Albert walked into a cozy bar one rainy evening, shaking off his umbrella, when he spotted his old friend Norman sitting alone at a corner table, nursing a drink with a forlorn expression on his face.

“Norman, you look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. What’s going on?” Albert asked as he took a seat across from him.

Norman let out a long sigh and gestured for Albert to order a drink before speaking. “It’s been a rough few months, Albert. Really rough.”

Albert leaned in, concerned. “Tell me, what happened?”

Norman started recounting his tale, one sip of whiskey at a time. “In August, my mother passed away. It was devastating, Albert. She was such a kind woman. But… she did leave me $125,000 in her will.”

Albert put a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Norman. Losing a parent is never easy.”

Norman nodded sadly. “If only that were the end of it. In September, my father passed away, too. And… well, he left me $900,000.”

Albert’s eyes widened. “Norman, that’s terrible. Both your parents gone in such a short time. How are you holding up?”

Norman shrugged. “I’m trying. But then, just last month, my Aunt Gertrude passed away. She left me $150,000.”

Albert, now thoroughly perplexed, tilted his head. “That’s three loved ones in three months. No wonder you’re so down, Norman.”

Norman raised his glass in a half-hearted toast, then set it down with a thud. “And this month?” he said, shaking his head. “Absolutely nothing!”

Albert blinked, stunned by the punchline. “Wait, wait. You’re upset because you didn’t inherit anything this month?”

Norman sighed dramatically. “Do you know how hard it is to adjust to a lifestyle of regular unexpected windfalls, Albert? The pressure to maintain it! It’s exhausting!”

Albert chuckled despite himself, his worry dissolving into amusement. “Norman, I think you need to take a break from counting your blessings—or your bank balance—and just be grateful for what you have.”

Norman raised his glass. “To gratitude, then,” he said, though his tone suggested he was still holding out hope for a surprise inheritance next month.

Albert shook his head with a laugh. “You’re one of a kind, Norman.”

The two friends clinked their glasses, and the laughter that filled the bar that evening made even Norman feel a little lighter—for now.