tant nod and nodded.

He then turned to me and inquired, “Did you get the $20,000 she left you?” after a brief pause of silence.

In shock, I blinked. The… “Which?

“The furrow in Mr. Anderson’s brow.” Your mother.

In her will, she mentioned that she had set aside $20,000 for you. I simply assumed you were aware.

My heart sank. Out of nowhere, the red convertible Nonconformist was driving checked out on the planet.

I let out all the rage that had been building up inside me. “No,” I muttered while rising with my hands clasped at my sides. I had no idea.”

Mr.

Anderson’s face became pale. Gracious, Juniper, Please accept my apologies.”

But I was no longer paying attention. I had to get to the trailer of Maverick.

Now.

With my thoughts racing, I stormed back to my car. I hadn’t given it much thought until Maverick, who had never been able to hold down a steady job, suddenly started driving around in a flashy car. It was, of course, my money.

He took the money Gran left me, the only member of my family who actually cared about me, without thinking twice.

I was prepared for a full-blown argument when I arrived at Maverick’s trailer. However, what I saw caught me off guard. The red convertible was smashed to pieces in the driveway there.

The windshield was broken, the front bumper was smashed, and the tires appeared to be flat.

It appeared as though the car had been in a major accident.

Maverick was standing in his battered trailer’s entranceway. He was on crutches, his leg was in a cast, and his face was bruised and covered in scrapes.

Karma had proactively found him.

I approached him, my resentment quickly supplanted by shock. ” Dissident, what in the world occurred?”

His eyes darted away from mine as he uncomfortably shifted on his crutches.

It’s nothing at all.”

“Nothing?” “I made a gesture at the wrecked car.” That appears to be something. What were you up to? Maverick, why did you steal her money?

Knowing he couldn’t avoid it any longer, he winced.

I didn’t intend for it to go this way, Juniper. I… I simply thought I’d get it. I planned to repay you.

However, when I saw that car, I thought, “Borrow it?” I was skeptical. ” You don’t simply “borrow” $20,000 that wasn’t yours. You took that money like it was nothing because my grandmother left it for me.

Now look at yourself. This is karma, Dissident. You ought to get this.

Maverick tried to say something, but I wasn’t done.

You’ve generally taken everything. The love and attention of my parents: It was always about you in everything. What, then?

This was unique. You stole this from my grandmother, the only person who actually cared about me.

“Maverick bowed his head. I screwed up, alright?

“You thought what?” I asked. I screamed. That I would not learn?

that Gran didn’t give me enough?”

He did not have a response. The weight of everything hanging in the air made us stand there in silence. My phone buzzed in my pocket just as I was about to turn and leave.

It was Mr. Clearwater, Gran’s legal advisor.

“Mr. Clearwater?” I replied, keeping my eyes on Free thinker.

“Juniper, I’ve been going over your grandma’s will,” Mr.

Clearwater said. As if he was aware that I needed some reassurance, his voice was steady and calm. There’s something you ought to be aware.

Your grandma anticipated this could occur.”

“What’s your point?” I asked, my heart beating in my chest.

She had a strategy in place because she was aware that Maverick might try to steal the money. Only a portion of her estate was worth the $20,000. Its remainder — her home, her reserve funds, her ventures — have at it, Juniper.

She gave you complete control.

I had no idea what I was hearing. Everything?”

Mr. Clearwater confirmed, “Yes, everything.” Your grandmother was extremely direct.

So that you wouldn’t have to rely on anyone, she wanted to make sure you were taken care of.”

Tears pricked at my eyes, however they weren’t simply from trouble. Gran was aware. She had protected me in the only way she could because she had seen everything about this coming.

She continued to look out for me even after she passed away: as yet showing me that I made a difference.

I took a full breath, steadying myself as I checked Nonconformist out. ” I trust that convertible was worth the effort, Free thinker. I hope the ride was fun for you.

He started, his voice shaky, “Juniper, I—.”

I cut him off by raising my hand.

Don’t. Maverick, I’m done making excuses. Simply save it.”

I turned and walked away without waiting for a response, leaving him there broken in multiple ways.

I no longer felt like the forgotten sibling for the first time. That was guaranteed by Gran.