A Text From Our Brother

Why do you get so angry when he is mentioned? He never asked for anything from us since we found out he was our brother…and that was seven years ago when Mom died.

What side? He didn’t do anything.

He was born! That’s bad enough.

I’ve got my own problems. Andy left me last week. The only thing he left me with was the mortgage and a car that’s seven years old.

I’ve got my own problems too! I’m sick, real sick.

I need surgery or I’ve only got a year to live…and my insurance ran out two months ago!

That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.

Sorry doesn’t help. Got $22,000 for the doctor and God knows how much for the hospital and everything else.

I’ve got a few thousand in the bank. You can have it all.

I wish I could say I only owe a few thousand. I’m in the red by $152,600!

Oh, my. I didn’t know anything about either of you. We really should get together and talk.

Someday, when hell freezes over, I guess.

I’m not interested either. What they say about blood is thicker than water. Bull!

I hope you both are doing better next time we speak. Sorry.

(A few weeks later Ella went to her brother’s house at the designated time. Her brother wasn’t there, but Dr. Morgen was there to speak for him.)

My name is Dr. Morgen. Your brother asked me to represent him.

I’m Ella. I don’t think my sisters will be coming.

That’s too bad. It has a great bearing on what I’m about to say.

I tried to get them here. Sorry.

Please don’t be sorry.

Why isn’t my brother here?

I’ll explain in a few minutes. Since it’s five minutes past noon I can begin.

I’m going to read this exactly as it’s written.

"I know that it was a surprise to find out about me. I’m sorry that our Mom didn’t mention me until she died. I’m sure it was hard for her. She told me you were strong women and was very proud of you all. I want to reward you for coming here. I hope all of you are here. If you are here you will be happy, I hope. If any of my sisters is not here..."

"...I’m really sorry. The ones who are here, and I’m trusting Dr. Morgen, will share in my estate. It will be divided equally between my sisters who are here…today. Under no circumstances are any missing sisters to share in the estate in any way. I’m counting on Dr. Morgen to make sure of that. As of today, which is about a week ago, the estate is worth $7,568,889,906. Even after taxes that will be enough for all of you to be very rich. Use the money wisely. Your brother."

7 BILLION dollars!?!?

That is correct. Here is a check for $100 million that you can start using. Remember, none can go to your sisters!

(A few days later Zell and Alice texted Ella because they were curious about what happened at the meeting.)

So what did our sweet brother want?

I bet he was looking for money.

No, he didn’t want anything from us. Actually, he wanted to give us money.

About two billion dollars each.

It’s true and I’m not kidding.

There was one stipulation.

I’ll do anything for billions.

Me too. Who do we have to kill?

So, what’s the stipulation?

You had to be at the meeting. Dr. Morgen read our brother’s will. It specifically said that any sister who wasn’t there couldn’t get a penny. I checked with two lawyers. Both said the will was perfectly legal.

Sorry. Good bye for ever.

You can’t do that.

(A few minutes later Alice and Zella tried to text Ella again, but her number was disconnected. They never found out that Ella was living in a villa in the south of France, with her new husband Ethan Morten.)

A Text From My Brother