A 19-year-old girl was left all alone when, right after her father’s funeral, her stepmother kicked her out of the house …

They often walked here with her father when he came to visit her after classes. The girl sat down on a snowy bench, no longer paying attention to the cold. Her strength was leaving her.

Tracy. Tracy Brown came a suddenly surprised female voice. The girl looked up.

Standing before her was Nancy Cooper, her literature teacher from high school. The elderly woman, wearing a warm coat and a fluffy hat, looked at her with undisguised concern. What are you doing here alone in such cold? And why do you have your things? Nancy Cooper asked anxiously.

Tracy wanted to answer calmly, but instead burst into tears again. The teacher immediately sat next to her and hugged her shoulders. There, there, dear, calm down.

Tell me what happened. Dad, dad died. Tracy managed to see through her sobs.

Oh my God, exclaimed Nancy Cooper. Poor girl. Where do you live now? Why are you on the street with your things? Tracy briefly told her what had happened, about the funeral, her stepmother’s cruel decision, and that she had nowhere to go.

How awful. Nancy Cooper was outraged. To kick a child out on a day like that.

No, that won’t do. You’re coming to my place right now. You’ll stay with me until we figure this out.

I can’t impose on you, Tracy began, but the teacher shook her head firmly. I don’t want to hear it. I live alone in a two-room apartment.

There’s plenty of space. Besides, I always valued you very much. You were one of my favorite students.

And I remember your father well. He always came to parent meetings, unlike many others. A decent man.

Half an hour later, they were entering Nancy’s old, but very cozy apartment on the second floor of a brick five-story building. Make yourself at home in the living room, the teacher said, helping Tracy take off her coat. I’ll put on the kettle and get some clean sheets.

You need to warm up and rest. Tracy nodded gratefully. She felt broken both physically and emotionally.

The past few weeks had been a real nightmare. Her father’s illness progressed rapidly, pancreatic cancer, diagnosed too late. She sat by his bedside through the nights, holding his hand, watching the light fade from his eyes day by day.

And now this betrayal from her stepmother on top of everything. Have some tea. Nancy Cooper placed a cup of steaming drink in front of her.

And eat a sandwich. You probably haven’t eaten all day. Tracy nodded.

After the funeral, there was a memorial lunch, but she couldn’t swallow a bite. Nancy Cooper, thank you so much. I… I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t met you.

Don’t thank me, the woman smiled gently. Life is unpredictable, and we have to support each other in hard times. Eat up and go to sleep.

Tomorrow we’ll think about what to do next. In the morning, Tracy woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. At first, she couldn’t figure out where she was, but then the events of the previous day hit her with renewed force.

She forced herself to get up from the couch. Good morning, Nancy Cooper greeted her. How did you sleep? Thanks, not bad, Tracy lied.

In reality, she barely closed her eyes, replaying everything that happened and trying to figure out what to do next. Breakfast is on the table, the teacher said. And then we’ll talk about your plans.

During breakfast, Nancy Cooper delicately asked Tracy about the situation in more detail. So, your stepmother claims that your father transferred the apartment to her? Yes, Tracy nodded. But I don’t believe Dad would do that.

He always said no matter what, I’d have a roof over my head. And what about his business? If I remember correctly, your father had some company. Yes, a construction firm, Tracy answered.

Small, but stable. Dad started from scratch 20 years ago. He was very proud of his work.

But I don’t know what will happen to it now. Probably Miranda will get it too. And the will? Did your father leave a will? I don’t know, Tracy shrugged.

No one told me anything about a will. That’s strange, Nancy Cooper frowned. Andrew Brown seemed like a very responsible man.

It’s hard to believe he didn’t take care of his only daughter’s future. Maybe he just didn’t have time, Tracy said quietly. The illness progressed so fast.

In the last weeks, he was asleep almost all the time because of strong painkillers. They were finishing their coffee when the doorbell rang. Nancy Cooper went to answer and came back holding an envelope.

This is for you, she said, handing Tracy the letter. The courier said he looked for you at your old address, but neighbors told him they saw you walking this way in the evening. Tracy took the envelope with surprise.

It had her old address on it and a notary’s office seal in the upper corner. From the notary, she wondered aloud. But why? Open it and you’ll find out, Nancy Cooper smiled.

With trembling hands, Tracy opened the envelope. Inside was an official letter. Dear Tracy, We hereby notify you of the necessity to appear at the notary’s office at 24 Sadevaya Street, Office 301 to review the will of your father, Andrew Brown, born 1970.

Please arrive on December 15th, 2023 at exactly 2 p.m. Respectfully, Notary Lucas Jackson A will. Tracy exclaimed. Dad did leave a will after all.

See, Nancy Cooper nodded approvingly. I told you your father wouldn’t leave you unsupported. Today is the 15th, so you need to get ready…