I was 17 when my grandpa passed away, but I still remember the day vividly. I had just come home from school, and my mom, who usually worked night shifts, gathered my sisters and me for a talk. I knew something was wrong as she took a deep breath before telling us Grandpa had died at 82. Thankfully, he didn’t suffer much, and he stayed active until the end. He had a passion for vintage cars and would take me to car shows, igniting my love for engines.

Spending weekends helping Grandpa with his car became some of my favorite moments. Whether it was spilling oil or scratching the paint job, we always found joy in those moments together. Each weekend, my sisters preferred to spend time with my cousins rather than join me and Grandpa. But I loved being with him. Grandpa never smoked, but he’d fill the ashtray with candy for me, and I eagerly anticipated those sweet treats every visit. When I heard of his passing, I was devastated. Grandpa was my best friend, even through my teenage years. I spent the evening alone in my room, overwhelmed with sadness.

The next morning, I went to the kitchen and sensed everyone was upset with me. My sisters ignored me when I tried to apologize, leaving me feeling isolated. My mom then shared that Grandpa had left me his beloved Chevy Bel Air. I was shocked—it was his prized possession, and I couldn’t believe it was now mine. But my mom quickly burst my bubble. “You can’t drive yet,” she said, explaining her decision to sell the car and divide the money among my sisters, cousins, and me.

I was furious; it felt like such a disservice to the hard work Grandpa put into that car. Despite my pleas, the car was sold for $70,000, and I watched it drive away, vowing that I would get it back someday. My relationship with my mother became strained, and my sisters harbored jealousy because Grandpa left me something significant.

I focused on my goal, got my driver’s license, and worked part-time to save money. After college, I became an engineer, landed a great job, and finally, at 27, I had the opportunity to fulfill my promise. I tracked down the buyer, Michael, and we talked about the car. Although initially reluctant, Michael sold the Chevy to me for $80,000, seeing how much it meant to me. I was overjoyed to bring Grandpa’s car home again.

On my drive home, I noticed the closed ashtray and opened it, reminiscing about the candy Grandpa used to keep there for me. It was empty, but something was hidden beneath the ashtray’s removable part—a white piece of paper. When I stopped at a gas station to inspect it, I found an old envelope with my name in Grandpa’s handwriting.

Inside, a note read: Graham, I hope you’ll enjoy this car as much as I did. I’ve taught you how to look after it, so I expect you to keep her shining. By now, your sisters and mother are probably all ticked off at you, but that doesn’t matter. You’re the only one I consider family.

You see, your grandmother always had someone on the side. She thought I didn’t know about it, but I just kept my mouth shut. Better to not rock the boat, eh? Your mom is the product of that relationship. I’ve known this from the start. I don’t have a single legitimate child. But that’s neither here nor there because you have been like a son to me.

That’s why I’m leaving you the Chevy and little to anyone else. They all know about their real granddad. They kept you out of it because we were so close and you’re the youngest. But you deserve to know that I love you no matter what. Enjoy the ride, Grandpa. I teared up, touched deeply, and drove home with a deep sense of connection to Grandpa. As I parked at home, I noticed the envelope had a light rattle. Inside, I found a stunning gem and a note on the back saying, “I had no doubt that you would find the candy.”

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