A poor girl named Cynthia was forced to sell her family heirloom in a desperate bid to pay for her grandmother’s life-saving operation. But just days later, to her astonishment, the heirloom reappeared on her doorstep.
Cynthia had grown up in a modest but loving home. Though her family didn’t have much, their house was always filled with warmth. Next door, however, lived the wealthy owners of a successful local grocery chain. Despite the difference in their circumstances, Cynthia often played with the neighbor’s son, Julian.
Unbeknownst to Cynthia, Julian harbored a secret childhood crush on her. Whenever they played outside, he would pick flowers for her and share his expensive chocolates and candies, small acts of kindness that meant the world to Cynthia.
But Julian’s parents disapproved of the friendship. They believed Cynthia would be a bad influence on their son. “Julian, she’ll affect the way you behave,” his mother would scold. “You’ll become rowdy and childish. You should be inside taking music lessons or at soccer practice — not wasting time with childish games in the yard.”
Cynthia’s parents could sense the quiet disapproval from Julian’s family. His parents believed they were better, and though nothing was ever said outright, the distance was always there. Out of concern, Cynthia’s parents gently asked her to keep her distance too.
But Cynthia and Julian had a bond that wasn’t so easily broken. Since they attended the same public school, it was impossible to keep them apart. Behind their parents’ backs, they remained close, growing up together, sharing secrets, and navigating the ups and downs of childhood.
When middle school came around, Julian’s life at school took a difficult turn. Word got out that he was the heir to a multi-million-dollar business — a rich kid studying in a public school. The teasing and whispers followed him everywhere.
But Cynthia, fiercely loyal, was always there to stand up for him.
“He and his family are practical,” she would tell their classmates without hesitation. “So what if they want Julian to go to school like the rest of us? That doesn’t change who he is.”
Through those awkward middle school years and into high school, Julian never quite escaped the nickname “the strange rich kid.” His love for antiques made him even more of an outcast among his peers, who couldn’t understand his fascination with old clocks, faded portraits, and dusty heirlooms.
But Cynthia never cared about any of that. To her, Julian was simply Julian — the boy who once picked flowers for her and shared his chocolates without asking for anything in return. Their friendship remained strong, untouched by the judgments of the world around them.
One day, Julian decided it was time to finally confess his feelings to Cynthia. The school dance was the perfect opportunity, and he had carefully planned for it. He dressed his best, trying to look as confident as possible, and brought with him a box of the same chocolates and candies he had shared with her when they were children — a small but meaningful gesture, reminding her of their bond.
When he arrived at the dance, his heart was racing. He searched the crowd for Cynthia, hoping to share the moment with her. But when he spotted her, his excitement quickly turned to confusion. She wasn’t alone.
“Hey,” Julian greeted her, trying to hide his surprise and disappointment.
“Hi, Julian,” Cynthia replied, offering him a warm smile. “I know I said I wouldn’t come with a date, but… well, Adam invited me and asked me out.”
Standing beside her was Adam, the quarterback of the football team — the most popular guy at school. He had always been interested in Cynthia and, over time, had made his move. Julian’s heart sank, but he tried to stay composed.
Adam smiled at him, though Julian could tell it was a polite but distant acknowledgment. Julian nodded, doing his best to mask his feelings.
Though he wanted to respect Cynthia’s decision and her relationship with Adam, Julian couldn’t help but feel a mix of fear and sadness. He worried that Adam might not treat her the way she deserved. But for Cynthia’s sake, he decided to hold back his feelings and let her have this moment with him.
As the night went on, Julian stayed at a distance, watching them together. But, deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was slipping away. After that night, Cynthia seemed to grow more distant, too. Their conversations became fewer, and their connection, once so strong, began to fade. They had grown apart.
After high school, Julian and Cynthia’s paths diverged. Julian left Virginia to pursue business studies at a prestigious school in Boston, while Cynthia stayed closer to home, attending a local university in Virginia. Though they exchanged occasional messages, life’s busy rhythms made their communication less frequent.
Years passed, and Julian’s life evolved as he focused on his studies and career. But when he finally decided to return to Virginia and move back in with his parents, he learned some heartbreaking news. Cynthia’s parents had tragically passed away in a freak car accident. It was a shock to everyone who knew them, and Julian, feeling an old sense of loyalty and friendship, made the decision to pay his respects.
He arrived just in time for the funeral, his heart heavy as he walked through the doors of the church. The familiar faces of their childhood community were there, but his attention was on Cynthia, who stood by the altar, her face streaked with tears.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Julian whispered softly, offering his condolences as he stood by her.
Cynthia, unable to find comfort in anyone at that moment, was inconsolable. She cried through the service, the grief overwhelming her. Julian stayed by her side, not knowing what to say but simply offering the quiet presence of a long-lost friend. He didn’t try to fill the silence; he just remained there, providing support in the only way he knew how.
Hours later, when the funeral ended and the crowd dispersed, Cynthia finally found the strength to compose herself. She turned to Julian, her eyes still red but softer now.
“Thank you for being here,” she said quietly, her voice hoarse. “I really appreciate you attending all the funeral days. It means a lot to me.”
She gave him a small, genuine smile — one that held more gratitude than words could express.
“Of course. You don’t even have to mention it,” Julian replied, his voice sincere. “How have you been? What are you up to nowadays?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation light despite the heavy weight of his feelings.
Cynthia hesitated for a moment, before lifting her hand slightly to reveal the engagement ring on her finger. “I manage a local coffee shop. I’m also engaged, actually. To Adam,” she said, her eyes flickering to Julian’s face as she spoke.
Julian’s heart skipped a beat, the words hitting him harder than he had expected. He forced a smile, but his insides twisted with surprise and something deeper that he couldn’t quite name. It had been years, but part of him still harbored feelings for her.
“Oh,” was all he managed to say, his voice quieter than before. Congratulations! he said, but the words felt foreign in his mouth. He had wanted something more than this — he had hoped, deep down, that his return to Virginia might be the spark to rekindle whatever was between them. Yet here she was, engaged to someone else.
“Where is he now?” Julian asked, trying to sound casual despite the tightness in his chest. “I didn’t see him these past few days.”
“He’s been busy at work,” Cynthia explained, her gaze turning to the ground for a brief moment. “He couldn’t miss a business trip to California, so he’s over there at the moment.”
Julian felt a small, uneasy knot tighten in his stomach at the thought of Adam being so absent during a time like this. It didn’t sit right with him, but he pushed the thoughts aside. This wasn’t his place to interfere.
“I’m sorry you’ve had to go through so much alone,” he said, his voice soft. “But if you ever need anything, or if you want to talk… I’m only one call away.”
Cynthia looked up at him, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment. She smiled faintly, as though grateful for his presence but unsure of how to respond.
“Thank you, Julian,” she said quietly, the weight of everything between them hanging in the air.
The old connection they once shared, the comfort of knowing each other through years of shared memories, was still there. But the distance between them, both physical and emotional, seemed impossible to bridge.
For the second time in their lives, Julian made the decision to respect Cynthia’s relationship and walk away. The old connection they shared would always linger, but he knew that it was time to move forward. He focused on his work, first under his father at the family business, and then, two years later, he met Kiera — a young woman who would change his life.
Julian first encountered Kiera when they were both studying in Boston, but it wasn’t until a business meeting in Virginia that fate seemed to pull them back together. The moment he saw her again, something stirred within him. Their connection was immediate, as though time hadn’t passed between their first meeting and now. Julian felt as though the universe was giving him a second chance at love.
I guess this is what fate is, Julian thought to himself, a smile tugging at his lips. He decided to pursue Kiera, feeling something special between them, and over time, they grew close. As their relationship deepened, Kiera supported him in an unexpected way. Together, they worked to open a small antique shop in town, a dream Julian had carried with him since childhood. All the while, he continued working under his father’s grocery chain, balancing both worlds as he built a future with Kiera.
Meanwhile, Cynthia’s life had taken a different turn. After marrying Adam, she quickly found herself pregnant and eventually decided to leave her job to focus on family. It was during this time that her grandmother fell seriously ill and required an emergency operation — an operation that was incredibly expensive.
In an effort to save her grandmother’s life, Cynthia turned to Adam, hoping he would support her during such a difficult time. But Adam, always focused on business and his own career, was unwilling to help financially. “We can’t just throw money around,” he insisted. “You should sell a few of your valuables to cover the costs. It’s the practical thing to do.”
Cynthia was devastated by his coldness. The decision wasn’t easy, but she had no choice. She reluctantly agreed to sell some of her family’s heirlooms — the very valuables that had once been cherished by generations before her. The thought of parting with them tore at her heart, but she knew it was the only way to secure the funds for her grandmother’s surgery.
“Grandma’s old already, Cynthia. We, on the other hand, have to think of our family and our kid’s future. I can’t possibly spend my savings on her operation when I know I have to spend on our child’s birth in a couple of months,” Adam said coldly, his words cutting through Cynthia like a knife.
Cynthia’s heart sank. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could he be so callous about her grandmother, the woman who had been like a second mother to her after the loss of her parents? How could he prioritize their unborn child’s future over a life that was already slipping away? It felt like Adam was asking her to choose between her grandmother and him, and the decision was becoming painfully clear.
“Are you really asking me to let her die?” Cynthia whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. “Grandma was there for me when I had no one else. I can’t just turn my back on her, not like this. She’s family.”
But Adam was unyielding. “We need to think practically, Cynthia. We have a future to build. I’m not going to sacrifice everything for someone who’s already lived her life.”
The final straw came one evening when Cynthia broached the idea of having her grandmother move in with them, so she could provide the care her grandmother so desperately needed.
“I’m not letting that woman live here,” Adam snapped, his tone harsh. “I don’t want the house to smell like death, Cynthia. This isn’t just about you and her. It’s about us — about our life together. We can’t let your grandmother take over everything.”
Cynthia stood frozen, shock and anger surging through her veins. This wasn’t the man she thought she married. The respect, the compassion she had once seen in him had been replaced by selfishness and disregard for her family.
“Adam?” she said, her voice rising in disbelief. “How can you speak so badly of my grandmother? She’s my grandmother! She raised me. Show some respect!”
Adam scoffed. “You’re already spending all of your time with her! What about me? Don’t you have obligations to me as your wife? Our house is a mess, I eat leftovers every day, all because you’re at your grandmother’s house day and night!”
The hurt was clear in his voice, but for Cynthia, it was the breaking point. She had spent her life putting others first, but this — this was too much. The man she had married, the man she had once believed in, was now demanding that she abandon the very people who had cared for her when she needed it the most.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but they weren’t tears of sadness. They were tears of anger, frustration, and realization. She had spent so much time trying to please Adam, trying to make him happy. But now, standing in front of him, it became clear: he wasn’t the man she thought he was. He wasn’t someone who would support her in her time of need. He was someone who would only care about his own comfort.
Cynthia took a step back, her decision forming in her mind. “I can’t do this anymore, Adam. I can’t keep pretending this is okay. I need to care for my grandmother, and I’m not going to let you dictate my family’s future like this.”
Adam was silent for a long moment, and Cynthia could see the anger flickering in his eyes. He wasn’t used to being challenged, and it seemed like he wasn’t willing to understand where she was coming from. But for the first time in a long time, Cynthia felt a sense of clarity.
As she turned away to leave, she knew she had made the right decision, but it didn’t make the heartbreak any easier. She wasn’t sure what would happen next, but she knew she couldn’t continue in a marriage that was so devoid of compassion and respect.
Cynthia’s heart was shattered. She had never imagined that her life would take such a turn — pregnant, alone, and now facing the reality of losing her beloved grandmother. Yet, in that moment, surrounded by the soft rustle of the night, something shifted inside her.
She felt the overwhelming weight of responsibility, not just for her unborn child but for the woman who had raised her, cared for her, and loved her when no one else had. She knew that this was her moment — the moment where she would fight, no matter the cost.
“Grandma,” she whispered through her tears, squeezing her grandmother’s frail hand, “I’m not going to let you go. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll sell everything, work every hour, anything — you’re going to be okay. I promise.”
Her grandmother, though weak, gave her a soft smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “You always were a fighter, my dear,” she whispered hoarsely. “I have faith in you.”
That night, as her grandmother slept peacefully, Cynthia’s mind raced with options. She couldn’t rely on Adam anymore — he had made his choice, and now it was time for her to make hers. She needed the money for the operation, but the savings she had were nowhere near enough.
She thought about the family heirloom, the precious piece of jewelry her grandmother had passed down to her, something that had always been a symbol of their bond. The heirloom had been a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of women in her family. It was a difficult decision to even consider parting with it, but if it meant saving her grandmother’s life, Cynthia knew she had no other choice.
The next morning, she set out to find a place to sell the heirloom. She felt a pang of guilt at the thought, but it was overshadowed by the urgency to act. She knew this was the only way she could raise the funds quickly enough for the operation.
As she entered the local pawn shop, Cynthia hesitated for a moment, clutching the heirloom tightly in her hands. The old man behind the counter eyed her with curiosity.
“How can I help you?” he asked, his voice gruff.
“I need to sell this,” she said, her voice trembling, holding out the family heirloom. “It’s a family piece. I need to raise money for my grandmother’s surgery. She’s dying, and I’m running out of time.”
The man studied the piece closely, then looked back at Cynthia with a skeptical expression. “It’s worth something,” he said after a pause. “But are you sure you want to sell this? It’s precious.”
Cynthia nodded, her resolve firm. “I have no choice. I’ll do anything to save her.”
After a moment of silence, the man gave a short nod. “Alright. I’ll give you a fair price for it.”
With her heart heavy but determined, Cynthia agreed to the deal. As she walked out of the pawn shop, the money in her pocket felt both like a lifeline and a weight she would carry for the rest of her life.
Back at her grandmother’s house, Cynthia held the money in her hands, and though her heart ached, she felt a glimmer of hope. She was one step closer to getting her grandmother the help she needed. It wasn’t the end of the battle, but it was a start.
As she prepared to make the necessary arrangements for the operation, Cynthia thought about everything she had been through. The pain of losing Adam, the strain of facing her grandmother’s illness alone — but none of that mattered anymore. She had made a promise, and she would keep it, no matter the cost.
The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Cynthia wasn’t alone in this fight, and she would go to the ends of the earth to keep her grandmother by her side.
Cynthia’s heart skipped a beat. She had never expected the heirloom to be worth so much. The realization that this watch — her family’s most treasured possession — could save her grandmother’s life filled her with both relief and disbelief.
“$50,000?” she repeated, her voice shaky. “I… I didn’t know it was worth that much. I thought maybe $5000, at most.”
Julian smiled gently, carefully inspecting the watch. “It’s not just any old piece of jewelry,” he said, his tone full of admiration. “This is a historical artifact. The craftsmanship, the materials… it’s a rare find. It’s worth more than you’d expect.”
Cynthia swallowed hard, struggling to hold back her emotions. She had always known the heirloom was special, but hearing Julian’s confirmation made it feel real. She had just found a way to save her grandmother.
“I… I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Julian,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “This will really help. My grandmother needs surgery, and without this, I don’t know how I would’ve been able to afford it.”
Julian’s expression softened. “I’m glad I could help, Cynthia. I know how much your family means to you.”
There was a long, quiet pause between them. The weight of the moment hung in the air — not just the act of selling the heirloom, but the unspoken connection between them that had never quite gone away, despite the years.
Cynthia cleared her throat, wiping away a stray tear. “I guess I’ll just have to let it go, won’t I?”
Julian nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know it’s hard. But it’s the right thing to do. Your grandmother will be in good hands with this money.”
For a moment, the two of them stood there, the past between them swirling with memories of childhood games and unspoken feelings. Cynthia felt a pang in her chest. She had never imagined that she’d be standing in Julian’s shop like this, sharing something so personal and precious.
“I’ll be sure to make sure it gets to the right people,” Julian added, snapping Cynthia out of her thoughts. “I’ll arrange for the sale and ensure that you get the full amount.”
Cynthia nodded, still in shock. “I trust you, Julian. Thank you for everything.”
As she left the antique shop, the weight of her decision lingered, but she also felt a sense of hope for the first time in weeks. The road ahead was still uncertain, but she was no longer facing it alone. And for the first time, she knew that her grandmother had a chance at life.
As the days passed, Cynthia’s relief grew. Her grandmother, once frail and weak, was slowly regaining strength. Cynthia stayed by her side, helping her with meals and keeping her company as she rested in the hospital. She had always been close to her grandmother, and now, more than ever, Cynthia understood just how important it was to cherish those moments.
Her grandmother’s recovery felt like a miracle, and Cynthia couldn’t stop thinking about Julian’s kindness. He had not only helped her financially but had shown her a side of him that she hadn’t seen before. He hadn’t just bought the heirloom for its value — he had seen the person behind the situation and had made the choice to support her in her time of need.
One evening, as she sat in the hospital room, her grandmother sleeping peacefully beside her, Cynthia pulled out her phone and decided to send Julian a message.
“I can’t express how grateful I am for what you did, Julian. I’m forever in your debt. My grandmother is recovering, and it’s all thanks to you. I’ll never forget this.”
A few minutes later, she received a reply.
“You don’t owe me anything, Cynthia. I’m just glad I could help. You’ve always been there for me when it mattered, and I just wanted to do the same for you. Let me know if you ever need anything.”
Cynthia smiled as she read his message. She felt a warmth in her chest that she hadn’t felt in a long time. As much as she loved her grandmother, a part of her had always felt a longing for something more — something she thought was lost when she married Adam. But now, with the challenges she’d faced and the support Julian had given her, she began to wonder if she had overlooked something important in her own heart.
As Cynthia spent more time at the hospital, she started to think about her future. Her relationship with Adam had been crumbling for a long time before he left, and it had taken her a while to admit that things hadn’t been right for some time. Julian had always been there, even when he was just a friend. Maybe it was time to start thinking about what was best for her and her child — not just in terms of security but also in terms of happiness.
The following day, after her grandmother had rested, Cynthia left the hospital for a few hours to grab some food and check on her things. When she returned, her phone buzzed with another message from Julian.
“How is she? I hope everything is going well. Also, I was wondering… if you’re free later this week, maybe we could catch up over coffee? Just to chat. No rush, of course.”
Cynthia felt a flutter in her chest. She had been so focused on her grandmother and her obligations, but now she realized that Julian’s offer felt different. He wasn’t just offering to catch up as an old friend. There was something more beneath the surface.
Maybe it was time to take a chance — on herself, on her future, and perhaps on the relationship with Julian that had never fully faded.
As Cynthia walked toward Julian’s antique store, her heart raced. The letter he had sent her had shaken her to her core. She had spent years burying her feelings for him, telling herself that they were worlds apart, that his life would always be different from hers. But the letter, his words, opened up a part of her she had long closed off. Julian had always been there for her, even when life was difficult. And now, he was asking for something more.
As she reached the store, she could see the soft glow of the lights from inside, the old-fashioned charm of the place giving off a warmth that matched her feelings. The bell above the door rang softly as she stepped inside. Julian was behind the counter, carefully arranging some items, but his face lit up when he saw her.
“Cynthia!” he exclaimed, clearly surprised but pleased to see her. “I didn’t expect you to come by so soon.”
She smiled shyly, her hands nervously twisting the letter in her hands. “I got your note,” she said, her voice softer than she intended. “And… I needed to come and talk to you.”
Julian set down what he was doing and walked over to her. “I wasn’t sure what your answer would be, but I had to tell you how I felt. All these years, I’ve kept my feelings hidden, hoping that one day… maybe there would be a chance.” He looked at her with sincerity in his eyes. “I never wanted you to think that I was only offering help out of obligation or pity. It’s always been because I care about you — more than I can say.”
Cynthia took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision. She had spent years doubting her feelings, but now, with the clarity that only time and hardship could provide, she knew what her heart truly wanted.
She stepped closer to him, her voice shaking but steady. “Julian, I’ve always cared about you, too. I just never thought we could be more than friends. But everything has changed now. I’ve changed. I’m not the same person I was when we were kids. And… I think it’s time I stop running away from what I truly feel.”
Julian’s eyes softened, his heart swelling with hope. “Cynthia, are you saying…?”
She nodded, finally meeting his gaze with all the vulnerability she had kept hidden for so long. “I’m saying that I’m willing to try. To see where this can go, with you. I’ve spent so much time trying to protect myself, but maybe… maybe it’s time to take a chance.”
Julian smiled, a mix of relief and joy in his expression. He reached out and gently took her hand in his. “You won’t regret this, Cynthia. I promise.”
For the first time in years, Cynthia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She was no longer carrying the burden of what could have been or the doubts about their differences. In that moment, she knew that love wasn’t about having the perfect circumstances — it was about choosing to be with someone who made you feel whole.
As they stood there in the warmth of the antique shop, Cynthia realized that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead you to where you’re meant to be. And with Julian, she felt like she was finally on the right one.
Julian stood still, staring at her, as the weight of her words settled in his chest. His eyes softened with emotion, and he took a small step toward her, gently lifting the heirloom watch she had placed on the table. His fingers brushed against it, but his gaze never left her face.
“I had no idea, Cynthia,” he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “All these years, I thought I was the only one who felt this way.” He let out a breath, almost as if he was trying to steady himself. “I never thought… I never thought you could feel the same.”
He reached out and placed his hand over hers, the touch tender and full of meaning. “But what you said… it’s everything I’ve wanted to hear for so long. You have no idea how much this means to me.” He paused for a moment, taking in the vulnerability she was offering him. “And for what it’s worth, I’ve always admired you for who you are, too. For your strength, your heart, and the way you’ve handled everything life has thrown your way. You’re the most incredible person I know.”
Cynthia felt her heart race, her doubts melting away as she looked into his eyes. This was it—the moment she had spent years fearing and longing for. She had finally spoken her truth, and Julian had done the same. They were no longer two people bound by their past fears and uncertainties; they were two people ready to take a chance.
“I don’t care about any of that, Julian. I don’t care about your wealth, or what anyone thinks. I care about you,” she said, her voice steady now, though it was filled with emotion. “I’ve spent so long trying to figure out what’s right, and I think I’ve finally realized that sometimes, there’s no perfect moment. There’s just now.”
Julian smiled, the warmth spreading through his chest as he pulled her into an embrace, holding her as if he had been waiting for this moment for his entire life. “You’re right. There’s no perfect moment. But this moment—this one is perfect for me.”
Cynthia rested her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat match her own. “So… what now?” she asked softly, looking up at him with a small smile.
“Now, we take it one step at a time,” Julian said with a smile that reached his eyes. “And we make sure that this time, we don’t let go of each other.”
In that moment, everything that had once held them apart—the differences, the doubts, the fears—faded into the background. All that mattered now was the future they could build together, side by side.
As the years passed, Julian and Cynthia’s life together grew stronger and more beautiful than they ever could have imagined. The once small, uncertain moments had blossomed into a loving, supportive family. Their children grew up surrounded by warmth, laughter, and love, always knowing they were cherished by both their parents and their extended family.
Julian’s parents, who had initially doubted the possibility of Cynthia being part of their world, now admired her strength, resilience, and love for their son. They saw the way she had transformed Julian’s life, and they loved their grandchildren deeply, eager to make up for the years of distance between them and Cynthia.
Cynthia’s grandmother, who had once been bedridden and near death, lived out the rest of her days surrounded by love in the peaceful country home. She was able to witness the happiness of her granddaughter, who had found a partner that truly cherished her, and the joy of seeing her great-grandchildren grow up healthy and happy.
The country house, tucked away in the hills, became a sanctuary for them—a place where they could all come together, escape the chaos of the world, and create memories that would last a lifetime. The house was filled with the sound of children’s laughter, the smell of fresh flowers from the garden, and the warmth of family dinners shared around the table.
As Julian and Cynthia sat on the porch in the evenings, watching the sunset, they would often reflect on how far they had come from their childhood days of friendship. What started as a bond formed in the innocence of childhood had grown into something much deeper and more beautiful.
“I never thought I’d have this,” Cynthia said one evening, leaning her head on Julian’s shoulder. “A family. A life I never thought was possible.”
Julian kissed her forehead, smiling softly. “I always knew you were the one. I just had to wait for the right time.”
Their children played in the yard, laughing and chasing each other, oblivious to the struggles their parents had faced to get here. To them, this life was the only one they knew—full of love and security.
And in that moment, both Cynthia and Julian knew that no matter what the future held, they had built a life full of love, and that was all that truly mattered.