When my neighbor died, I tried to help his grieving family. His daughter stayed with her mother-in-law, who seemed kind at first. But as I spent more time with the little girl, I began to see things that didn’t seem right. I knew I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. I had to protect her, no matter what.
I loved our neighborhood, mostly because of my neighbors. The tree-lined streets and cheerful houses made it feel warm and welcoming.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Everyone was friendly and always willing to help. If anyone needed a hand, there was never a shortage of offers. I felt like I was part of a big, caring family.
I worked as an elementary school teacher. My days were filled with the laughter and curiosity of children.
I loved helping my students and was always willing to help my neighbors’ children as well.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Whether it was doing homework, babysitting, or simply providing a safe place for them to play, I was happy to help out.
The neighboring family was wonderful: Thomas and Martha. But tragedy struck when Martha died during childbirth.
They had a lovely little girl named Riley. Thomas did his best to raise Riley alone.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Less than a year ago, he remarried. His new wife, Carmen, seemed charming. She was a homemaker and always helped Thomas with Riley.
She didn’t fit the image of the wicked stepmother from fairy tales. She took Riley to nightclubs and spent time with her.
But one evening, Thomas, tired, had a car accident on his way home from work. Carmen and Riley were devastated.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
I did what I could: I brought food, I offered to take Riley for a walk so Carmen could rest.
One afternoon, Carmen and Riley came over for tea. Riley, who was usually so cheerful, sat quietly, eating the pie I had made.
His silence was unsettling, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on behind those sad eyes.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t know how you do it,” I said, my voice soft. “I know what it’s like to lose someone you love.”
But you still have a child who needs a childhood despite everything. That takes strength.”
Carmen sipped her tea and nodded. “Your fiancé is dead, right?” she asked.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I swallowed hard. “Yes,” I replied. “Mike died five years ago.” Just saying his name made my chest tighten. It felt like a new heartbreak, even after all this time.
“I’m sorry,” Carmen said. “I didn’t mean to stir up old wounds.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “It’s just… I don’t really like talking about it.” I forced a small smile.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Carmen puts down her cup. “Have you thought about moving on?” she asks. “Finding someone new? Starting a family, having a child?”
His words hit me hard. I felt my cheeks flush. “I… I can’t have children,” I said. My voice was barely above a whisper.
Her eyes widened. “Oh, Emily, I’m so sorry.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“It’s okay,” I said. “You didn’t know. But I still hope that one day, I can be someone’s mother. Maybe not in a traditional way, but still… like you are to Riley.”
Carmen’s expression softened. “Riley hasn’t called me ‘Mom’ yet,” she said. “But we have a wonderful bond, don’t we, Riley?”
Riley, who was quietly nibbling at her pie, nods without looking up.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Carmen continues, “We spend a lot of time together. I love taking her to clubs and doing things with her. I feel like my purpose in life is to be a mom.”
I smiled. “That’s wonderful,” I said. “Not everyone finds their purpose so clearly. Riley is lucky to have you.”
They stayed a little longer, chatting about small things. Riley remained silent, only answering direct questions.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
One afternoon, as I walked home from school, I saw Riley outside. The air was crisp, and dry leaves crunched beneath my feet. She was standing by the sidewalk, her hands red from the cold.
“Hello, Riley,” I said. “Aren’t you cold?”
She shook her head. “No.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I took off my scarf and wrapped it around her. “Why are you here alone?”
“Carmen has a guest,” Riley said. “She told me to play outside.”
I crouched down to meet his gaze. “What guest?”
She shrugged, looking away. “A guy named Roger. He’s been here more than once.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
A knot formed in my stomach. Thomas hadn’t been gone long. Was Carmen already seeing someone else? I didn’t feel comfortable. I grabbed Riley’s hands. They were ice cold.
“Why are you lying about not being cold? You’re freezing,” I said. “Come on, let’s get you inside and warm you up.”
Riley hesitated but took my hand. At home, I made tea and heated up some leftovers. She ate in large mouthfuls, as if she hadn’t had a proper meal in days.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Is Carmen feeding you well?” I asked, keeping my tone light.
Riley nodded. “Yeah, I’m not hungry. She often orders takeout. But I miss home cooking.”
I stir my tea. “What do you two do together? Do you always go to clubs or play games?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She shakes her head. “We’re cleaning. Carmen says it’s my duty now.”
“Just cleaning?” I asked. “No more clubs or amusements?”
“No,” she said. “Carmen says we don’t have much money. She’s busy with Roger anyway.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I bit my lip, trying to hide my worry. Carmen had seemed so caring, but maybe I was wrong.
Riley wasn’t hurt, but the children needed more than just a roof over their heads. They needed love, attention, and fun.
“Listen,” I said quietly. “If Roger comes back and Carmen sends you out, I want you to come here. Even if I’m not home, the key will be under the doormat. Okay?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Riley’s eyes widen. “Really?”
“Really,” I said. “Even if you’re just feeling lonely, you can come. We’ll play, make cookies, whatever you want.”
For the first time that afternoon, Riley smiled. It was small, but it was real. “Okay,” she said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I took her in my arms, feeling the weight of her little body. I wished I could erase all her sadness.
From that day on, Riley came to see me every day. Sometimes I’d come home from school, tired and ready to take off my shoes, and I’d find her already sitting on my couch.
Other times, I’d be stirring soup on the stove when a soft knock on the door announced her arrival. “What’s for dinner?” she’d ask, her eyes shining with hope.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Day after day, I saw her change. The sadness that had weighed her down seemed to dissipate.
Her laughter filled my home, clear and sweet, like music. The spark that had disappeared after Thomas’s death shone again in her eyes.
I wanted her to feel safe and loved. I invented silly games, pulled out old board games, and we painted and drew until our fingers were covered in colors.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I read her stories, sometimes in silly voices that made her giggle. We also talked. Riley shared her worries, her fears, and the things that made her sad.
Then one evening, I heard voices under my window. I moved slowly, careful not to make any noise, and opened the window just a little.
Carmen stood there with a man—probably Roger—who was whispering harshly into the cold night air.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Why can’t we talk at your place?” Roger asked. His voice was high-pitched and cut through the quiet of the night.
Carmen sighs. “The little one is asleep. I don’t want her to hear us,” she says.
Roger sighed. “That child is nothing but trouble.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Carmen’s tone turned bitter. “You think I don’t know? Who would have guessed Thomas would leave her everything? I thought it would all be mine.”
“So what’s the plan?” Roger asks.
“I’m looking for a loophole in the will,” Carmen said. “As soon as I find a way to transfer everything to me, I’ll get rid of her.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Get rid of her?” Roger looked curious. “What does that mean?”
“I don’t know,” Carmen said. “Maybe give her to social services. I can’t take care of her anymore.”
“Well, it can’t come soon enough,” Roger muttered.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Their voices faded as they walked away. I slowly closed the window, my hands shaking.
My mind is racing. Carmen never cared about Riley. She only wanted the inheritance.
She pretended to be a good mother, but it was all a lie. And now she wanted to get rid of Riley like she was nothing.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The lawyer who handled Thomas’s will, Mr. Davis, was the father of one of my students.
He often came to pick up his son after school, and we would chat for a minute or two.
One afternoon, as his son ran to grab his backpack, I decided to ask him about Thomas and Carmen.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Mr. Davis, do you have a moment?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
“Of course,” he replied, giving me a kind smile.
“I know it’s none of my business,” I began, “but I’m worried about Riley. I wanted to ask about Thomas’s will.”
He nodded, his expression turning serious. “Go ahead.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I heard Carmen talking about taking the inheritance for herself. She talked about finding a legal loophole,” I said.
Mr. Davis frowned. “Thomas’s will is solid. Everything goes to Riley. His guardian manages the money and the house until he comes of age, but no one can take it from him.”
“Are you sure there’s nothing Carmen can do to change this?” I asked.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I’m sure,” he replied. “But if it helps, I can talk to Carmen again. Make sure she understands.”
“I would appreciate it very much,” I said.
He nodded. “I’ll take care of it. Riley’s safety is important.”
I nodded, relieved. Riley needed someone to stand up for her, and I was glad I wasn’t alone in this.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Riley kept coming to see me. She’d show up with her little backpack and her hair a little messy.
I never understood how Carmen could be so cold to her. Riley was a bright and kind child. It was impossible not to love her.
I thought about adopting him more than once. The idea filled my heart with warmth.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I wanted to give her the safe, loving home she deserved. But I knew that wasn’t realistic.
The court considered Carmen the legal guardian. She was Thomas’s wife and lived with Riley in the house. I felt helpless.
One afternoon, while Riley and I were playing with sidewalk chalk, Mr. Davis came out of Carmen’s house.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She screamed, her high-pitched, angry voice echoing through the quiet street.
“I’ve said all I had to say,” Mr. Davis said. His voice was calm, but his face showed no patience.
Carmen stood on the porch, her face red with anger. “Why do I need this child if I can’t get anything out of him?!” she shouted. Her fists were clenched, and her whole body was shaking.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I took Riley’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart,” I whispered. “Let’s go inside.” I didn’t want her to hear any more. She didn’t need to know how little Carmen cared for her.
I went back outside, Carmen’s screams still echoing through the silent street. “She’s nothing but a burden! Because of her, I can’t build my own life!”
“Then give her up,” Mr. Davis said. “Emily would be happy to adopt her. You’ll be free to live your life.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Carmen’s voice became sharp. “Exactly! It’s all you!” She pointed at me. “You’re the one who set this all up! You want the house! You want it all for yourself!”
“This house belongs to Riley,” Mr. Davis said. “It can’t even be sold until she’s 21. You know that.”
“I just want Riley to have a happy childhood. That’s all,” my voice said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Liar!” Carmen screamed, saliva flying as she spoke. “You want his inheritance! You planned this whole thing from the beginning!”
I shook my head and closed the door. There was no point in arguing. Carmen’s mind was made up.
Inside, Riley stood by the door. Her eyes were wide, her hands clutching her shirt. “Would you be my mother?” she asked, her voice small and hopeful.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I knelt beside her. “I would be the happiest person if that happened.”
Riley threw her arms around me and I hugged her. That was all I needed to start acting.
With Mr. Davis’s help, I began the process of welcoming Riley. The paperwork, the meetings, the questions—it all seemed endless. But I didn’t give up.
Somehow, by what seemed like a miracle, I succeeded. Mr. Davis’s testimony helped me a lot.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
He had seen Carmen screaming, saying she didn’t want Riley. Other neighbors had heard it too. Their support was a blessing.
But the most powerful voice was Riley’s. When we asked her where she wanted to live, she looked me straight in the eyes. “I want to live with Emily,” she said. “Only with her.”
When the court agreed, I was filled with joy. I became Riley’s mother. Carmen had to move out, left with only her own choices to make.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Tell us what you think of this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I always dreamed that having a baby would bring us closer together. But my husband’s mother had other plans. She was controlling, and my husband let her. I tried to set boundaries, but nothing prepared me for the betrayal that left me standing on the doorstep with my newborn in my arms. Read the full story here .
This story is inspired by the daily life of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to real names or places is purely coincidental. All images are used for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; it might change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, send us an email at info@amomama.com .
Để lại một phản hồi