While clearing out his late mother’s house, a man uncovers a mysterious photo—and a long-buried family secret. After his mother passed away, Ben Dixon returned to his childhood home in Texas—not to mourn, but to sell. Unlike most people, Ben had no sentimental attachment to the house. His relationship with his mother had always been…
While clearing out his late mother’s house, a man uncovers a mysterious photo—and a long-buried family secret.
After his mother passed away, Ben Dixon returned to his childhood home in Texas—not to mourn, but to sell. Unlike most people, Ben had no sentimental attachment to the house. His relationship with his mother had always been strained, and after moving out, they barely spoke. So, just a week after her funeral, he contacted a real estate agency and quickly lined up potential buyers.
Ben and his wife, Cassandra, flew in from New York to meet them. As they toured the house with the agent, Mr. Franklin, Cassandra stumbled upon an old photo album tucked away on a dusty shelf.
“Ben, look at this,” she called, flipping through childhood pictures. “You were such a cute kid! Are there more albums somewhere? Honestly, maybe think twice before selling. This place holds part of your story.”
Ben shook his head. “I don’t have many good memories here. Mom kept me at arm’s length. She never even told me who my dad was, no matter how many times I asked. I’d sit alone at baseball games, watching other kids with their fathers, and wonder why I didn’t have that.”
Cassandra gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “I know it’s hard, but she did her best, Ben. She raised you on her own, gave you a good education, helped you become a lawyer… I think she loved you more than she could show.”
“Maybe,” he muttered. “But it’s too late now.”
Just then, Mr. Franklin approached. “The buyers are here. Shall we?”
Cassandra gave Ben a quick smile. “There’s no pressure, love. If it doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to sell.”
But Ben was firm. “I’ve made up my mind. And as for that album, it’s just a box of memories she never shared with me anyway. We don’t need it.”
“Well, I’m keeping it,” Cassandra replied playfully. “Our kids will want to see what you looked like.”
Ben waved her off, and they headed to meet the buyers. After an hour-long tour and negotiation, they wrapped up the visit and decided to grab lunch.
At the restaurant, Cassandra hopped out of the car, not realizing she’d left her handbag behind. Luckily, Ben noticed.
And that’s when everything began to change.