A Collection of Short Stories

Miracle Adebayo
Birthright
“Yes. It appears he wants to read Daddy’s will today.”
“Daddy has a will?”
Her eyes widened. “You didn’t know?”
“Erm…of course I knew. I…forgot.” I thought one of the sure perks of being the first born
was that you were let in on crucial details before anyone else. I knew my father was no
pauper but I hadn’t supposed he was wealthy enough to have a will.
“Come and see Jason”, my sister announces excitedly. “He talks a lot now.”
I nodded, distracted. If my father had written a will, then it could only mean one thing. I
was going to be an heiress. For once in my life, it felt good to be first. This time, being first
wouldn’t mean giving up something, but getting something. Suddenly I felt better since
Daddy’s passing. Maybe I’d managed to impress him somehow after all.
“Yes. Let me come and see Jason” I smiled
***
What I do, is not out of hatred. You of all people should understand selfishness that goes
beyond the grave.
***
Even Mommy seemed uneasy when the lawyer arrived. Where Daddy had exuded strength,
Mommy was fragile. I’d often wondered how she managed being married to him.
Members of my father’s extended family cast disapproving glances at the lawyer as
Mommy led the way to the living room. Thieves, I apprised bitterly. They want their share of
a fortune they never labored for. Who among them had had to survive Daddy’s magisterial,
overbearing ways all these years?
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