Ben arrives to repair his recently deceased grandfather’s house, only to find builders tearing it down. Shocked and confused, he confronts the demolition crew and uncovers a hidden family betrayal. Will Ben succeed in saving his Grandpa’s home and honor the old man’s last wish?
I was on a business trip when everything changed.
A man waiting at the airport with his luggage | Source: Pexels
It was late evening, and I was in my hotel room, going over some reports. My phone rang, and I saw Mrs. Turner’s name on the screen. She was Grandpa’s neighbor and a kind lady who often looked out for me. I answered, expecting her usual friendly chat.
“Hello, Mrs. Turner. How are you?” I asked.
A man on a phone call | Source: Pexels
“Ben, dear, I need to talk to you,” she replied, her voice soft and trembling.
I frowned. “Is everything okay?”
There was a long pause before she spoke again. “Ben, I have some bad news.”
My heart sank. “What happened?”
A sad elderly woman on a phone call | Source: Pexels
She took a deep breath. “Your grandfather… passed away this afternoon.”
My world stopped. It was just a few days ago when I was chatting with Grandpa, and now… he was gone? How? Why?
I felt a rush of grief and disbelief. Grandpa had raised me and my brother Lucas after our parents died. He was my best friend, my guide, and my rock. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself.
A happy old man holding a child in his arms | Source: Pexels
“I… I can’t believe it,” I whispered.
“I know, dear. I’m so sorry,” Mrs. Turner said gently. “We called the doctor. It was a heart attack.”
“Thank you for telling me, Mrs. Turner,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll take the first flight home.”
“I’ll be here if you need anything,” she offered.
A senior woman with a small smile on a phone call | Source: Pexels
I thanked her again and hung up the phone, my mind reeling. My thoughts were flooded with memories of Grandpa — his laugh, his stories, and the way he always believed in me. He had always been there for me, even when my brother Lucas chose money over family and disappeared.
I had promised Grandpa I would fix up the old house he loved so much. That promise became my mission. I couldn’t let him down. Without wasting any time, I booked the first flight home.
Beautiful scenery visible through an airplane window | Source: Pexels
As I left the hotel room, I knew my life had changed forever, and I had to honor my grandfather’s last wish. The city buzzed around me, but I felt a sense of calm, knowing I was going back home to fulfill my promise.
***
The flight home was a blur, and before I knew it, I was standing in my hometown, just in time for the funeral.
People carrying a coffin | Source: Pexels
Mrs. Turner had been a godsend, making arrangements for the funeral and worrying that I might not make it on time. The ceremony was held at the local cemetery, a place I knew well from visiting with Grandpa.
The sky was gray, fitting the somber mood of the day.
A man placing his hand on a coffin | Source: Pexels
As I approached the gathering, I saw many familiar faces. Friends, neighbors and even distant relatives were there, all united in their grief and respect for Grandpa. Mrs. Turner greeted me with a warm hug, her eyes filled with sympathy.
“I’m so glad you made it, Ben,” she said softly.
“Thank you, Mrs. Turner, for everything,” I replied, grateful for her support.
A young man and an elderly woman crying in front of a coffin | Source: Pexels
The service began, and people shared stories about Grandpa. They spoke of his kindness, his wisdom, and his unwavering strength. Each story painted a vivid picture of the man who had shaped my life.
As I stood by the grave, looking at the simple yet elegant headstone, I couldn’t help but notice that Lucas was nowhere to be seen. It didn’t surprise me, but it still hurt. Grandpa had always hoped Lucas would come back to the family, but he had chosen a different path.
A person placing flowers on a grave | Source: Pexels
I took a deep breath and silently vowed to fulfill my last promise to Grandpa. “I will fix the house, Grandpa,” I whispered. “I will keep your memory alive.”
The ceremony ended, and people began to leave, offering their condolences as they passed by. I thanked each of them, appreciating their kind words and support.
Mrs. Turner stayed by my side until the very end. “You did well today, Ben,” she said, patting my arm. “Your grandfather would be proud.”
A man and an elderly woman at a funeral | Source: Pexels
“Thank you, Mrs. Turner,” I said.
After the funeral, I drove to Grandpa’s house the next morning, ready to start the repairs. I felt a sense of purpose, determined to fulfill my promise.
A man driving a car | Source: Unsplash
As I approached the house, I saw dust and debris flying through the air. My heart dropped when I realized what was happening.
Construction workers were demolishing Grandpa’s house with heavy machinery!
Bulldozer during the demolition of a house | Source: Pexels
I slammed on the brakes, jumped out of my car, and shouted, “STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”
The workers paused, looking confused. In the midst of the chaos, I spotted Lucas, whom I hadn’t seen in years, overseeing the demolition. Anger and disbelief surged through me as I stormed towards him.
“Lucas! What is going on here?” I demanded.
An angry man yelling | Source: Pexels
He turned to face me, a smug look on his face. “Ben, it’s been a while,” he said casually as if we were meeting for coffee.
“Why are you tearing down Grandpa’s house?” I asked, my voice shaking with rage.
Lucas sighed. “The house was left to both of us as an inheritance. I agreed to sell it to some businessmen who want to build a fast-food restaurant here.”
Inside a restaurant | Source: Unsplash
I stared at him, stunned. “You sold our grandfather’s house? Without even talking to me?”
He shrugged. “I thought you’d be happy with your share of the money. It’s a lot, Ben.”
“No,” I said firmly. “I promised Grandpa I would fix this house. I can’t believe you’d betray him like this!”
Lucas’s expression turned cold. “Betrayal? I’m just being practical. You can either take the money or get ready for a legal battle. Your choice!”
A stern-looking man facing another man | Source: Freepik
I felt a surge of fury. “I’ll never give up my share. This house means more to me than any amount of money!”
Lucas looked at me with disdain. “Fine. Have it your way. But don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Leaving the demolition site, I drove straight to my hotel, my mind racing with thoughts of how to confront Lucas.
That night, I couldn’t sleep.
A stressed man sitting on the edge of the bed | Source: Pexels
I knew Lucas well enough to understand that he wouldn’t back down easily. He was always the one chasing money, ever since we were kids. But this house meant more to me than any amount of cash. It was a symbol of our family’s history, a place filled with love and lessons.
Grandpa had always taught me to do what was right, no matter how tough the fight. As I sat there, I felt his presence, like he was guiding me. I thought about the promise I had made to him, the promise to fix up the house and keep his memory alive.
A man leaning on his cane for support | Source: Pexels
Determination welled up inside me. I couldn’t let Lucas’s greed destroy everything Grandpa had worked for. I had to fight for what was right, not just for me but for Grandpa’s legacy.
I took a deep breath and resolved to confront Lucas head-on. I would find a way to save the house and honor my grandfather’s memory. With a sense of purpose, I knew that the battle ahead would be tough, but it was one I was ready to face.
The next morning, I drove back to the ruins of Grandpa’s house, bracing myself for another confrontation with Lucas.
A man driving | Source: Pexels
As I arrived, I was surprised to see Lucas standing there alone in tears, with no builders in sight. The heavy machinery was gone, and the site was eerily quiet. I walked up to him, confused and wary.
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“Lucas, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice firm.
A man looking sad and stressed | Source: Pexels
He looked at me, his face pale and weary. “The investors decided on a different location for their restaurant. The demolition was for nothing,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’m financially ruined, Ben. I sold my house, and now I’m deep in debt.”
I stared at him, feeling a mixture of pity and anger. “So, what now?” I asked, trying to keep my emotions in check.
Lucas took a deep breath, his eyes filled with desperation. “I have nowhere else to go. I… I need your help, Ben. Can I stay with you?”
A sad man | Source: Pexels
My mind raced with thoughts of the past few days — the betrayal, the broken promises, the destruction of our grandfather’s house. I wanted to forgive him, but the wound was too fresh, too deep.
“I can’t forgive you, Lucas,” I said, my voice shaking with emotion. “You destroyed Grandpa’s house, the place that meant everything to me. You chose money over family, again and again.”
A partially-demolished house | Source: Pexels
Lucas’s shoulders slumped, and he looked defeated. “Please, Ben. I’m begging you.”
I shook my head, feeling the weight of my decision. “No, Lucas. You need to face the consequences of your actions. You can’t stay with me.”
I watched as he walked away, his figure growing smaller in the distance. I felt a pang of sadness but also a sense of resolve. I turned back to the ruins, determined to rebuild Grandpa’s house and honor his memory, even if it meant doing it alone.
I would restore the house, piece by piece, and keep Grandpa’s legacy alive.
Building construction in progress | Source: Pexels
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This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
