized.
Mack stared.
“Where did that come from?”
His mother smiled.
“My father’s lawyer.”
Mack groaned.
“Of course there’s a lawyer.”
“He was instructed to deliver it after Eli turned eleven.”
Eli opened the envelope.
Walter’s handwriting again.
Mack put both hands over his face.
“He planned sequels.”
Eli laughed.
The letter read:
Eli,
If Mack is still annoying you, good. It means he stayed.
Mack looked offended.
Everyone laughed.
If he didn’t stay, take the lunchbox back to the diner and hit him with it. Not hard. He is old.
Mack pointed.
“This man was irresponsible.”
Eli continued.
There is one more thing.
Inside the envelope was a bank statement.
Mack’s expression changed.
Eli’s mother gasped.
Walter had placed money into a modest trust.
Not millions.
Not fortune.
Thirty-eight thousand dollars.
Years of small deposits.
For Eli’s education, vocational training, tools, or first business after age eighteen.
The letter continued:
This is not enough to make you rich. Good. Rich children are annoying.
Eli laughed.
It is enough to give you a choice or two. Use it for college if you want. Trade school if you want. A business if you are smart. Never use it for a stupid car before twenty-five.
Mack muttered:
“Good advice.”
And before Mack starts trying to add money to it because he feels guilty, tell him I said guilt is a terrible financial adviser.
Everyone looked at Mack.
He had, in fact, already started a separate savings account.
He said:
“This letter is invasive.”
The final lines were different.
Eli, your father loved you before he knew you existed. I believe that because of the way he talked about the future.
Mack loved him badly sometimes, but he loved him completely.
Mack’s eyes filled.
Your mother loved you enough to carry fear alone.
She covered her mouth.
I loved you enough to make mistakes while trying to protect you.
That is family.
Not perfect people.
People who keep choosing each other after learning the truth.
The room became quiet.
Eli folded the letter.
Then looked at Mack.
“Were you going to add money?”
“No.”
Everyone stared.
Mack sighed.
“Yes.”
Eli smiled.
“Grandpa said don’t.”
“He’s not in charge.”
“He wrote the trust.”
Mack pointed.
“I’m still your grandfather.”