As Lila prepared to celebrate her 17th birthday, she received an unexpected and rather eerie gift from her stepmother – a pink funerary urn. It was a gift that bewildered her, leaving her and everyone else she knew in disbelief. But that was only the beginning. She soon discovered that the college fund her parents had created for her had been rerouted to finance a hair salon. How would Lila respond to such news?
For days, I tried to wrap my head around the bizarre turn of events.
Monica, my stepmom, had always been difficult. Not villainous but definitely tough to handle. She often talked over me, overlooked my birthday, and called me “kiddo,” even though I was almost an adult.
But this? This was something else entirely.
I initially thought the incident would be the breaking point for our already fragile relationship.
But, as they say, things aren’t always as they appear…
Let me recount the story.
My mom, Sarah, passed away when I was ten. From then on, it was just my dad and me. We shared a special bond, living in a world of pizza dinners and late-night movies, with an unspoken promise to support each other come what may.
Then came Monica, around three years back.
At first, she was just… there. Like an uninvited guest who stays until you’re forced to accommodate them. She slowly moved into our lives, transforming our bathroom into her personal beauty parlor with endless cosmetics and serums.
She dreamt of opening a hair salon, which was fine by me. After all, there’s nothing wrong with pursuing dreams. But she treated me as if I was just another part of the furniture in the house.
Frankly, I was counting the days until college so I could escape.
Dad had assured me since middle school about the college fund he had saved for me. Every birthday and Christmas, more was added. “Don’t worry about a thing, Lila,” he would say. “Focus on your studies; I’ll take care of the rest.”
So, I worked tirelessly, anticipating the day I’d leave for college.
College was my ticket out, and I wasn’t going to let anyone – not even Monica – derail my plans.
Or so I believed.
On the morning of my 17th birthday, I came down expecting the usual half-hearted attempt at celebration. A lazy card, maybe some pancakes, and Monica forgetting my favorite syrup. Dad was working, so it was just Monica and me.
She handed me a gift bag, which in itself was strange. I reached inside and pulled out… an urn.
A funerary urn. Pink, of all colors.
Confused, I asked Monica what it was.
“It’s symbolic,” she responded.
“Symbolic of what?” I shot back.
With a smug smile, she said, “Time to bury your college aspirations, kiddo. Your dad and I decided the funds could benefit my salon instead.”
My world stopped.
I stood there, frozen, realizing my future had been spent on Monica’s dream.
“How could you do this?” I asked softly, my voice trembling.
She simply shrugged off my hurt. “Life’s full of disappointments, kiddo,” she said with complete nonchalance.
That was it. I couldn’t take any more. I fled to my room, crying until exhaustion took over.
The following days, I avoided them both. The urn, sitting on my desk, was a constant reminder of my crushed dreams.
My friends tried to lift my spirits, suggesting I just throw it away, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Then one day, I found a note from Monica urging me to meet her at the salon. Driven by sheer curiosity, I went.
The salon was dark and deserted when I got there. Hesitantly, I stepped inside.
Moments later, the lights flickered on. Monica and my dad stood side by side, grinning.
Monica’s ambitious salon wasn’t just for her, but also supported a scholarship in my late mother’s name. My college fund was untouched, meant as a surprise all along.
It was a heartwarming revelation. My anger dissipated, replaced by understanding and gratitude.
Standing in Dream Cuts, I felt a new sense of hope. They weren’t trying to take away my future; they were adding to my mom’s legacy.
I decided to keep the urn as a reminder – but with a twist. I planted peace lilies in it, turning it into a symbol of renewed dreams.
Sometimes, life’s unexpected surprises have beautiful outcomes.
So, what would you have done in my place?
