5 MINUTES AGO! END IS NEAR? BIGGEST TRAGEDY JUST HAPPENED IN THE USA
The sky turned a bruised, unnatural shade of violet just moments before the sirens began their mournful wail, a sound that cut through the humid air like a jagged blade. Across the heartland, families who were merely finishing their dinner found their lives upended in a heartbeat as the horizon seemed to buckle under the weight of an unseen force. It wasn’t just the physical destruction that left the nation reeling, but the sudden, suffocating realization that we were standing on the edge of…
…a precipice we had long ignored. In the aftermath of the devastation, silence has become the most haunting sound of all. Survivors wander through the wreckage of their own lives, clutching photographs and remnants of a past that feels like it belongs to someone else. There is a collective, visceral reaction rippling through the country—a deep-seated intuition that this tragedy is not merely a statistical anomaly or a stroke of bad luck, but a profound, chilling signal that the foundations of our society are far more fragile than we dared to believe.
History is often written in the ink of catastrophe, and in the quiet hours following the event, the conversation has shifted from the logistics of recovery to the metaphysics of survival. Why now? Why here? These questions are being whispered in prayer circles, debated in the halls of power, and grappled with in the lonely hours of the night. For many, the sheer scale of the ruin serves as a mirror, reflecting the fractures in our own moral and communal lives. We have become a nation obsessed with the immediate, the digital, and the trivial, often losing sight of the bedrock values that once anchored us against the storms of time.
There is a dignity in how the survivors have reached out to one another, their hands calloused from moving debris, their eyes heavy with the weight of loss. This is the human response to tragedy: to rebuild, to comfort, and to find meaning in the ashes. Yet, the lingering question remains—is this a warning? If we view the world through a lens of cause and effect, we must eventually confront the possibility that our trajectory has been unsustainable. The tragedy acts as a forced pause, a moment where the frantic pace of modern existence is brought to a screeching halt, demanding that we look at what truly matters.
As the sun sets over the scarred landscape, the flickering lights of emergency vehicles illuminate the faces of people who are no longer the same as they were yesterday. They have been touched by the reality of how quickly everything can vanish. This is not the end of the story, but it is certainly the end of an era of complacency. We are being asked to look inward, to evaluate the integrity of our choices, and to consider whether we have been building our houses on sand. The warning is not in the destruction itself, but in the opportunity it provides for a fundamental shift in how we treat our neighbors and how we honor the fragile gift of life.
Resonance is found in the way we choose to move forward. We can either retreat into fear, waiting for the next blow to fall, or we can use this moment as a catalyst for a deeper, more meaningful connection to one another. The tragedy has stripped away the pretenses of our daily lives, leaving us raw and exposed. In that vulnerability, there is a chance for renewal. The ground may have trembled, but the spirit of the people remains, bruised but unbroken, searching for a path that leads away from the abyss and toward a horizon that promises more than just survival—it promises a chance to begin again, with eyes wide open to the truth.
The sky turned a bruised, unnatural shade of violet just moments before the sirens began their mournful wail, a sound that cut through the humid air like a jagged blade. Across the heartland, families who were merely finishing their dinner found their lives upended in a heartbeat as the horizon seemed to buckle under the weight of an unseen force. It wasn’t just the physical destruction that left the nation reeling, but the sudden, suffocating realization that we were standing on the edge of…
…a precipice we had long ignored. In the aftermath of the devastation, silence has become the most haunting sound of all. Survivors wander through the wreckage of their own lives, clutching photographs and remnants of a past that feels like it belongs to someone else. There is a collective, visceral reaction rippling through the country—a deep-seated intuition that this tragedy is not merely a statistical anomaly or a stroke of bad luck, but a profound, chilling signal that the foundations of our society are far more fragile than we dared to believe.
History is often written in the ink of catastrophe, and in the quiet hours following the event, the conversation has shifted from the logistics of recovery to the metaphysics of survival. Why now? Why here? These questions are being whispered in prayer circles, debated in the halls of power, and grappled with in the lonely hours of the night. For many, the sheer scale of the ruin serves as a mirror, reflecting the fractures in our own moral and communal lives. We have become a nation obsessed with the immediate, the digital, and the trivial, often losing sight of the bedrock values that once anchored us against the storms of time.
There is a dignity in how the survivors have reached out to one another, their hands calloused from moving debris, their eyes heavy with the weight of loss. This is the human response to tragedy: to rebuild, to comfort, and to find meaning in the ashes. Yet, the lingering question remains—is this a warning? If we view the world through a lens of cause and effect, we must eventually confront the possibility that our trajectory has been unsustainable. The tragedy acts as a forced pause, a moment where the frantic pace of modern existence is brought to a screeching halt, demanding that we look at what truly matters.
As the sun sets over the scarred landscape, the flickering lights of emergency vehicles illuminate the faces of people who are no longer the same as they were yesterday. They have been touched by the reality of how quickly everything can vanish. This is not the end of the story, but it is certainly the end of an era of complacency. We are being asked to look inward, to evaluate the integrity of our choices, and to consider whether we have been building our houses on sand. The warning is not in the destruction itself, but in the opportunity it provides for a fundamental shift in how we treat our neighbors and how we honor the fragile gift of life.
Resonance is found in the way we choose to move forward. We can either retreat into fear, waiting for the next blow to fall, or we can use this moment as a catalyst for a deeper, more meaningful connection to one another. The tragedy has stripped away the pretenses of our daily lives, leaving us raw and exposed. In that vulnerability, there is a chance for renewal. The ground may have trembled, but the spirit of the people remains, bruised but unbroken, searching for a path that leads away from the abyss and toward a horizon that promises more than just survival—it promises a chance to begin again, with eyes wide open to the truth.
After his wife’s funeral, the husband and his mistress went to the notary for wife’s inheritance
After his wife’s funeral, the husband and his mistress went to the notary for the wife’s inheritance
Nick married Jolie 3 years ago. To be honest, he wouldn’t have married her if she hadn’t become the sole owner of the business after her father’s sudden death. Her father, a seemingly young and strong businessman, had died unexpectedly from a stroke. Jolie was Mr. McMillan’s only child, and she was the sole heiress to his fortune. That is why Nick, a handsome slacker who was used to living at the expense of women, paid attention to her.
Jolie was captivated by Nick’s charming promises while he planned to stay with her until a more profitable opportunity arose. But it soon turned out that the most favorable option—the jackpot of his life—was Jolie. She inherited her father’s colossal wealth, and Nick knew exactly how to take advantage of it.
He believed he could easily manipulate her deeper affection for him to control her fortune, and everything was going as well as possible for Nick. The girl was deeply grieving. Her father had been her pillar of support and the most significant person in her life. So Nick quickly surrounded Jolie with care and support.
At such a hard time, the young and naive girl was unaware that the worst moment of her life had spurred Nick to hide his true nature even more—at least until their wedding. He maintained his good behavior, ensuring there was no turning back.
After the funeral, he proposed marriage—of course, suggesting they wait until her “morning period” was over. Nick was adept at deception, manipulation, and pretense. He could become whoever he needed to be and do whatever was expected of him. With his wealthy girlfriends, he typically didn’t put in much effort, thinking there would always be another wealthy woman with Jolie. The name was worth it. The efforts would not be in vain.
But the cunning man clearly understood it. The first hurdle for him came unexpectedly from a source he couldn’t have foreseen.
Jolie’s father had a best friend. He was also her main deputy in the company and godfather to Jolie. Mr. Chinland understood right away that Jolie was head over heels in love and wouldn’t be dissuaded from marriage. Her grief over losing her father made her seek a replacement. But as an intelligent and shrewd man, Mr. Chinland categorically insisted on the prenuptial agreement.
He managed to win Jolie over to his side. “Nick,” it’s for business. Is it that hard?” Jolie asked, repeating what Mr. Chinland had told her. “This is humiliating. Do you think I need your money?” the man retorted, indignant at this turn of events.
“Honey,” it’s just a formality. We only need it in case of divorce. My godfather really wants us to sign it. He’s always been like a second father to me.” Jolie may have been naive about financial matters, given that she’d never had to worry about money—but she wasn’t a fool in other respects. When she set a goal, she achieved it, no matter what.
Nick was pinned against the wall and had to agree to all of Mr. Chin’s terms. The marriage contract formulation was standard, but it capped Nick’s rights completely. It was evident that the business and all other property inherited from Jolie’s father could not become joint property of the spouses.
Nick assumed he would receive a share in the dividends, acquire new property, and assets. However, the contract drafted by a top-class lawyer prevented Nick from having this opportunity.
Despite this, Nick believed the marriage was still beneficial to him, as he would access his wife’s finances without control and build up capital for the future. He was going to take money from the common budget on a daily basis and transfer it to his name. But Nick was mistaken in this regard too.
Mr. Chinland was a dedicated, decent, and responsible person. He controlled not only Jolie’s financial flows in business, but also her personal finances.
Nick had limited funds for personal expenses, but nevertheless he remained optimistic about the future and waited to see how the situation would develop.
Part 2
And soon it turned out that his patience was indeed rewarded.
Jolie had been trying to conceive since their wedding day. She desired motherhood, but each new cycle brought bitterness and disappointment. Initially, she attributed it to nerves and stress caused by the frantic pace of life. She took business into her own hands and learned a lot on the go—which was naturally exhausting.
After more than a year of unsuccessful attempts, the woman sought help from specialists. She underwent a full medical examination and identified the cause of the failures. Jolie’s symptoms—which she had attributed to a busy lifestyle—turned out to be alarm bells. Her body was warning her of problems, but she had ignored it. Finally, the doctors diagnosed her with cancer.
She underwent almost two years of treatment and suffering, but with little success. All this time, Nick played the role of husband only nominally. His vested interest was that Jolie simply did not exist, and he had not managed to hide it well enough. Although they never openly discussed it, Jolie was aware of the numerous women her husband had cheated on her with.
Nick believed he was adept at conspiracy and manipulation. He believed he was successfully playing the role of a dying wife’s husband without arousing suspicion. He felt lucky and thought he only needed to endure a little longer to achieve his desired outcome.
However, Nick’s behavior was condemned and discussed by everyone—from the nurses and in the hospitals where Jolie was being cured to Mr. Chinland.
The man was furious and helpless. He couldn’t comprehend why Jolie would desperately want to preserve her marriage on the brink of the grave. He was also worried that Jolie had no will. As a result, her husband automatically became her only heir. That scoundrel inherits everything—including the fruits of Jolie’s life and her father’s wealth—so all their hard work would be for nothing. An exercise in futility.
Mr. Chinland was sure that Nick would squander all the property within a few years.
However, the elderly man was at a loss on how to broach such a delicate subject with his goddaughter, who until yesterday emanated health and youth—and now had no chance. She was dying, and it would happen in the very near future. That meant the score was counting down to weeks. Nick was already rubbing his greedy hands; his eyes were burning with anticipation, getting rid of this frowning and sick wife and acquiring a solid capital.
It seemed to him that the matter was in the bag. Mr. Chinland prayed that he did not have to start a conversation about the will himself—but fortunately, it was not necessary.
Jolie started the conversation herself. Her secret left him speechless. Because she had planned everything meticulously—with finesse and a ruthlessness he never expected.
Revenge is truly a dish best served cold, and Jolie executed it flawlessly.
How Jolie came up with the idea didn’t take much effort or time. But completing her journey on Earth, she realized her main dreams—unfortunately, her loved ones did not witness a miracle. She passed away without recovering.
She had arranged the details of her funeral with great care. Serene and resolute, she clearly conveyed her final wishes.
The day after the farewell ceremony, the notary called the people mentioned by Jolie in her will and asked them to arrive for its announcement. Nick was shocked by such news. He was sure that his wife had not drawn up any official document in case of her death, and he would become her sole heir—as the law usually provides in such cases.
Still, hoping for the best, he went to the appointed meeting, bringing his new mistress, Shirley, a striking beauty.
Upon entering the notary’s office, Nick spotted Mr. Chinland and Jolie’s friend, Kurt Turgon. But what caught him off guard was that Kurt wasn’t alone. He was pushing a stroller with a baby boy inside.
Nick was completely aware of Kurt’s marriage—or the birth of the child. Although Nick wasn’t an expert in any field, he certainly wasn’t foolish. It didn’t take him long to realize that there was a hidden agenda at play, and that he had been outsmarted.
For about fifteen minutes, everyone remained silent, occupying different corners of the room. No one else arrived. The notary seemed to have deliberately prolonged the introductory part as much as possible, telling them why they had gathered. What an honor it was to read the deceased’s last will and testament.
Even then, Nick could tell by the wicked grin that remained on Mr. Chinland’s face that the contents of the will were a secret only to Nick. Finally, Nick heard his name.
“To my lawful husband,” Nick, I deny the inheritance,” the notary read.
After reading this modest and short sentence, the notary looked at Nick and asked if he had understood the essence of what he had said. The humiliated man had no choice but to nod.
At that moment, Shirley took his hand and tried to get up to leave defiantly. But Nick held her in place. She looked at him with a questioning look, and the man ignored her. He himself would have wanted to leave the scene of his public humiliation as quickly as possible, but the play was not over. The invited audience needed to see it through to the end.
After a brief pause, the notary proceeded:
“I bequeath all my personal property to my only son, Robert Turgus, until he reaches adulthood. I appoint his father, Kurt Turgon, and Mr. Chinland as guardians and administrators of his estate.”
A shocking revelation hit Nick like a gut punch. What a son from Kurt?
His patience broke, and he burst out with a surprised scream.
“Other than Nick and Shirley, the news didn’t come as a surprise to anyone present.” The boy Jolie’s biological child? Nick asked, gasping for breath and raising his voice.
“Yes. Robert is the biological son of Jolie,” Mr. Chinland clarified. “She hasn’t been pregnant in the last two years.”
“That’s impossible,” Nick said desperately, clinging to straws—despite realizing that nowadays being pregnant wasn’t necessary to have a child.
The godfather smirked, clearly relishing Nick’s shock and disappointment.
“The advancements in medicine these days are astounding,” he remarked.
Kurt remembered the horror he had felt two years ago when he discovered that his best friend was seriously ill with little chance of recovery. It was shocking to him how calmly she spoke about her limited time and what she needed to do. That was when she revealed her desire to become a mother.
“No matter what, I had my eggs preserved before starting treatment,” Jolie explained. “I was told that I probably wouldn’t be able to raise my own child, but I insisted. Kurt, I grew up without a mother. I know it isn’t easy, but I always felt her love and protection.”
“Does Nick agree to raise the child alone?” Kurt cautiously inquired.
“Who would allow him?” the woman replied. “He would gladly become a guardian and use the baby’s money. He lacks conscience.”
“No,” she continued, “I’ve already realized that my dear spouse is someone of questionable character. To put it correctly, and his reaction to my diagnosis and prognosis—I don’t even want to speak about him. This man isn’t worth getting upset about.”
“What about the baby?” That’s what she wanted to discuss with you. Jolie hesitated, which was quite unusual for her. Since she was usually fearless.
“I don’t know how to broach the subject delicately. Maybe there is no delicate way,” she said.
“In short, I would like you to be the father of my child,” she exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.
“Are you joking? You have a husband,” Kurt said.
“Yes, I do have a husband. And I will have him until the day I die. I’ve already made that decision,” Kurt said.
Kurt frowned. “Of course, we won’t sleep together. It’s impossible given my current condition. I can’t carry the baby myself. Unfortunately, I had my eggs preserved.”
“Now we need the biological material from the future father, naturally,” she said. “I also need a woman to carry and give birth to him—but luckily, such services are available now.”
At first, Kurt thought it was absurd—nonsensical ramblings of a desperate woman. Yet she had an entire logical plan in her head. And it turned out that she had already completed a significant amount of preparatory work. She researched the legal aspects, arranged reproductive clinic services, and even found a mother for the future baby.
“Kurt,” she said, “you could use the services of a donor for a father for the baby. I really want to leave a piece of my behind. But when you think about it, who will the baby be with?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot, but you’re the only one I can rely on,” she continued. “I’m sure of you. Knowing you for so many years, I believe that you will be a great father.”
“I understand that you want to create your own family. Get married. Have children naturally. It’s logical. But please think about it. Don’t answer me right now. For me—after what happened with Nick—it is critical that the father of my child is someone who doesn’t prioritize money, someone who won’t exploit my assets.”
“I’m not as naive as I was before marriage. Nick taught me a lot. Now I have a lot of life experience.”
“As for you, you don’t need any money at all. You have plenty.”
“My father has the man replied, correcting Jolie’s reasoning. “For the first time you know you’re going to get it. You work tirelessly to keep the family company thriving. You’ve never been needy.”
“Now I know for a fact that a man who grew up poor will never stop thinking about having enough to eat,” he added. “And if his decency is also lacking, there will be a big problem. I have experienced that firsthand.”
The woman sadly added, “To be honest, I’m completely confused. I had an entirely different idea of becoming a father.”
“I need to consult my parents. Understand that I can’t make such a decision alone. Alone. I will need the help of close family members when I become a father. So I have to inform them and ask for their opinion.”
Jolie had no objection. She only requested that Kurt promised to keep the information a secret.
Part 3
The conversation with Kurt’s parents was very difficult. Kurt’s father neutrally accepted everything that was said. He listened to all the explanations and assured Kurt that he would support his son’s decision and would help as much as he could with his grandchild.
Kurt’s mother, however, was not as open-minded. Like all mothers, she wanted him to marry a good woman and have children together. She felt immense sympathy for Jolie. She had known her from childhood and thought highly of her, but this request was very difficult for a mother to accept. How could she accept that her potential grandchild’s mother was dying—and that the child would be carried by another woman?
“Can’t the child get the disease?” the woman asked, finding the question awful, awkward, and out of place.
“Jolie does not have a hereditary form of the disease,” Kurt answered. It reassured the anxious woman to some extent, though not completely. Nevertheless, after careful consideration, she expressed her support for her son’s decision.
Kurt himself also struggled with indecision. Jolie’s proposal caught him off guard, but after some period of contemplation, he concluded that there was no reason to refuse.
When he conveyed his approval to Jolie, she was overjoyed. They began implementing her plan step by step, while Kurt sat and reflected on the life-altering story.
Mr. Chinland reminisced about his conversation with Jolie—a little over two months ago. Starting from afar, she said that she honored Mr. Chinland as a second father and hoped he wouldn’t refuse. Then she blurted out that she wanted him to become the guardian of her son.
At first, Mr. Chinland thought his goddaughter was delirious. But as Jolie shared the full story, the Godfather was left in shock—not only because Jolie and Kurt made such a bold decision, but also because they had hidden it for so long.
“How old is the baby now?” Mr. Chinland asked.
“Robert is eight months old,” Jolie smiled.
“You both truly know how to surprise me,” Mr. Chinland explained, still processing the shock. “I don’t want Nick to find out about the child before I die. In fact, he will only find out when my will is announced.”
Mr. Chinland nodded.
“I’ve already had it drafted, and it’s held with the notary. But there’s one aspect that still needs to be resolved. Robert will have only one parent.”
Kurt has parents, so if anything were to happen to him, Robert will go to them. But I want you to have rights too—just in case.
“Being good at understanding people,” the elderly man sensed that it could be too dangerous to act with Nick like this.
Even though Jolie’s husband fully deserved such treatment, Mr. Chinland continued, “Jolie, are you sure that this is the way to treat your husband? He’s a repugnant man, involving himself with his means. I mean, why do you need such vengeance from beyond the grave?”
He then immediately stopped himself. “Sorry, dear, for being so rude. You know I’ve pondered this for two years. I witnessed Robert’s birth. I saw how Kurt loves him, and his parents adore him. I require nothing else.”
“I have accepted the situation,” Jolie replied. “Currently, I’m much more annoyed by those who speak to me about some mystical recovery and healing. And as for Nick—I loved him so deeply. I believed in him with all my heart. But he turned out to be the most ungrateful beast.”
“He comes to my hospital as if it were hard labor. Do you know his girlfriends brought him here?” the elderly man asked. His silence was filled with bitterness and resentment.
“No, I should forget this,” Jolie continued. “Absolutely not. He cherishes money above all. That’s how I will punish him. It will be a surprise for him.”
“You see,” she added, “I kept everything from you. It was immensely difficult. I wanted to introduce you to my son right away, but I was exceedingly cautious—so that no one would accidentally find out and tell Nick. This may be my farewell to him. I even wrote him a letter. The notary will deliver it.”
Mr. Chinland made several attempts to dissuade his goddaughter. It seemed to him like an ill-advised decision. Yet Jolie maintained her stance, and he had to concede.
After all, it is her final will. It deserves to be respected.
Amid the sudden silence in the notary’s office, everyone was engrossed in their own thoughts. Of course, you don’t need to be a fortune teller to guess that Nick cursed Jolie in every possible manner. People like him have no inkling that they themselves might be to blame—and that other people’s behavior could be a perfectly logical response to it. Yet such introspection is too complex for such people. Why bother searching for problems within oneself?
Strangely enough, it was Shirley who interrupted the silence. She tried to take her lover by the elbow to lead him out, but Nick had no intention of leaving—he hadn’t finished speaking.
“Are you sure that I’m not entitled to anything at all? A mandatory share, or whatever it’s called? I am the husband!” he shrieked.
Even Shirley winced at such behavior, let alone the others present.
Only the elderly notary—accustomed to such conduct—remained unsurprised. “According to the will,” he said calmly, “you are not included in the circle of persons entitled to a mandatory share in the inheritance. Moreover, I carefully studied your marriage contract. Its text is attached here. You have no chance—even when appealing to the courts.”
“Of course I will dispute it,” Nick said. “It’s unclear who this illegitimate child really is.”
Who she claimed as her son—Nick went on a rampage and didn’t realize what he was saying. Kurt struggled to restrain himself from punching the arrogant man. Even Mr. Chinland flushed in anger. Only the notary remained as calm as a python.
“Attached here,” the notary said, “are not only the child’s birth certificate, but also medical documents providing clear answers about his birth. Furthermore, as per the deceased’s request, there are DNA examination results confirming that your wife is the biological mother of Robert Turgon.”
The notary continued, “I should inform you that all documents have been gathered completely and thoroughly. Can I see the evidence?”
“No,” the notary replied. “You can only review the part that pertains to you. All other documents—especially those regarding a child—can only be disclosed with the parents’ consent.”
“Kurt immediately interjected,” he added. “So it’s possible only in a court proceeding, if the court deems it necessary to demand these documents.”
Nick’s restraint finally snapped. He stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him, vowing not to let this matter rest.
Shirley was more polite. “Goodbye,” she said, and left quietly, closing the door behind her.
“Does it matter that he didn’t sign?” Mr. Chinland asked the notary. There are many like him.
“It’s nothing more than a formality,” the notary reassured him. “It would be funny if it weren’t so sad. I still don’t understand how Jolie got involved with him,” Mr. Chinland said. His question remained rhetorical.
The men quickly signed the necessary documents and shook hands. Mr. Chinland helped Kurt put little Robert into the stroller.
“Will you join us? I want to take a walk. Get some fresh air,” Kurt asked.
“Certainly. I’ll join for a while,” Mr. Chinland said.
They walked in silence, listening to the rustle of the stroller wheels.
“Kurt finally asked the question that had been bothering him,” “Do you think Jolie would be satisfied with how I’m coping?”
“I’m sure of it,” Mr. Chinland answered. “You’re a wonderful father. It’s clear to see how much you both mean to each other.”
To be honest, Mr. Chinland added, “there’s one thing I can’t get out of my head. You know, Jolie told you that I advised her against what just happened at the notary office.”
“Are you talking about this circus with the will—and how Nick found out about Robert?” Kurt replied.
Mr. Chinland nodded.
“I was the one who constantly brought up the conversation about that,” Kurt said. “I didn’t like this idea from the very beginning. He’s a nasty type—angry, stupid, and mercenary. Why provoke him?”
“Honestly,” Mr. Chinland replied softly, “I even contemplated telling him when the baby was already born. I believed I had no right to. But I decided that she just didn’t want to deal with him herself, and left these disputes to us.”
Today, I saw him with that woman showing no shame at all. Now I question whether I did the right thing by not insisting on my stance.
“His reaction—the expression on his face—was horrifying,” Kurt continued. “It would have been better to get rid of him earlier.”
“I think Jolie didn’t want to either,” Mr. Chinland said. “That played a part too. Revenge. She wanted revenge because she loved.”
“Regardless of what she said later,” he added, “she loved intensely. And this corrupted love found no other way out.”
“My poor girl,” the elderly man wiped a tear trickling down his cheek. “Don’t grieve for her. She asked us not to. She asked us to direct all our love—which was for her—to Robbie.”
Kurt comforted Jolie’s godfather while other men reminisced. Nick and Shirley watched from the car, discussing the same topic.
“So you won’t get anything at all,” the girl asked in disbelief, blinking rapidly. “You’re such a fool! You’ve heard that there are no chances because of this foundling. Okay, let’s go. We need to take at least something valuable and move it to my apartment.”
Part 4
Three days later, Kurt finally mustered the courage to visit Jolie’s house—only to find it empty.
He had braced himself for a confrontation and even bought two security guards for his protection, but Nick got it right and went back to his place. Of course, he didn’t forget to take with him plenty of valuables.
Now Nick was sitting alone in the small kitchen of his tiny apartment, nursing a bit of whiskey. Shirley had left him, which was quite expected. Why would she need a beggar man?
As Nick pondered his current situation, he couldn’t help but reflect on how he had ended up here. Before, women used to pay him to be with them. But now he needed to offer money to a young, beautiful girl to stay in her company.
Ironically, Nick—an all-around gigolo—had passed his prime and deteriorated due to his vices. He didn’t blame himself for his circumstances. In his thoughts, his wife was the villain who had drained his vitality and dashed his hopes, leaving him without inheritance.
He had been looking forward to the money. In his fantasies, he had been young, handsome, successful, and extremely wealthy. But as a parting shot, Shirley had told him some harsh truths: no one needed him. He was just a poor drunkard living in delusions of grandeur.
It was very difficult to come to terms with that reality. His dreams of wealth and success largely contingent on his ex-wife crumbled like a house of cards. His aspirations to be a successful businessman were dashed by his ego. He failed to see his own part in his downfall. Instead, he blamed his deceased wife—the root of all his problems.
Nick spent nearly two weeks in a drunken stupor, seeking escape from reality, and his resentment grew stronger each day.
During one bleak, hangover-filled morning, he decided he had had enough. He realized that he wouldn’t achieve success or revenge on Jolie by drinking.
A few days prior, men from Mr. Chinland had arrived and practically forced him to hand over his car keys. They tore up the power of attorney Jolie had given him. “Didn’t you know the power of attorney loses its legal force after the death of the person who issued it?” one of the men said, in a derogatory manner.
In his mind, Nick saw himself as a saint who never left his sick wife’s side. He conveniently overlooked his endless intrigues, gambling, alcohol abuse, and his dismissive behavior toward her.
What a pity she’s dead, and I can’t hit her, he thought many times. He barely restrained his impulse, encouraging himself that his patience would be generously rewarded.
He began to ponder how he would like to take revenge on her and what he should do now. At first, he wanted to desecrate her grave. Then, as he contemplated what was dear to Jolie and what harm would cause her the most suffering, he saw another answer lying on the surface.
Robert.
Nick was literally struck by electricity when this idea came to his head. He laughed viciously, having finally devised his revenge plan. Of course, there were many issues to resolve and structure, but he had decided on the main thing: he was not going to hurt Robert.
What’s a mother’s worst nightmare? Not being able to help her child in trouble—that’s precisely what he decided to do.
The plan of his inflamed imagination was simple: to kidnap the baby, take him far away, and leave him at an orphanage.
After a week, thoughts of revenge and fantasies of it warmed Nick’s soul. If he had one.
Of course, he hadn’t smiled like this for a long time. That grimace looked rather intimidating and scary, but Jolie’s husband didn’t care at all. You could even say he was happy, as he thought through all the details.
The object of his hatred was not nearby, but Nick eagerly imagined how Jolie would suffer from her inability to help her child once he had settled on the plan.
In theory, he began to think about the practical side. He needed to find out everything about Robert’s movements and who left the house with him, so he could perfectly select the place and time for his crime.
Nick had known Kurt well in his past, and was even familiar with his parents. He had visited their house. He also knew that their elite suburban settlement had enhanced security.
As Nick began to contemplate his plan, he realized the challenges he would face. He couldn’t predict how much time he would spend observing from the forest with binoculars, studying the child’s daily routine and movements.
Is the game worth the candle? Absolutely, Nick reasoned with himself.
His mental state had been noticeably affected after the announcement of the will. “She ruined my life, and I’ll ruin the life of her child.” A rich heir would live off the state’s readiness, and his mother would watch from the other world, realizing she was to blame for everything.
The man laughed maliciously. If an indifferent person had been near Nick at that moment, they would have noticed the drastic changes in his mind and taken him to a doctor.
Unfortunately, history doesn’t entertain hypotheticals. Nick was unmatched in achieving his goals. If there was a man—no matter how foolish it seemed—he saw it through to the end.
He spent two full days not watching, but preparing the necessary conditions for it. Nick scouted the entire territory to find the perfect vantage point—somewhere that overlooked the entire settlement, especially the Turgus house, while remaining hidden.
For more than a week, Nick rose at dawn and hurried to the cottage settlement, staying there until late evening. He kept a constant watch with binoculars, recording every activity in the house. Whoever arrived, and when they departed—he diligently noted it in a notebook to ensure he didn’t miss anything.
He found that the child was cared for by Kurt’s grandmother and the nanny.
Of course, Kurt and his mother were unsuitable for implementing Nick’s plans. They both knew him well and could identify him immediately. Nick had no intention of being punished for the crime he had committed. Of course he anticipated the police would come to him with questions, but he hoped to wave them away.
Therefore, the nanny was chosen as the victim of the attack.
In Nick’s plan, she had a fixed schedule and always walked with Robert in the same locations and along the same routes. Fortune favored Nick on Wednesday during her daytime walk with the peacefully sleeping baby.
Then Annie left the secured territory of the settlement. She followed a small forest path to a clearing, where another nanny from a nearby settlement met her. They conversed, and Nick even heard their laughter.
The man decided to stop watching the settlement daily to avoid attracting attention. He needed to remain inconspicuous. Now he only visited on Wednesdays, trying to coincide with the nanny’s daytime walk.
Everything was precise—like clockwork. Each Wednesday, the nanny would leave the safety of the settlement and walk the forest path for four consecutive Wednesdays.
He observed the system to ensure it did not fail. On the fourth Wednesday, he knew he would return the next week at the same time to take away the child and execute his plan.
He purchased a powerful stun gun from a local market, paying cash to avoid being traced. He meticulously planned every detail to aid his avoidance of capture.
Similarly, he brought an old car—stole license plates—and attached them to the vehicle. He strategically determined where to park so it was close enough to escape but not so near as to attract attention.
He also considered his appearance, taking steps to disguise his figure and face to avoid recognition.
Thoughts of kidnapping consumed him. He went to sleep and woke up with these thoughts, even dreaming about the act in great detail.
As the appointed day approached, he lost nearly seven kilos and became a mere shadow of his former self. A quick glance at him was enough to realize this was a man to be feared. Traces of neurosis and obsession began to etch themselves onto his face.
On Wednesday, he parked in a pre-selected spot and waited as he saw the nanny pushing the stroller down the path. He trembled. The extensive planning had disconnected him from reality.
He was about to confront a stranger—assault her with a stun gun, snatch the child from the stroller, and flee to his car.
Nick had imagined the situation differently—more like a scene from a video game. However, everything was real: the woman, the baby in the stroller, and the baby examining his surroundings with curiosity. By nature, Nick was not violent. Crossing that line was difficult for him, but his deep-seated hatred for Jolie drove him to carry out his plan.
He approached the boy’s nanny, pushed her away from the stroller, and knocked her down. He then used a taser on her, and she passed out from the shock. All that was left was to take the child out of the stroller and run to the car.
However, things went wrong.
At that moment, he bent down to unfasten the belts, and suddenly he felt a blow to his head and fell to the ground.
The next thing he knew, an elderly man was standing over him. The man was scolding Nick and tying his hands.
Nick lost consciousness again.
The mysterious man turned out to be a gamekeeper well known in two nearby elite communities. His guard house was practically in the middle—just beyond a clearing where nannies from neighboring settlements often gathered, and his dwelling was concealed behind dense greenery. That’s why Nick didn’t notice him.
That day, Mr. Mayo had been returning from the local store. When he noticed suspicious activity, he later explained to the police officer, “I saw someone standing guard dressed entirely in black, despite the morning heat. I decided to watch a little and investigate.”
Due to his many years as a gamekeeper, Mr. Mayo was adept at moving silently through the forest to avoid alarming the wildlife. “I hid behind a tree and kept a watchful eye. Suddenly I saw a man attack a woman, knocking her down. I initially thought he intended to assault her, but he was trying to reach the child. I rushed over and hit him with a stick I had picked up just in case.”
“Good job, Mr. Mayo!” one of the officers said. “You’ve become a local hero. The press is already gathering. They want to interview you. Sign this police report and bask in your newfound fame.”
“No, I won’t go to them. I don’t care for that sort of thing,” the gamekeeper replied, quietly walking back to his place in a roundabout way so that no one would follow him.
Mr. Mayo didn’t feel he had done anything extraordinary. He believed anyone would have acted similarly in his position. How could he not assist when those who couldn’t defend themselves were in danger?
Danger.
A few hours later, Kurt appeared at Mr. Mayo’s house. “Hello. I am the father of the boy you rescued today. He’s a good kid. He calmed down as soon as I picked him up. Such a brave and intelligent-looking boy. Thank you so much. It’s a blessing you were there at the time. We’re so grateful you didn’t just pass by.”
Kurt was on the verge of tears, overwhelmed with emotions. The day had been incredibly intense and had left him emotionally shaken.
“Tell me,” Kurt asked, “how can I thank you?”
“What are you talking about?” Mr. Mayo said. “There’s no need to thank me. Who keeps score when a child’s life hangs in the balance?”
Mr. Mayo was genuinely surprised to be thanked for his actions. Nevertheless, Kurt persisted.
“If you insist,” he said, “a new hunting suit and maybe some food for my dog would be appreciated.”
“Of course. No problem.”
“By the way,” Kurt added, “if you don’t mind me asking—was all this done for money?”
A curious gamekeeper asked.
“Oh, sadly,” Kurt replied, “it’s much more complicated than that.”
“Well, feel free to share if it’s not too much trouble,” the gamekeeper said. “I live somewhat isolated here in an information vacuum, so to speak.”
Kurt began to recount the disjointed events of their past years—Jolie’s illness, their unconventional parenting decision, her subsequent death, and the ensuing revenge against her husband.
The investigator informed me that Nick was deeply hurt. As everyone assumed, his actions were solely driven by greed. He was, in fact, consumed by revenge, Kurt explained.
Kurt was relieved that Mr. Mayo had inquired about this complex story. He had been eager to share it with someone seeking an unbiased perspective from an outsider. He questioned whether they had driven Nick into a state of madness and revenge—and if it was just about himself, Kurt wouldn’t suffer so much.
“If it were just about himself,” Kurt continued, “everything would have been easier.”
After concluding his story, Kurt turned to Mr. Mayo, an impartial observer, and asked, “Do you think we pushed him to this point? Are we responsible for his entire desire for revenge?”
Mr. Mayo looked at Kurt. “Oh, boy, are you serious?” he said. “You’re an adult, and you’re talking such nonsense. Nick of yours always found a reason. He doesn’t even need one. He married for money, cheated shamelessly, mistreated his sick wife, and convinced himself it was all her fault. What’s her fault for retaliating once—for losing patience—for not enduring it?”
“He hit the most painful thing for him. On the contrary, well done. The woman has thought up such a plan and put it into practice.”
This harsh truth—from a strange man’s perspective—truly uplifted Kurt. He deeply pondered every word Mr. Mayo said.
“Now I also owe you for your good advice,” Kurt said.
Kurt smiled in response. The gamekeeper merely waved his hand. They parted as friends, and Mr. Mayo promised to check in on the boy.
“I heard somewhere,” Mr. Mayo said, “that the Chinese have this belief or wisdom—God knows what to call it—that if you save someone’s life, you’re responsible for that person forever. So don’t worry about your Robert. I’ll look after him, too.”
True to his word, the gamekeeper regularly visited Kurt’s house and was always a welcome guest. The boy found another loving family member.
The court sentenced Nick to several years of imprisonment. During this lengthy period, everyone in the house managed to calm down and return to their usual quiet life. The family could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Mr. Chinland regularly visited and babysat the boy diligently, fulfilling the duties assigned to him by his goddaughter.
Kurt met a single mom whose daughter attends the same kindergarten group as Robert. The children get along well, and Kurt’s parents hope that this time their son’s personal life will flourish.
May you like
Robert will have a loving stepmother and a sister—perhaps even more than one sister.
But of course, as Kurt promised Jolie, he will never allow Robert to forget his own mother. He always talks about her, shows the boy pictures and videos, and constantly reminds him that his mother loves him very much and is always with him—protecting and watching over him, even if he can’t see her.
