The Box with My Mother’s Heirloom Was Empty — My Husband Confessed, but His Lies Didn’t End There

Rachel treasures the heirloom jewelry her late mother left her, until one day she finds the box empty. With a confession from her husband, Rachel realizes that’s only half the truth. When she spots her mother’s earrings on another woman, all the puzzle pieces connect…

Now

I went to the store that morning for milk, chicken, and raspberries. An odd combination, but it was what I needed. The milk for coffee and cereal, the chicken for tonight’s dinner, and the raspberries for the raspberry and white chocolate muffins my husband loved.

A woman standing in the aisle of a grocery | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing in the aisle of a grocery | Source: Midjourney

I went into the store hoping to get my groceries, but I left with a truth that I didn’t know needed to be revealed.

She was standing in the dairy aisle, our neighbor. Young, blonde, and recently divorced. She was looking at the various yogurt options, smiling like she didn’t have a care in the world. And if I’m being honest, she probably didn’t have any cares.

And hanging from her ears were my mother’s earrings.

A woman looking away at a grocery | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking away at a grocery | Source: Midjourney

My breath caught in my throat. A sick feeling curled in my stomach. My hands clenched around the shopping basket so tightly that I was sure they were white.

No. No bloody way.

I forced my voice to stay light and breezy as I approached her.

“Mel, hi! Lovely earrings!”

A close up of a woman | Source: Midjourney

A close up of a woman | Source: Midjourney

She beamed, touching them delicately as if they were the most priceless things in the world. They were.

“Oh, thank you, Rachel! They’re a gift from someone special, you know.”

A gift. From someone special. Someone married?

The world tilted slightly. I swallowed the burning rage rising in my throat. Mel looked at me for a moment, and I wondered if the guilt was eating at her. She didn’t act like it, but something had dimmed her shine in that moment.

“Oh, they’re simply beautiful,” I said, smiling through my gritted teeth. “But didn’t it come with a pendant and a bracelet? What a stunning set that would be…”

A pair of earrings in a box | Source: Midjourney

A pair of earrings in a box | Source: Midjourney

She blinked at me, confusion all over her face.

“I definitely would if I had those pieces. But I don’t. It’s just the earrings. But maybe my special someone can gift me the whole set.”

The ground steadied beneath me.

There it was.

Derek hadn’t just pawned my mother’s jewelry. He had gifted part of it to his mistress.

A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney

It was a selfish, well-thought-out plan.

Except he hadn’t planned on one thing.

Me.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

Then

I had been vacuuming under the bed, lost in the monotony of housework and a nagging nursery rhyme that was stuck in my head, when I spotted the box.

Something made me pause. Maybe it was instinct. Or maybe grief had sharpened my senses.

I bent down, picked it up, and opened the lid.

Empty. The box with my most prized possessions was empty.

A woman vacuuming | Source: Midjourney

A woman vacuuming | Source: Midjourney

The air left my lungs. The annoying nursery rhyme flew out of my head. And just like that, the shock hit me across my face.

My hands trembled as I stood up, my knees weak. I scanned my bedroom like the earrings, pendant, and bracelet might miraculously reappear before my eyes.

But they didn’t. Of course, they didn’t. Wishful thinking didn’t work like that.

There was only one person who I had shown the box and the priceless things inside. But would Derek… Was he actually capable of taking my things? Maybe he had put them away, knowing the importance that they held.

Maybe he had put them into our safe deposit box at the bank. But even if he did, why on earth wouldn’t he tell me?

An empty wooden box | Source: Midjourney

An empty wooden box | Source: Midjourney

“Derek!” I stormed into the living room, where he was lounging with his laptop.

He barely glanced up.

“What, Rachel? It’s too early for this noise.”

“My mother’s jewelry. Did you take it?”

His brow furrowed like he was truly thinking.

A man using his laptop | Source: Midjourney

A man using his laptop | Source: Midjourney

“No, maybe the kids took it. You know they’re into dressing up now.”

My stomach twisted again. Why would my children take something from my room? They probably didn’t even know about the box. And I was planning on passing down the jewelry to the girls anyway.

But still, kids have keen eyes. Maybe one of them saw something.

I turned and marched straight to the playroom, where my three kids were sprawled on the floor, lost in their toys.

A cozy playroom | Source: Midjourney

A cozy playroom | Source: Midjourney

“Nora, Eli, Ava,” I said, almost breathless. “Did any of you take the box from under my bed?”

Three pairs of wide, innocent eyes blinked up at me.

“No, Mommy.”

But Nora hesitated. My eight-year-old, my oldest baby. The most sensitive and honest of the three, and the one most likely to give you a snuggle when you needed it.

She would tell me what she knew.

A little girl | Source: Midjourney

A little girl | Source: Midjourney

“I saw Daddy with it,” she said. “He said it was a secret. And that he would buy me a new dollhouse if I didn’t say anything.”

A sharp rage sliced through me.

Someone had stolen from me.

And that someone was my husband.

A dollhouse on a table | Source: Midjourney

A dollhouse on a table | Source: Midjourney

I spent a long time with the kids, trying to figure out my thoughts and feelings while they played. Eventually, I had no choice but to confront him.

“Derek, I know you took it. Where is it?” I asked.

He let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples like I was the problem here.

“Fine, Rachel. I took them.”

I blinked slowly.

A man sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney

A man sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney

“Why?” I asked simply.

His voice took on that tone of his that I absolutely hated. The slow, condescending tone that had always made my skin crawl.

“You were so sad after your mom died. I thought that a vacation would cheer you up, Rachel.” He picked up his beer can and took a long gulp. “So, I pawned them and bought us a trip.”

My fists curled. My vision blurred. I was… beyond shocked.

“You pawned my mother’s jewelry?! My dead mother’s things!”

The interior of a pawn shop | Source: Midjourney

The interior of a pawn shop | Source: Midjourney

“Rachel, we’re struggling! How can you not see it? Or do you choose to ignore it? The mortgage, the bills… I wanted to do something nice for you and the kids.”

White-hot rage filled me. I was ready to burst.

“Where. Are. They?” I spat out. “You had no right to do that without asking me, Derek! Return them. Now!”

He sighed dramatically.

An angry woman | Source: Midjourney

An angry woman | Source: Midjourney

“Okay, I’ll return the tickets. I’ll fix it if you want everyone to be as miserable as you are. Seriously, Rachel, the kids see it. It sucks.”

I turned away before I did something I’d regret.

Miserable? Of course, I was miserable. I was in pain. I was hurting. My heart felt shattered and stamped upon, and my mind was a cemetery of memories.

My mother had died. And with that, my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the person who had loved me most in this world.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

It had only been two months without her. And this man was putting a timeline to my grief?

What the hell? Who had I married?

I missed her so much. Which was why Derek’s actions had hurt me so deeply. My mother’s jewelry was like a lifeline she had left behind for me. It was something physical, something that I could hold or put on when I needed her touch…

I remembered how she didn’t want me to become a stay-at-home mom.

A tombstone with flowers | Source: Midjourney

A tombstone with flowers | Source: Midjourney

“Darling,” she had said, buttering a slice of homemade bread. “You have so much potential. As rewarding as being a stay-at-home mom is, are you sure it’s for you?”

“I don’t know, Mom,” I confessed. “But Derek said that we can’t afford a nanny, so it was either I become the nanny or I pay for one.”

“Promise me one thing, Rachel,” she said. “Keep writing your poetry, darling. Keep that side of you alive.”

A woman writing in a notebook | Source: Midjourney

A woman writing in a notebook | Source: Midjourney

My heart ached thinking about her.

But do you know what?

The next day, while shopping, I found out that the truth was even worse.

Now

I smiled at Mel in the grocery store, pretending to listen to her rave about Greek yogurt and chia seeds for breakfast.

A bowl of yoghurt and chia seeds | Source: Midjourney

A bowl of yoghurt and chia seeds | Source: Midjourney

“It really is the best breakfast, Rachel. It cleans out the gut and gives you more protein than eggs. Add some honey or chocolate chips, girl. Trust me,” she spoke fast, as if trying not to think or say anything that would give her away.

I smiled like I wasn’t seconds away from ripping those earrings off her ears.

She had no idea. She had absolutely no clue she had been part of my husband’s betrayal. Or did she? From the way she acted, I didn’t think she knew the value of it. In her eyes, she was standing in front of her boyfriend’s wife and using the expensive gift he had bought her.

So, I made a decision.

A woman in a grocery store | Source: Midjourney

A woman in a grocery store | Source: Midjourney

I was going to take back what was mine.

And I was going to make Derek pay.

Big time.

The next morning, I played the part of the forgiving wife.

I was quiet, reciting Shakespearean sonnets in my head. I made pancakes for the kids. I made French toast for Derek. But I couldn’t get my encounter with Mel out of my head.

He was relieved, smug even. I’m sure he thought that I had slept on it and had finally let it go.

“It’s good to see you so chipper, Rach,” he said. “You know I love that smile.”

I wanted to slap him.

Pancakes and strawberries on a plate | Source: Midjourney

Pancakes and strawberries on a plate | Source: Midjourney

Focus on Shakespeare, Rach, I thought to myself.

“Derek, can I see the pawnshop receipt?” I asked, pretending that I just wanted to make sure everything could be bought back.

He rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically but eventually handed it over.

“Nora,” I called, watching her pick at her pancakes. “Do you want to come with Mommy today? We’re going to look for Grandma’s jewelry.”

A smiling little girl | Source: Midjourney

A smiling little girl | Source: Midjourney

“Yes!” she said excitedly.

I wasn’t sure about taking my child to a pawnshop, but if I’m being honest, that little girl was the only thing that would keep me calm.

We got ourselves dressed and found ourselves standing outside the pawnshop.

“We’re buying the jewelry, Mom?” Nora asked.

“Indeed we are, baby girl,” I said.

The exterior of a pawn shop | Source: Midjourney

The exterior of a pawn shop | Source: Midjourney

And just like that, I went in and tracked down my mother’s jewelry. It wasn’t difficult, but I had to convince the owner that it was mine.

“It would make a good anniversary present for my wife,” he said. “But you look like you’re going to cry your little heart out.”

“It’s my mom’s, sir,” I said. “Please.”

I think he was more floored by being called sir that he just gave it over, not even trying to exploit me with the price.

A man in a pawn shop | Source: Midjourney

A man in a pawn shop | Source: Midjourney

I kept the receipt. For later.

There was only one piece left.

The earrings.

The ones that Derek’s mistress had been flaunting.

Earrings in a box | Source: Midjourney

Earrings in a box | Source: Midjourney

I knocked on her door, and when she opened it, I held up my mother’s will, specifically reading out that the jewelry was mine. I also had a picture of her wearing the set at her wedding.

Then, I showed her the necklace and bracelet I had reclaimed.

“These are part of a set,” I said. “They’re family heirlooms, and I need the earrings back. They were not Derek’s to give.”

Her face paled, and her jaw dropped.

A woman standing in a doorway | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing in a doorway | Source: Midjourney

“Rachel… I had no idea,” she stammered. “I thought it was a gift from Derek. I didn’t know that it was yours! I had no idea that it was your… mother’s.”

She looked down, something shifting in her expression. Disappointment. Then realization.

“I should have known,” she muttered. “I thought he was being sweet and romantic… but,” she trailed off, shaking her head.

Then, without another word, she ran into her house, returned with the earrings, and placed them in my outstretched hand.

Earrings in a woman's hand | Source: Midjourney

Earrings in a woman’s hand | Source: Midjourney

“Here,” she said. “These don’t belong to me. And honestly, neither does Derek. But he doesn’t belong to you either. Rachel, if it was this easy for him to get with me…”

I knew what she was saying. I understood it loud and clear.

“Hell hath no fury…” I said. “I know. I’ll deal with him.”

“Rachel, I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. It was just that Derek gave me the attention that I craved. This divorce… it took a part of me when it ended. I don’t know who I am without my husband. Ex-husband, I mean. Derek swept me off my feet and made me feel normal again. I’m so sorry.”

I looked at her and smiled. I knew what it felt like to have a part of me missing, but mine was due to death and grief, not cheating.

“Thank you for saying that, Mel,” I said, turning away.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

Later

I waited until he was back at work and the paperwork was finalized.

And then I took the divorce papers to his office and handed them to him in front of his boss and coworkers.

“You shouldn’t have given away my things, Derek. I mean, really. You gave my mother’s earrings to your mistress?” My voice was louder than I expected. “You stole from me. You betrayed me. And that’s your final mistake in our marriage. This cannot be fixed. I don’t want you.”

A man sitting at his desk | Source: Midjourney

A man sitting at his desk | Source: Midjourney

Then, I turned and walked away.

He begged, of course.

But I was done.

He had taken the last piece of my mother I had left. He had lied. He had brushed off my pain. And he had betrayed our family.

And now? That man has nothing. Between alimony and child support, he had little to nothing left to his name.

A woman walking down a hallway | Source: Midjourney

A woman walking down a hallway | Source: Midjourney

What would you have done?

When Dorothy reads her daughter’s innocent letter to Santa, she’s blindsided by a request for the same heart-shaped earrings her husband apparently gave their nanny. Suspicion spirals into doubt, leading Dorothy to uncover a heartbreaking truth tied to a long-kept secret…

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

My Daughter Started Sleepwalking, I Followed Her One Night and Was Shocked by What I Saw—Story of the Day

My mother-in-law Cynthia moved in, and soon after, my daughter Lisa began acting oddly. She was no longer her cheerful self, and it worried me deeply. One night, I saw her sleepwalking through the house, clutching her teddy bear. I quietly followed her, and what I discovered that night shocked me, leading to a bigger mystery I needed to solve.

We were a happy family, living together in peace. Our days were filled with laughter, playful moments with our daughter, Lisa, and cozy family dinners.

Tony worked as a financial analyst, always dreaming of starting his own business, while I balanced my career and took care of our home.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

One evening, Tony came home with exciting news.

“Amelie, I found partners, and I can finally start my own business, just like I’ve always dreamed!” he announced, grinning from ear to ear.

“That’s amazing, Tony!” I hugged him, feeling proud. “You’ve worked so hard for this.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said, looking a bit hesitant.

“With our new jobs, we’ll be even busier. Mom has been complaining about her health and suggested moving in with us. She wants to help with taking care of Lisa.”

I frowned.

“Tony, you know how Cynthia feels about our marriage. She never really accepted me.”

“I know, but she insisted,” Tony replied. “And we really could use the help right now.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I sighed, unsure.

“Alright, but only because we need the help. And of course, she wants to move in now that things are looking up for us.”

***

A few days later, Cynthia moved in. She entered the house with a big smile, her hands held in front of her, carrying a gift for Lisa.

“Hello, Lisa! Look what Grandma brought you,” she said, handing Lisa a fluffy teddy bear.

“Thank you, Grandma!” Lisa hugged the bear tightly, her eyes sparkling with joy.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Tony looked at me, hoping I would make an effort. “Thanks, Cynthia. I’m sure Lisa will love it,” I said, forcing a smile.

“Amelie, I know we’ve had our differences,” Cynthia began. “But I want to make this work for Tony and Lisa.”

“I hope so,” I replied cautiously.

***

Days turned into weeks, and I noticed changes in Lisa. She became cranky and sleepy during the day. She wasn’t her usual cheerful self, and it worried me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Lisa, honey, why are you so tired?” I asked one afternoon as she rubbed her eyes.

“I don’t know, Mommy. I just feel sleepy,” she replied, yawning.

That night, as I checked on her, I saw her walking around. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be in a daze.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Lisa, sweetie, what are you doing?” I whispered, gently taking her by the hand.

She didn’t respond, just continued clutching the teddy bear. I carefully guided her back to bed and tucked her in, feeling a knot of worry in my stomach.

The next morning, over breakfast, I decided to bring it up with Tony.

“Tony, I saw Lisa sleepwalking last night,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “She was wandering around with that teddy bear your mom gave her.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Tony looked surprised. “Really? That’s strange.”

Before he could say more, Cynthia, walking nearby, chimed in.

“Oh, that’s perfectly normal. Tony used to sleepwalk as a child too. There’s nothing to worry about,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

“Are you sure?” I asked, looking at her thoughtfully.

“Absolutely. It’s just a phase,” Cynthia insisted, her tone final.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I nodded, but the worry didn’t leave me. Later that morning, as Tony was getting ready for work, he suddenly frowned and checked his wallet.

“Amelie, have you seen some money I left in my wallet? It’s missing,” he said, looking puzzled.

“No, I haven’t touched your wallet,” I replied honestly.

Tony sighed. “Maybe I misplaced it. It’s probably just somewhere around.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I decided to get my purse to give my husband some money. But I was surprised to find a much larger sum than I had yesterday.

“Tony, look at this. Is this the amount you were missing?” I said, showing him the money.

Tony peered into the purse and nodded. “Yes, that’s exactly how I tied and stored the amount in my wallet yesterday. That’s strange. Maybe you took it by mistake?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m sure I didn’t. It’s really odd.”

How did it get there?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Tony shrugged, trying to brush it off. “Let’s not worry about it.”

But I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling. Something was definitely wrong, and I needed to figure out what was happening. That night, I couldn’t sleep, thinking about Lisa and the strange occurrences.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

The next few days, I kept a closer eye on Lisa. She was still cranky and tired during the day, and I noticed she clung to the teddy bear more than usual.

I decided to follow her if she sleepwalked again, to see if I could find any answers.

That night, it happened again. I saw Lisa get up from her bed, holding the teddy bear tightly in her arms. This time, her eyes were wide open, but she didn’t seem to notice me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She walked out of her room and down the hallway. I quietly followed her, making sure not to wake her. My heart pounded as I watched her small figure move through the dimly lit house.

This time, she went straight to Cynthia’s room. I paused outside the door, straining to hear. I heard Cynthia’s voice, low and insistent.

“Go to your parents’ room… Take the money from the safe, Lisa. Remember, it’s our little secret.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

My blood ran cold. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I stood frozen for a moment, then hurried back to my room to wake Tony.

“Tony, wake up! You have to see this,” I whispered urgently, shaking him awake.

Tony groggily opened his eyes. “What’s going on, Amelie?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“It’s Lisa. She’s in your mom’s room. I heard Cynthia giving her instructions to take money from the safe,” I said, my voice trembling.

Tony sat up, looking frustrated. “Amelie, you’re overreacting. Mom wouldn’t do that.”

“Please, Tony, just come and see,” I begged.

Reluctantly, he got out of bed and followed me to Cynthia’s room. We quietly opened the door and saw both Cynthia and Lisa seemingly asleep. Tony sighed in exasperation.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“See, they’re both asleep. You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” he said, rubbing his temples.

“No, Tony, I know what I heard,” I insisted.

Frustrated, Tony stomped over to the safe.

“I’ll prove to you that this is all a misunderstanding. The money should be right here. I was going to invest it in my project tomorrow.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Then Tony’s face went pale.

“What? No, this has to be a joke. The money was here this morning!” he shouted, his voice filled with anger.

“Tony, it’s not a joke. Your mother is responsible for this,” I said firmly.

The commotion woke everyone up. Cynthia came into the room, looking defensive.

“What’s all this noise about?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tony turned to her, fury in his eyes. “Mom, did you ask Lisa to steal money from the safe?”

Cynthia’s eyes widened, and she started to deny it. “Of course not! How could you even think that?”

Just then, Lisa started to cry, scared and confused by the shouting. I knelt down and gently took her hand.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Lisa, sweetie, can you tell us what happened? It’s important.”

Lisa sniffled and nodded. She walked over to my purse and pointed.

Tony looked inside my purse and found the missing money. His face contorted with rage and disbelief.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Amelie, how could you? Were you trying to frame my mother?”

“No, Tony! I didn’t know the money was there! It was your mother’s doing!” I protested.

But Tony was too angry to listen.

“This is too much. I can’t deal with this right now. Amelie, I think it’s best if you stay somewhere else for a while. Mom will watch over Lisa.”

“Tony, please, you have to believe me. I’m not the one at fault here!” I pleaded, tears streaming down my face.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Cynthia stood behind Tony, a look of satisfaction hidden in her eyes.

“It’s for the best, Amelie. We need some time to sort this out.”

My heart was breaking, but I knew I had to find a way to prove the truth and protect my family.

***

In the morning, Tony left for work while I started packing my things. My heart was heavy with sadness and frustration.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

As I gathered my belongings, I went into Lisa’s room and noticed her sitting on the bed, talking to the teddy bear.

“Lisa, sweetie, who are you talking to?” I asked gently, trying not to startle her.

She looked up at me with big, innocent eyes.

“The teddy bear, Mommy. But it doesn’t want to talk anymore.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I frowned, feeling a knot of worry. “What do you mean, it doesn’t want to talk anymore?”

Lisa hugged the bear tightly.

“It used to talk to me before bedtime. Grandma said it was our little secret.”

My heart sank. This was worse than I had imagined.

“Lisa, can I borrow the teddy bear for a bit? I need to wash it,” I said, trying to sound casual.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

She hesitated, then answered, “Okay, Mommy. Just be careful with him.”

I didn’t leave the house. I was waiting for the evening to put everything in its place. I had a hunch about what was happening and who was behind it all.

***

That evening, while preparing dinner, Cynthia entered the kitchen. She stood there with her arms crossed, looking smug.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Why haven’t you left yet, Amelie? Tony doesn’t want a thief in his house.”

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I have some unfinished business, Cynthia. Everything will be resolved when Tony returns.”

Cynthia’s eyes narrowed. “What are you planning?”

“You’ll see,” I replied, turning back to the stove.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

When Tony came home, I was ready.

“Tony, I need to show you something,” I said, holding the teddy bear.

He looked weary. “What is it now, Amelie?”

“Please, just trust me,” I urged.

I brought out the teddy bear and carefully opened it, revealing a small talking device inside.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Tony, Lisa wasn’t sleepwalking. She was being manipulated by this device. Cynthia has been using it to give her instructions.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Cynthia shouted, her face turning red. “You’re making this up!”

“Let’s check Cynthia’s room for the other half of the device,” I suggested, keeping my voice steady.

Cynthia backed away, her eyes wide with fear. “No, you can’t go in there!”

Tony, now suspicious, insisted, “Mom, we need to see.”

For illustration purposes only | Source:Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source:Pexels

I pressed the button on the bear’s device and spoke into it. At that moment, we heard my voice echoing from Cynthia’s room.

Tony rushed in and found the other device hidden under Cynthia’s pillow.

Lisa, hearing the commotion, peeked into the room. “Grandma, are we playing a new game since our secret is out?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tony looked puzzled. “Mom, how did you use the bear to control her?”

Cynthia sighed, wiping her tears. “I put a walkie-talkie inside the teddy bear and another one under my pillow. When Lisa would start sleepwalking, I would whisper instructions to her through the bear. I would tell her to come to my room, and we would play a game. She would take money from your wallet and put it in her mom’s purse, and then back again.”

“Mom, why? Why would you do this?” Tony exclaimed.

In tears, Cynthia finally broke down.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“At first, it was just to see if it would work. Then it became a way for me to feel in control, to have a role in the family. I didn’t realize how much it would hurt everyone.”

Tony, filled with anger and disappointment, shook his head.

“Mom, this is wrong. You can’t use Lisa like that. If you want to be part of this family, you have to stop these manipulations and respect our lives.”

Realizing her mistakes, Cynthia nodded, her face wet with tears.

“I’m sorry, Tony,” Cynthia said, her voice trembling with emotion.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I just wanted to feel needed. I promise I’ll do better. I’ll only visit on weekends and spend time with Lisa occasionally.”

Tony looked at me. “Amelie, what do you think?” he asked softly.

I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my tears.

“Cynthia, we all make mistakes. But if you truly want to be part of this family, you need to accept us and respect our boundaries. I think it would be good for Lisa to spend time with her grandmother.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Cynthia nodded, wiping her tears.

“I understand. I’ll respect your family’s peace and unity.”

I smiled faintly, looking at my sleepy daughter and feeling a glimmer of hope.

“Let’s take it one step at a time and work together to create a loving environment for Lisa.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Cynthia reached out and took my hand.

“Thank you, Amelie. I promise I’ll make it right.”

The truth was finally out, and now we could begin the process of rebuilding our trust and unity. It wouldn’t be easy, but with love and understanding, we could overcome this challenge together.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Six-year-old Ethan had recently lost his mother, leaving a deep void in his heart. In his grief, he started writing letters to her, pouring out his feelings on paper. One day, while wandering the streets, he stumbled upon an old, rusty mailbox at an abandoned house. He decided to slip one of his letters inside, never expecting anyone to see it. To his astonishment, the very next day, he found a mysterious reply waiting for him.

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