One Month To Love

I stood under the gray sky, the rain pouring down on me like a relentless curtain of sorrow. My family and I gathered around the grave, our faces somber and tear-stained. I couldn't help but think of my father, his kind smile, and his piercing blue gaze that seemed to see right through me.

As the priest began to pray, my mind wandered back to the memories I shared with Dad. I remembered the way he worked tirelessly to provide for our family, always putting our needs before his own. I recalled the way he'd take me on long walks, telling me stories about his own childhood and the world beyond our small town and how he would always spoil me, give me anything I wanted. Like when I was turned 18, I wanted a brand new BMW the latest version and he got it for me. My siblings always believed I was his favorite and the more he got me things the more I became a spoiled brat.

My father became sick due to cancer and ever since the doctor told us he had just 6 months left to live, we made sure he had the best 6 months of his life by taking him to his favorite places: the place where he first met our mother and where he always had his favorite pizza.

My eyes welled up with tears as I thought about Mom, who was too ill to attend the funeral. Dad's passing had taken a devastating toll on her health.

The priest's words brought me back to the present. "...and grant him eternal rest," he said, his voice a gentle whisper in the rain-soaked air. I looked at my siblings one by one they looked just as sad as me.

As the mourners began to disperse, I felt a sense of emptiness wash over me. It was as if a part of me had been torn away, leaving a gaping hole that could never be filled. I couldn't even imagine life without our father. Will life for me have meaning?.

Two days passed, and our family gathered again, this time at our home. Our lawyer, Mr. Jenkins, arrived with a somber expression, carrying a large envelope. Obviously it was time for sharing my father's inheritance. We warmly welcomed him with a cup of mint tea which he like very much as my siblings and I sat in our large living room. Every corner in which you turned were pictures of my family. You could tell our mother loved luxury just by looking at our living room which she decorated herself. The living room had soaring ceilings that seemed to disappear into the clouds. The walls, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowed natural light to pour in and dance across the room's lavish furnishings.Plush, cream-colored carpets sank softly beneath foot, inviting guests to sink into the sumptuous comfort of the room. The furniture, a masterful blend of modern elegance and classic sophistication, included a sprawling sectional sofa upholstered in rich, velvety leather.A stunning crystal chandelier hung suspended from the ceiling, casting colors across the room as it refracted the light. The walls were adorned with exquisite works of art, each one a masterpiece of color and composition.A sleek, black granite fireplace dominated one wall, surrounded by comfortable, oversized armchairs and ottomans.

"I'm afraid this is the reading of your father's will," Mr Jenkins said, his voice low and serious.My heart sank as Mr. Jenkins opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. He cleared his throat and began to read:

"My dearest family,

I'm devastated to leave you all behind, but I know that my time had come. I'm sorry for the pain and suffering that my cancer has caused you. Please know that I did everything in my power to fight it, but in the end, it was too much for me.

As you know, I've worked hard to provide for you all, and I've accumulated a significant amount of wealth. But I don't want to just hand it over to you without making sure that you're all on the right path.

That's why I've decided to leave you each a condition to fulfill in order to receive your inheritance.

Megane, my dear, I know that you've always had a sense of adventure. As a child, you would spend hours poring over maps and dreaming of far-off places. But life got in the way, and you had to put those dreams on hold. Now, I want you to take the time to rediscover that sense of wonder. I've left you a list of 10 things to do, and I want you to complete them all within the next month. Send proof to Mr. Jenkins, and your inheritance will be yours.

Halle, my sweet bright girl, I know that you've struggled with finding true love. You deserve to be happy, and I want to give you the chance to find that happiness. You have one month to find true love. You are to find someone and open your heart to him within a month and then you will receive your inheritance.

Louis, my son, I know that you've been with your girlfriend for five years, but you've never proposed. I want you to take the next month to plan the perfect proposal. Make it special, make it meaningful, and make it yours.

I know that these conditions may seem strange, but I want you all to know that I did this because I love you. I want you to grow, to learn, and to find happiness.

With all my love,

Dad"

As Mr. Jenkins finished reading the letter, the room fell silent. My siblings and I exchanged stunned glances, unsure of what to say or do next.As I listened to the letter, I felt a mix of emotions: sadness, nostalgia, and confusion. Dad's words were like a warm hug, but the conditions he'd left for us to receive our inheritance seemed cruel. I felt a surge of anxiety at the thought of finding true love in just one month. It seemed impossible. But as I looked at my siblings, Megane and Louis, I knew we had no choice but to try.

"Wow!" Louis said with a loud laugh. "Dad cannot be serious. I mean Halle's condition doesn't seem fair to me. What if she falls in love with the wrong person?."

Louis even though he is my younger brother had always have a soft spot for me, acting like my elder brother and I love him for that.

"Yes" I said a confused look on my face. "As my father said I've been struggling with love. How does he expects me to just walk up to some random dude and be in a relationship with him. IN ONE MONTH?" I shouted. I didn't want to believe it.

At this point Mr Jenkins seemed really tired and frustrated with all our whining. "I think one month is enough for you to find a suitable man for you Halle. You just need to move around, meet new people." Mr Jenkins said.

"You'll be fine Halle. Mr Jenkins is right. Ever since you broke up with Reg you've never wanted to go out and meet new people. That's why I always call for Emily and Claris to come take you out of your hole." Megane said giving me soft pats on my back.

I thought about it for a moment. Their conditions didn't seem all that bad that's why it was easy for them to say. But me being in a relationship again after everything Reg did me, I vowed never to love again and if I was to find a partner, it wouldn't be anything serious I just want my inheritance.

"And besides how much are we talking of here?." I asked Mr Jenkins. This time, we all turned to him looking at him intensely.

"Well, it says here that if you all are able to complete your tasks, you will all receive a sum of 500 million dollars each." He said fixing his glasses.

We were all in awe we didn't realize our father was that rich. I had to do anything to get my inheritance but first I need a suitable man to be my boyfriend for me to receive it. I'll need help of course which made me think about my best friends. They knew of things like this.