Mary and George’s retirement was supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, a reward for decades of hard work and diligent parenting. They looked forward to spending their days indulging in hobbies and doting on their family, especially their granddaughter, Ellie. From the moment their daughter Monica announced her pregnancy, the couple dreamed of the days they would spoil their grandchild, offering all the love and support they could provide.

Ellie grew up to be a vibrant and assertive young woman, much like her mother had been. Mary and George reveled in her every achievement, celebrating her bold spirit and independence. But as Ellie approached the end of high school, her strong will began to present challenges, particularly when it came to her choice in relationships.

Ellie had met Tom at a community event. Older by a few years, Tom was a college student who seemed polite and ambitious at first. However, something about him didn’t sit right with George and Mary. Despite their reservations, they supported Ellie as she navigated her first serious relationship, hoping their instincts were wrong.

Then one Sunday morning, which began like any other with the aroma of pancakes and the sound of laughter, their world was briefly turned upside down. Ellie arrived unexpectedly, her demeanor serious and her usual warmth replaced by a cold formality.

“Hi, darling,” Mary greeted her, stepping aside to let her in. “You’re just in time for breakfast!”

Ellie declined the offer with a slight frown, her mind clearly preoccupied. George joined them, sensing the tension but trying to lighten the mood with his usual cheer. Ellie, however, cut straight to the chase.

“Look, I’ll get straight to the point,” she began, leaning against the wall as if bracing herself for confrontation. “You remember Tom? He’s got this startup idea. It’s about renewable energy, and it could be really big, but he needs some serious cash to get it off the ground.”