Rain drenched Sam’s jacket as the casket sank into the wet ground. He stood slightly apart, watching mourners huddle near the grave. Some murmured, others stood in silence. Mary, pale and still, was flanked by her grown children, Lisa and Greg, her hands trembling, her eyes distant. Across the muddy path, a man and woman hovered, their faces tight with unease. Sam didn’t know them, but their presence felt significant. He glanced at the coffin, his heart heavy for Henry, his trucking buddy of two decades. They’d shared stories over diner coffee and long drives, but now Sam knew some of those tales were woven with deceit.
As the service ended, the groups drew closer, tension thick. Lisa’s voice cut through. “Who are you people?” The woman shifted nervously. “I’m Kate,” she said. “This is my brother, Paul. We’re Henry’s kids.” The words struck hard. Lisa flinched, Greg’s jaw dropped, and Mary’s face whitened. “That’s not true,” Mary whispered. “I was his wife. We were his family.” Paul’s shoulders squared. “We didn’t know you existed,” he said. Greg’s voice boomed. “Liars!” Kate’s eyes teared up. “He was always gone—work, he said. Weeks away.” Sam spoke up. “They’re telling the truth. Henry had two lives. Trucking let him hide it—late loads, truck trouble, always an excuse.”
Lisa swayed, and Mary seemed to fade into herself. “He came to our recitals,” Kate said softly. “Some birthdays. We thought it was his job.” Lisa screamed, “You’re lying!” Paul shouted, “We waited for him too—every holiday!” Mary’s voice broke. “He was my husband!” Sam sighed. “He betrayed you all.” The rain fell harder, matching the rising anger. Sam mentioned a lawyer coming to read Henry’s will, urging peace. The groups parted, weary and wounded, while Sam lingered by the grave, wondering how one man’s lies could break so many hearts.
Henry’s house felt heavy with old memories and damp air. Sam stood by the window, watching the families split the small living room. Lisa sat tense, her fingers drumming, while Greg stood behind her, arms folded, staring daggers. Kate, pregnant, sat upright, glancing nervously, while Paul slumped in a chair, glaring at the floor. Mary sat in the center, hands twisting, eyes empty. Sam spoke. “Henry’s job made it simple. Long trips, weeks gone, always a reason to stay away.” The room stayed quiet, anger simmering. Lisa muttered, “We were just stops on his route.” Kate’s voice shook. “You think we didn’t wait? We watched the clock, hoping he’d come.”
Greg scoffed. “You got your share, now you want ours?” Paul snapped, “Pain doesn’t split evenly.” The fight grew. Greg raged about college funds Henry promised. Lisa spoke of a bakery she planned with him. Kate, tearful, said, “My baby needs a future.” Paul mocked Lisa’s “little shop.” Lisa yelled, “You don’t belong!” Kate countered, “We’re his kids too!” Mary stood, voice cracking. “Stop! I buried my love today, only to find he was a lie.” Silence fell, thick with sorrow. Sam noted the lawyer’s arrival, but the groups kept glaring, shattered by deceit.
The lawyer walked in, clutching a battered briefcase. “I have Henry’s will,” he said. “The estate—house, accounts, everything—divides equally among his children, but only if you agree peacefully.” Lisa stood. “I won’t share!” Paul shouted, “I’m not backing down!” Greg pointed at Kate. “She’s not legitimate!” Kate yelled, “We’re his kids!” The lawyer tried to calm them, but shouts overwhelmed him. He spoke louder. “If you can’t agree, everything goes to Sam.” Shock hit. Greg yelled, “No!” Paul spat, “He’s nobody!” Lisa accused Sam of plotting. Sam said, “I didn’t ask for this. Henry wanted to mend his mess. I’m giving it to charity—shelters, kitchens.”
Kate whispered, “Really?” Sam nodded. “No winners here.” He stepped into the rain, leaving the house echoing with anger and grief, knowing Henry’s lies had destroyed them all.
