During a family gathering, my grandmother inquired, «Is the $1,500 I send you each month sufficient?» I responded..

There’s more, Grandma looked me straight in the eyes. Henry never went to college. What, I nearly spilled my coffee, but they always said.

After high school, they sent him to Riverdale to get him away from his gambling friends. They thought a fresh start would help. She shook her head, it didn’t.

He found new friends with the same bad habits. So all those times they said he was busy with exams. Lies, I gave them $80,000 for his education too.

Grandma’s knuckles were white around her mug. Plus the monthly allowance I’ve been sending for you, $1,500 every month for almost 2 years now. I felt sick, I didn’t know any of this.

I thought Henry was in college this whole time. I mean, whenever I visited home, he was always on his computer. I assumed he was studying.

He was gambling online, Grandma’s voice was flat. Your parents have been paying his debts, putting him through rehab, paying for therapists. Nothing has worked.

Tears welled in my eyes, all this time, I’ve been working two jobs. There were weeks I couldn’t afford to eat properly. My roommate had to loan me money when my laptop broke.

I know, sweetie, Grandma reached across the table and squeezed my hand. And I’m so sorry, I should have checked in with you directly. What happens now, I asked, wiping my eyes.

You keep studying, that’s your job. Her voice was firm, and from now on, I’ll transfer $2,000 directly to your account every month. No more middlemen.

I stayed with Grandma for three more days. We talked a lot, about school, my friends, my dreams for the future. For the first time in years, I felt like someone was actually listening to me.

My parents called several times, but Grandma told them I wasn’t ready to talk. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be ready. When it was time to return to college, Grandma drove me to the bus station.

As we said goodbye, she pressed an envelope into my hand. Emergency fund, she said, don’t tell me you won’t take it. Back at school, things changed quickly.

The first thing I did was quit my content writing job. With Grandma’s money, I could focus on my studies and just work at the cafe on weekends. I bought new clothes, stocked my mini-fridge with actual food, and paid back every cent I owed Sarah.

For the first time since starting college, I wasn’t constantly exhausted and hungry. My grades improved, and I even joined a study group. It was like stepping out of a dark room into sunshine.

Two months later, I was sitting in the campus library when someone tapped my shoulder. I looked up to see Grandma standing there, grinning. Surprise inspection, she announced, loud enough to earn us a glare from the librarian.

Grandma, I jumped up and hugged her, what are you doing here? Just making sure at least one of my grandchildren actually goes to college. She winked, let’s get lunch. I have something to tell you…