When I turned 18, I planned to give my stepmom a gift that would change her life forever. It was a day I’ll never forget, and not just because it was my first birthday as an adult.
My dad got married again after my mom died, and Olivia joined our family. She was a regular source of love and support, even though I didn’t want her to be there at first. Olivia was there for me when my dad died and helped me get through the worst times of my life.
I learnt about the things Olivia had given up for me as I got older. She gave up her own life to take care of me, and I wanted to show my appreciation in some way. I began making plans for a surprise that would make her life different.
I gave Olivia a small, nicely wrapped box on the morning of my 18th birthday. She didn’t know it, though, but I had a much bigger surprise for her. When I told her, “I want you to pack your things,” I tried not to get too excited. “You’re leaving this house.”
I could feel Olivia’s worry and confusion, but I knew I had to see this through. This surprise had been planned for years, and I couldn’t back out now. As we drove in quiet to our destination, I could feel how heavy the moment was.
We got to a lovely house in a new city at last. “I bought this house for you,” I finally said, breaking the strain. “I want you to live here, and I’ll go to school nearby.” We can be close and still have our own place.
Olivia’s happy and relieved tears were all the proof I needed. I did a good thing that would make her life better. Getting a hug from you made me feel better. I gave back to the woman who had helped me a lot.
At that very moment, I knew our link could not be broken. Things we’d been through together were about to get better when we got this gift. I knew I had made the right choice when I looked at Olivia. I gave her a place to live, a plan for the future, and my promise to love and support her always.
