Single mother gambled her final $900 on a deserted house. The discovery inside transforms her life forever…

The county courthouse was intimidating, its marble halls filled with people who looked like they belonged there, professional property developers and house flippers with tailored suits and confident expressions. Maya clutched her purse tighter, feeling completely out of place in her second-hand clothes. The auction room was set up with rows of chairs facing a podium.

Maya took a seat in the back, trying to be invisible. She watched carefully as the first properties were auctioned, learning the process. The auctioneer would announce the property, bidding would start, and within minutes it would be sold to the highest bidder.

Most properties went for much higher than their starting bids. Maya’s hope began to fade. Even if the farmhouse started at $750, it would probably end up selling for thousands more.

Finally, the auctioneer announced, next up, property ID number 45,872, abandoned farmhouse on 3.2 acres at 1,428 Old Mill Road, property has been vacant approximately 15 years, has significant structural issues, no utilities currently connected, and is sold as is, starting bid $750. Maya held her breath. There was a long pause.

The room seemed uninterested. Do I have $750? The auctioneer asked again. Maya’s hand shook as she raised it slightly.

$750 from the lady in the back. Do I have $800? A man in the corner, barely paying attention while looking at his phone, raised his hand. $800 from Mr. Reynolds.

Do I have $850? Maya raised her hand again. $850 from the lady in blue. Do I have $900? The man in the corner glanced up from his phone and casually raised his finger.

$900 from Mr. Reynolds. Do I have $950? This was it. Maya had only $900.

She couldn’t go higher. She had to make a choice. Use every penny she had, or walk away.

Maya raised her hand. $900, she said. The auctioneer looked confused.

The current bid is $900, ma’am. Are you offering $950? No, she said louder this time. I’m offering $900, the same as him.

She pointed to the man in the corner. The auctioneer looked between them. I’m afraid that’s not how it works.

The bid is already at $900. I need $950 or higher. The man in the corner had gone back to his phone, clearly uninterested.

Please, Maya said, her voice catching. I only have $900. An awkward silence fell over the room.

The auctioneer cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. He glanced at the man with the current bid, who wasn’t even paying attention anymore. Mr. Reynolds, do you wish to maintain your bid of $900 for the property? The man looked up, assessed Maya for a moment, then shrugged.

Nah, I’m out. Too much work for that old place. She can have it.

Relief flooded through Maya. Was this really happening? Going once at $900 to the lady in blue. Going twice at $900.

Sold. Property ID 45872 for $900. Maya sat in shock as the room moved on to the next property.

She had just bought a house, for $900, every penny she had in the world. At the clerk’s office, she handed over her cash with trembling fingers and received a folder of paperwork and a single key in return. That’s the Mercer place, isn’t it? the clerk asked.

An older woman with kind eyes. I don’t know, Maya admitted. The address is 1428 Old Mill Road.

Yep, that’s the Mercer house, the clerk confirmed, giving Maya an odd look. Not many people around here would touch that place. It’s got quite a history…