Continuing with the lie, I said, “I don’t know what happened. I arrived late for her birthday party and found her lying face down in the kitchen.” I told her that my grandma was now in the hospital getting attended to.
“This could’ve been avoided if you guys had bothered to attend,” I guilted her. “I’m sorry, Sandra, I got caught up in something, honey. I’ll go check on her now.”
“Caught up in what? You’re retired!” I snapped, unable to hide my anger. “Don’t take that tone with me!” she retorted before I could get my anger under control.
An upset woman talking to someone on the phone | Source: Pexels
“Sorry, Mom, I am just so worried about Gran-Gran,” I lied. “Another thing I need you to do is send some money to cover the hefty hospital bills.” Feeling guilty, my mother agreed to send her share of the imaginary $2,000 bill.
After dropping the phone, I went back in and spent a little more time with my grandmother until she asked to go take a nap. Taking that opportunity, I then called all the other family members who hadn’t bothered pitching.
A woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
I called my brother, Tim. “Where are you? Why didn’t you come to Gran-Gran’s brunch?”
“Something came up,” he mumbled. “Like what? Another video game marathon?” I retorted. “She’s in the hospital, Tim. Do you even care?” His breath caught in his throat before asking, “Is she going to be okay? What happened?”
I brushed him off, telling him I was too stressed to go into the details. But I rubbed in the fact that what happened to her wouldn’t have occurred if someone had attended her brunch.
A concerned-looking man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
The premise of my plan was to make them all feel guilty and to hit them where it hurts: their wallets. I also fed Tim the same story that hospital bills had to be paid and everyone was chipping in some money.
“I’ll hustle some cash from a friend,” he promised. By then, my mother had already sent some money. She was also asking for an update on Gran-Gran’s health since I hadn’t told her what hospital she was admitted to.
A woman smiling while looking at her phone | Source: Pexels
I made similar calls to my sister and a few other relatives. Each one, feeling guilty, agreed to send money. In no time, I had collected a significant amount! I kept them all in suspense, claiming Grandma was hanging in there. I revealed that visitation would be allowed the next day.
I slept over at Gran-Gran’s so she wouldn’t be alone. The next morning, I booked a trip for her and myself to a beautiful destination she’d always wanted to visit. I surprised her with the tickets.
A younger woman talking to an older one | Source: Pexels
“Gran-Gran, pack your bags. We’re going on a trip!” I said, grinning from ear to ear. Her eyes widened. “What? How did you afford this?”
“Let’s just say I collected a few IOUs,” I replied with a wink.
We spent a week at a beach resort, enjoying the sun, the sea, and each other’s company. I made sure Gran-Gran had the birthday celebration she deserved. We took countless pictures, capturing EVERY joyful moment.
A woman dancing in front of a ring light | Source: Pexels
Before we left, I eased everyone’s minds by telling them that Grandma was being discharged. I said her fall was linked to stress. I told them I’d take care of her and no one had to worry.
I posted the vacation photos on social media, tagging all our family members. The captions read things like, “Best birthday ever!” and “Gran-Gran’s special getaway!” It didn’t take long for my phone to start buzzing with calls and texts.
