A year after my mother died, I returned home—and found my suitcases at the door. Inside, a stranger lounged on the couch in my mother’s robe, sipping wine. “I’m Tasha,” she said. “Colin’s fiancée.” Colin—my mother’s ex, who I let stay out of respect for her last request. Now he was claiming the house was his.

Tasha told me I needed to leave. But I stayed silent, remembering my mother’s words: “Mia, the house is yours.” I waited.

When the lawyer arrived, he confirmed it—everything belonged to me. Tasha stormed out, betrayed. Colin begged to stay. I refused.

By night, I listened as he packed. By morning, the house was quiet again. My mother’s photo was back on the mantle. I touched it and whispered, “I didn’t break my word.”

Kindness isn’t weakness. Letting someone stay was kindness. Making them leave was strength.

Now, finally, I was home.