'There's Something Inside!' Boy Cries after Sitting on Old Sofa Late Granny Left Him

Granny's Sofa

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Ten-year-old Kevin is stunned when he finds a box hidden in the shabby sofa he inherited from his Granny. However, the letter and legal papers inside the box contain even more surprises and help the boy understand a devastating truth about his family. Kevin will have to make a choice that will determine the rest of his life. Kevin stared at the slightly shabby and stained sofa Granny left him in her will. He cringed when the movers dropped it to the floor with a loud thump. He waved away a cloud of dust as he moved closer to check the sofa wasn't damaged.

A Memory of Granny

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"I'm going to miss Granny," Kevin said as he ran his fingers over a dark stain he'd caused when he spilled juice on the sofa once. Granny had been so forgiving that day, and seemed more concerned with refilling his drink than the damage done to the sofa. "Why mourn for an old trout who left you this junk?" Dad shook his head and kicked at a corner of the sofa. "This isn't junk, Dad. It's a memory of Granny. I'll earn my own money when I grow up, but I can't make more memories with her."

Get Back Custody

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Dad's lip curled into a sneer, and his eyes narrowed. "She's done nothing but cause trouble for us since your mom died. Have you forgotten that your grandmother ratted me out to Social Services? And what about how she handed you over to that other family?" Kevin hung his head. "Those people aren't so bad. They let me come stay here with you for the next few days because of Granny's funeral. I wish I didn't have to go back... I want to live with you." "We'll figure it out, kiddo." Dad ruffled Kevin's hair. "I'm going to see what I can do to get back custody of you now your nosy Granny isn't around to push her own agenda."

Never an Affectionate Man

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Kevin smiled. He stepped closer to hug Dad, but the man had already turned away. Dad got a drink from the fridge, sank into his armchair, and turned on the TV. Immediately, the apartment was filled with swearing and gunshots from whatever Dad was watching. Kevin hung his head and hunched his shoulders. He'd missed Dad so much… but he was never an affectionate man, unlike Mom. Kevin shook his head. It still hurt too much to think about her.

Something Inside the Sofa

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He studied the apartment, but nothing had changed while he was away at Denise and Miguel's place. This was still his home, and he refused to leave it again. Dad was going to fix things so he could stay here for good. He sighed and sat on Granny's sofa. A stiff, pointy thing poked him in the rear. Kevin prodded the seat with his hand and gasped. "There's something inside Granny's sofa," he cried.

For Kevin

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Dad carried on staring at the TV like he hadn't heard Kevin's shout. Kevin lifted the sofa seat cushion. Underneath, he found a torn flap of material loosely sewn into place. Kevin fetched scissors from the kitchen and clumsily cut the stitches, revealing a small, rectangular box. It was taped shut along the edges and had two words written on it in black marker: 'For Kevin.' The boy smiled sadly as he recognized Granny's writing. He slit the tape with the scissors and sat back on the sofa to examine the contents.

Granny's Letter

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He found a sealed envelope, which he set aside to study the folded pages of some legal documents. Then he saw a letter written by Granny. 'Dearest Kevin, I'm sorry to pressure you while you're so young, but your well-being and your future depend on you making a smart choice now. You need to know that your father only returned for his inheritance. I'll explain everything and then you must decide if he's worthy of your love.' Kevin frowned. He briefly glanced over his shoulder to check Dad was still distracted, then continued reading.

Linda's Visit

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Grandma Linda panted as she hobbled down the hall to her son-in-law's apartment. The message she'd received from her late daughter's friend in the building had her worried about Kevin's welfare. After several minutes of insistent knocking, Jerry threw open the door and glared at her. There were dark bags under his eyes, and he was unsteady on his feet. "Linda... what you doing here?" Jerry mumbled. Linda nearly choked on the stale alcohol stench of Jerry's breath. "I came to see Kevin. Where is he?" "Uh..." Jerry glanced around while scratching his chin. "I dunno... what day is it today?"

What Is Going On?

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Linda entered the apartment and stared in horror at the plastic dinner containers, dirty clothes, and empty soda bottles strewn across the floor. "How have you been managing without Kelly?" Jerry muttered something unintelligible and wandered over to the fridge. "Surely you haven't been feeding this to Kevin?" Linda waved at the ultra-processed junk food in the fridge. "There's nothing wrong with it," Jerry said, lifting a microwave dinner. "See? Good old mac and cheese. It's dairy and carbs. That's good for growing and stuff." Linda pressed a hand to her forehead. She'd never understood what her daughter saw in this man.

Pull Yourself Together

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"Jerry, the boy needs fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and unprocessed meat. I send you money every month to ensure Kevin has everything he needs! Yet I hear Kevin runs around in torn clothes looking filthy." Jerry yawned. "Torn and dirty clothes are a sign of a healthy, outdoors lifestyle." Linda narrowed her eyes as she realized Kevin's toys and sports equipment were missing. "He didn't like soccer," Jerry replied. Linda confronted him one last time. "Pull yourself together, Jerry, or face the consequences. I won't sit idly by while you fall apart, or let you drag my grandson down with you."

A Big Favor

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Weeks later, Linda sat on the sunny porch of her nursing home waiting for someone who might be able to save the terrible situation she found herself in. When Denise approached, Linda said: "I'm afraid it's a big favor I have to ask you." Denise sat down beside her. "This sounds serious... is everything okay?" Linda shook her head. "I've been to court and Social Services to have my son-in-law's parental rights removed. He's been neglecting my grandson, Denise! I think all Jerry cares about is the money he gets from me and the state to help him care for Kevin."

Adopt Kevin

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"You and your husband can adopt Kevin." "Adopt your grandson?" Denise's jaw dropped in surprise. "You've wanted to adopt for ages, dear, and I want to ensure my Kevin lives in a happy, loving home where he'll be nurtured," Linda said. "I'd take him if I could, but it's impossible. The next best thing I can do is try to get him placed with someone I trust." "I'm honored and incredibly nervous!" Denise smiled. "But I'd be delighted to welcome Kevin into the family and I know my husband will feel the same way." "Bless you, Denise! You've made this old dame very happy, and lifted a heavy worry from my shoulders."

Give Them a Chance

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"And this will be your room. What do you think?" Linda gauged Kevin's reaction as Denise and Miguel showed off the bedroom they'd prepared for him. Kevin wrinkled his nose and scanned the blue-painted room. "It's nice," Kevin said glumly, shrugging one shoulder. "We can always change the decor, if you don't like it," Miguel offered. "Let Kevin have some time to live in the room before making such big decisions," Linda said. She leaned in to whisper to him: "I know it's strange, dear, but give them a chance. They're good people who will take excellent care of you." Kevin turned away and ran for the front door.

He's Run Away

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That evening, Linda prepared for bed with mixed feelings. She was relieved to know Kevin was in a good home, but it saddened her that he was so upset by the change. The phone rang. Linda's heart began to race when she saw the caller's identity. "Is everything okay?" Linda asked when she answered the call. "No," Denise replied. "I just went to check on Kevin and ask if he wanted a cookie, but he's not here, Linda! I searched everywhere! I think he's run away." Linda pinched the bridge of her nose. "I think I know exactly where he's gone, Denise. Don't worry anymore, I'll bring him back to you."

Fifty Thousand

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The Fake Papers

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'...so I devised a means for you to uncover your father's true character and see the truth about the way he treats you for yourself,' Granny's letter continued. 'The legal papers in this box outline an agreement that will allow Jerry to inherit all of my money on one condition: He must stay away from you. The papers are fake, but he will not know that. Give them to him and see what he does. If he destroys the papers, then you know your father values you more than money, but if he takes them to a lawyer... well, you have a safe, loving home with Denise and Miguel.'

The Lawyer's Office

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Kevin returned Granny's letter to the box and picked up the legal papers. Fear made his heart speed up as he looked across at where Dad sat watching TV. "Hey, Dad!" Kevin crossed the room and held out the legal papers. "I found these in Granny's old sofa. I think they're for you." Dad started to grin as he read the agreement. Kevin's fears were realized when Dad leaped from his chair and strode to the door. "I'm going out, Kevin. There are important things I need to do today." Kevin followed him for several blocks before Dad entered a fancy-looking building. Kevin stopped outside and read the sign at the entrance. It was a lawyer's office!

You Got My Back

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Kevin angrily wiped away tears as he headed back to the apartment. Granny was right; Dad loved money more than him. An hour later, Kevin walked up to Denise and Miguel's front door and rang the bell. "Kevin?" Denise frowned worriedly. "We didn't expect you back for another two days. Is everything okay?" Kevin sniffed. "Uh... yeah. I just... Dad isn't..." "Hey..." Denise crouched down in front of him. "Whatever happened, whatever you're feeling, you can talk to me about it. I got your back, Kevin." Kevin hung his head. "Thanks, Denise. You and Miguel have been so kind to me, and all I've done is run away. I'm sorry." Kevin smiled at Denise. He hadn't felt loved like this since Mom died. In his heart, he thanked Granny for asking such nice people to look after him.