My grandfather raised me alone after my parents died. Two weeks after his funeral, I discovered that HE HAD LIED TO ME ALL MY LIFE.

"He insisted that I give you this letter."

I know I often said "no," didn't I? I hated doing it, but I had to make sure you could live your dream of saving all those children, like you told me you would.

This house is yours, the bills are paid for a while, and the fund is more than enough for your tuition, your books, and a nice new phone, too!

I'm so proud of you, my daughter. I'm always with you, you know. Always.

All my love, Grandpa.

I had to make sure you could live your dream.

I collapsed there, in the office.

When I finally raised my head, my eyes were swollen, but for the first time since Grandpa's death, I didn't feel like I was drowning.

"How much is in the trust?" I asked Ms. Reynolds.

She typed a few keys on her computer.

I collapsed in the office.

"Lila, he made sure you were fully taken care of. Tuition, accommodation, board, and a generous stipend for four years at any state university."

I spent the next week researching schools, and I applied to the best social work program in the state.

I was accepted two days later.

That same evening, I went out onto the porch, looked at the stars and whispered the wish I had made to him when I read his letter.

I murmured the wish I had made to her when I read her letter.

"I'm leaving, Grandpa." I didn't even try to wipe away the tears that were streaming down my face. "I'm going to save them all, just like you saved me. You were my hero to the very end. You made it happen. You really did."

The lie about scarcity had been the greatest act of love I had ever known. And I was going to live a life worthy of that sacrifice.