I Carried My Elderly Neighbor down Nine Flights During a Fire – Two Days Later, a Man Showed Up at My Door and Said, ‘You Did It on Purpose!’

Someone who sees me as more than a burden.”

My chest hurt. “We do love you,” I said. “Nick calls you Grandma L when he thinks you can’t hear.”

A wet laugh slipped out of her.

“I’ve heard him,” she said. “I like it.”

“I didn’t help you because of this,” I said. “I would’ve gone back up there even if you left everything to him.”

“I know,” she said.

“That’s why I trust you with it.”

“Can I hug you?” I asked.

She nodded. I stepped inside, leaned down, and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. She hugged me back with surprising strength.

“You’re not alone,” I said.

“You’ve got us.”

“And you’ve got me,” she said. “Both of you.”

That night we ate dinner at her table. She insisted on cooking.

“You already carried me twice,” she said.

“You don’t get to feed your child burnt cheese on top of that.”

Nick set the table. “Grandma L, you sure you don’t need help?”

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