My dad was a nice man who didn't talk very much. He used to work as a mechanic fixing army planes, but he was sent back after getting injured. Later, he opened a garage with his friend, who sold it behind his back. People took advantage of him, but he couldn't turn down a favor.
That's why I felt more than a little confused when a policeman called my office, asking me to pick him up at the station. The old man was found walking alone along the highway. When a police patrol car stopped him, he explained that he was traveling to Nebraska to claim his million dollars.
"What million dollars?" I asked Dad, who was sitting quietly in the passenger's seat as we drove home. Dad took out a wrinkled letter and read, "We are now authorized to pay one million dollars to Woodrow T. Grant of Billing, Montana. "
I never knew dad wanted to be a millionaire. I asked him what he would do with the prize money, to which he replied that he wanted a new truck. His driver's license has expired (失效) fifteen years ago when he reached his seventies.
I knew that the letter was a scam (骗局), but the old man was as stubborn as a mule. He even slept with that stupid letter in his hand. He memorized it word for word. I didn't think he could memorize anything anymore. He wouldn't stay at home either, but ventured out onto the highway again and again, until the police sent him back. In the end, I had to give up. I called in sick at work and the two of us set out in my car to claim his prize.
We traveled past several states. Dad remained silent, while I found it hard to control my temper. Finally, I decided to ask the question. "Why on earth do you need a million dollars for a stupid truck?" Dad replied, "The rest is for you. I wanted to leave you something." His words made me speechless.
The following day, we arrived at our destination. Dad's heart leaped with joy as I opened the car door for him. He marched toward the specific spot marked in the letter. However, when someone answered the door, he saw their puzzled expression. At that moment he knew that he was not a millionaire. He stood there in stunned silence as tears rolled down his cheeks.
On our way back, we stopped at a truck-dealer's. Dad cast his eyes towards his favorite truck, and then he looked at me. I realized the truth of his disappointment, so I decided to buy it for him. We drove his treasured vehicle back home with the wind in our face. Although I was tired, what I felt at that moment is something money cannot buy.
