Shortly after that, Nancy was fired, but she managed to photograph a draft of the sales contract.
That evidence allowed the lawyers to act quickly to prevent any illegal transaction on the property.
The alleged buyer was located, and it turned out Brenda had lied, saying her parents lived in another state.
Christmas Eve arrived without a big family dinner or gift exchange.
Shawn spent midnight sitting next to his mother’s hospital bed.
At ten past twelve, Doña Maria opened her eyes and asked, “Is it Christmas yet?”
“Yes, Mom,” Shawn replied softly.
“Then give me my gift,” she said with a smile.
Shawn smiled back and asked, “Which gift?”
She stretched out her arms toward him.
Shawn leaned down and hugged her tightly.
“I did not want money, son,” Doña Maria said. “I just wanted to know you were okay.”
Those words struck him deeply.
