The Divided Family by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online Page B

that?”
    Joel repeated his question.
    “Jah. Glen brought me over tonight. He’s in the kitchen, eating a snack.”
    “Speaking of the will, where is it?” Joel asked.
    “Right here.” John held up a large manila envelope and stood. “Your sisters asked if I would read it.” He motioned to the couch. “So you can take my seat there, if you like.”
    “Oh, okay.” Joel took a seat beside Elsie and put both hands on his knees to keep his feet from tapping the floor. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so anxious.
    “Would anyone like a cup of coffee before we get started?” Elsie asked. “I made a fresh pot a while ago.”
    “No, I’m good. Let’s get it on with it, shall we?” Joel’s neck and shoulders tensed as he leaned slightly forward.
    John opened the envelope and pulled out four smaller envelopes, along with a folded document. He placed the envelopes on the coffee table, unfolded the will, and began. “I, Eustace J. Byler, being of legal age and sound mind, do declare that this is my last will and testament. I hereby revoke, annul, and cancel all wills and codicils previously made by me, either jointly or separately. This last will expresses my wishes without undue influence or duress.”
    John paused and cleared his throat. Continuing to read the will, he stated the names of each of Eustace’s children and their dates of birth. “I also appoint my sister, Verna Weaver, as the person responsible to ensure that this will is followed. Should she precede me in death, I appoint my son-in-law, John Troyer.
    “The envelopes provided with this will for my children stipulate what each of them will receive. However, they are not to be opened until such time as my son, Joel Byler, performs a heartfelt, selfless act. The selfless act must be voted upon by all three sisters, with the final decision being made by Verna as to whether the stipulation has been met.”
    Heart thumping so hard he felt it might explode in his chest, Joel leaped to his feet. “That’s not fair! How come Dad picked on me?” His hand shook as he pointed at all three of his sisters. “Why didn’t Dad ask each of you to do something selfless? How come I have to jump through hoops in order to get my inheritance?”
    “It’s not only you, Joel,” Elsie spoke up. “We all have to wait to open our envelopes until you’ve done a selfless act that’s agreed upon by each of us.”
    Joel didn’t understand how his oldest sister could sit there with such a calm look on her face. “What about you, Doris? How do you feel about this?”
    “It doesn’t matter how I feel. We have to abide by Dad’s wishes,” she responded.
    Arlene nodded. “He must have had a reason for the four envelopes with our names on them, as well as the request he made of you.”
    Anger bubbled within Joel as he folded his arms and glared at the piece of paper in John’s hands. Then he looked at Aunt Verna. She’d started rocking her chair really fast. “Did you know about this beforehand? Did Dad tell you what he was going to do?”
    She looked at him strangely, while tipping her head. “Do about what?”
    Joel clapped his hands together so hard, Aunt Verna nearly jumped out of her chair. “Didn’t you hear a word John read?”
    “Of course I did. He spoke plenty loud enough for me to hear.” She left her seat and walked up to Joel. “My bruder wanted you, his only son, to do something meaningful for someone other than yourself.”
    Joel looked down at the envelopes lying on the coffee table. He was tempted to grab his and open it right now.
    Aunt Verna touched Joel’s arm. “Before your daed died, he and I talked quite a bit about you.”
    “Is that so? I’m sure whatever he had to say was negative.”
    Tears welled in her eyes. “Your selfish actions hurt him, Joel. I’m sure many of the things you’ve said and done have hurt your sisters, too.”
    Joel didn’t bother to look at Doris, Elsie, or Arlene. He already knew what