After her husband’s death, a 20-year-old woman and her 3-month-old son ended up on the street…

Beautiful apartment, Rachel said approvingly, examining the photos. A two-bedroom in a new building, that’s worth a lot these days. You got lucky with your husband, Clark added.

He was a real man, thought of his family. Mindy nodded, feeling a lump rise in her throat again. The flash drive did indeed contain Andrew Smith’s contact information, as well as a folder with a video.

Mindy opened it and saw a file titled For Mindy and Son. Her hands trembled as she hit play. John appeared on screen, so alive, so real, smiling his familiar, slightly shy smile.

Mindy instinctively reached out to the screen, as if trying to touch him. Hi, my loves, John began. If you’re watching this video, it means I’m no longer with you.

I hope this recording is never needed, but I had to be prepared. For the next 10 minutes, John spoke about the apartment, the insurance, how to manage the money, and about his friend Andrew, who would help with all the legal matters. At the end of the video, his voice faltered.

Mindy, my love, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you. Please know that I loved you more than anything in the world. And you, son, I barely got to know you.

I hope you grow up to be a good man, like your mom. Take care of each other. When the video ended, the room was silent.

Mindy was quietly crying. Rachel wiped away her tears with the edge of her apron. Even Clark cleared his throat and turned away, blinking rapidly.

Well then, Clark finally broke the silence. We’ve got to act. Tomorrow we’ll contact this Andrew and find out what to do.

The next morning, Mindy called the number listed in the contact file. A man with a deep, confident voice answered. Mr. Smith speaking.

Hello. This is Mindy Cooper, wife, widow of John Cooper. Her voice trembled.

There was a pause on the other end. Mindy? Andrew finally said. My condolences, Mindy.

John was a great guy and a true friend. Thank you, she replied softly. I found the safety deposit box he left yesterday.

There was a letter inside where John wrote that you would help me with the paperwork. Of course, Andrew responded confidently. John planned everything.

We can meet today. I’ll come pick you up if you tell me the address. Mindy gave the address of the hostel and they agreed to meet in two hours.

Andrew turned out to be a man in his 30s, tall and fit, with attentive gray eyes and a neatly trimmed beard. He arrived in a modest but well-kept car and immediately gave the impression of being a reliable person. Rachel, can I leave Alex with you for a few more hours? Mindy asked.

We need to go to a few places. Of course, dear, the hostel owner smiled. The baby and I get along just fine.

Their first stop was the apartment John had mentioned. The building turned out to be a new 17-story one in a good neighborhood near a park. The apartment was on the 8th floor and when Mindy opened the door with the key from the deposit box, she caught her breath.

A spacious, bright two-bedroom apartment with large windows was partially renovated. The living room had a new sofa and a television. The kitchen was fully equipped and in the small room obviously meant to be a nursery, there was a crib, assembled but not yet made up.

John said he was renovating it for his son’s birth, Andrew explained, noticing Mindy’s surprise. He wanted to surprise you, move you in once everything was ready. Why didn’t he tell me? Mindy whispered, running her hand over the smooth surface of the kitchen countertop.

He probably wanted it to be perfect, Andrew shrugged. He loved you very much. He talked about you and the baby all the time.

After inspecting the apartment, they went to the insurance company office where Andrew helped Mindy fill out all the necessary documents to receive the insurance payout. The money will be transferred to your account within 10 business days, the insurance agent explained. It’s quite a large amount.

I’d recommend speaking to a financial advisor. I’ll help, Andrew said confidently. I know a reliable financial expert…