The invitation would remain open only after Trevor and Amanda proved they could function as a family without depending on my money, property, or unpaid labor. At ten that morning, I left carrying my suitcase and Walter’s photograph. Trevor eventually moved his family into a smaller rental and took a second job. The old house was sold to a young family that spring. I kept my distance, allowing my son to decide for himself what kind of man he wanted to become when his mother was no longer there to solve every problem.

Six months later, Trevor drove to Savannah alone. He walked onto my wraparound porch and apologized before I asked him for anything. There were no excuses and no requests for money. Frances brought us lemonade, and for the first time in years, Trevor and I simply talked. The following summer, Owen and Lily came to visit. One afternoon, I gave them a scratch card while we sat together on the porch swing. They eagerly scratched the silver coating and discovered they had won two dollars. Their excitement made all of us burst into laughter. They asked whether Grandma had ever won anything bigger. I only smiled. I never told them how much of the eight million dollars was still left.