When Julia and Helga’s father passed away, the cracks in their family grew deeper. Helga wasn’t mourning—she was demanding. She berated their mother, Mrs. Hanson, over the phone, furious over the contents of the will. Julia, listening quietly from the kitchen, couldn’t believe the venom in her sister’s voice.
Their mother had decided to leave Helga 30% of the estate, while Julia would receive the rest. It wasn’t an equal split, but it was one Mrs. Hanson felt was fair. Julia had been present, caregiving, sacrificing. Helga only ever showed up when she needed something—usually money.
Still, Mrs. Hanson tried to be kind. She’d initially planned to leave Helga nothing. But learning that Helga and her husband had recently had twins in their late forties softened her heart. She offered 30%. But it wasn’t enough for Helga.
“MOTHER! You can’t just give everything to Julia! Don’t you care about the twins?” Helga had shouted during one call.
Mrs. Hanson calmly replied, “This is my money, and I’ll decide where it goes.”
Helga’s response?
“I CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO DIE. I’M GOING TO SUE FOR MY SHARE!”
After that, she harassed her mother relentlessly, calling almost daily, throwing tantrums and demands. The stress took its toll. Not long after, Mrs. Hanson passed away.
At the funeral, Helga sobbed dramatically, putting on a performance no one believed. Julia watched, heartbroken by the loss and disgusted by her sister’s hypocrisy.
Then Helga turned her attention to Julia, pestering her for more money. Julia had enough. So, she came up with a plan.
“Hey, I’ve decided to sell Mom’s house,” Julia told her one day. “Technically, it’s in my name now, but I’ll give you half if you leave me alone. Sound fair?”
Helga lit up. “Absolutely! Thank you! I knew you’d come to your senses. This will help the twins so much.”
Julia smiled politely but said nothing. The house sold quickly—it was in a prime D.C. neighborhood. A week later, just before she moved to New York, Julia met Helga for coffee.
“I’ll put your half in a secure bank location and text you the details,” she said.
“Of course! I trust you!” Helga beamed, wrapping her in a hug Julia couldn’t wait to get out of.
A week passed. Then Julia finally texted the location of a safety deposit box.
Helga, giddy with anticipation, rushed to the bank with her husband. But when the box opened, her smile dropped.
Inside?
Three crisp $1 bills.
And a note that read:
“That’s all you deserve.”
Helga’s screams echoed through the entire bank. But Julia had already blocked her. For good.