The story started with a subtle scent of bleach lingering in the air, accompanied by a heavy feeling of resentment that weighed down on my chest.
As I stood in my mother’s kitchen, I found myself scrubbing the countertops, feeling the weight of another long day at work settle in. The sponge glided over the laminate, producing a rhythmic sound that was strangely comforting, but my mind was anything but at ease. Life had become a complex juggling act for me: looking after my sick mother, being there for my young son, Milo, and handling a challenging job. I felt like I was constantly running on empty, and with each step I took, it became clearer just how much more lay ahead of me.
As if that wasn’t enough, my younger sister, Jane, somehow managed to make everything more complicated just by being herself. Jane and I were never really that close. As a child, she was the adventurous spirit—often sneaking out of the house during her teenage years, swiping cash from her mom’s purse, and playing hooky from school. Still, in a strange sort of manner, she was the golden child. She excelled in her studies, achieving high scores and receiving scholarships that filled our mother with pride. Mom was always quick to let go of her mistakes. It appeared that Jane’s talents managed to eclipse her shortcomings.
Now that Mom is getting older and facing health challenges, I had hoped Jane would take on more responsibility. But she didn’t. I was the one managing Mom’s doctor appointments, bringing in a part-time caregiver named Nancy, and handling Mom’s finances. Jane had been noticeably missing, only popping in for short visits that made me question her intentions. Did she come around just to make sure she stayed in the will, so Mom wouldn’t forget about her? I did my best to push away those cynical thoughts, but they just wouldn’t leave me alone.
I let out a deep sigh and switched off the faucet, the scent of bleach still hanging in the air. Just like that, I heard Mom’s faint voice coming from her bedroom, calling out for me. “Violet!”“She said sharply, a hint of anxiety slipping into her voice.” “Violet, come over here!””
I threw the dishcloth aside and rushed down the hallway. My mother’s room was softly illuminated, with the curtains pulled halfway closed. She stood by her dresser, her silver hair neatly brushed, clutching her jewelry box with trembling hands. Her eyes, which used to shine with brightness, were now dimmed by the weight of age and concern.
“My gold earrings are gone,” she said, her voice shaking. “I wanted to give you something special to hold onto… but when I opened this box, they were gone.”
I felt a heavy weight in my chest. My mom held those earrings close to her heart; they were a precious gift from my late father many years ago. They carried a deep emotional significance that transcended mere metal and gemstones. “Are you really certain you didn’t move them?”“I inquired softly. “Perhaps you placed them somewhere different.”
She shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “I haven’t opened this box in weeks.” I’m certain they were here. “And now they’re gone.” Her gaze locked onto mine, as if she was searching for some kind of reassurance, perhaps even wishing I could offer a straightforward explanation.
“Did anyone come by today?”“I asked softly.” Nancy was enjoying her day off while I had been stuck at work all morning. Mom’s health kept her from being able to move around very much. She would have spotted any unfamiliar face wandering around the house.
“Just Jane,” she replied after a moment of silence. “She came over this morning, saying she wanted to see how I was doing.” That’s all there is to it.
My jaw clenched. Blaming Jane felt like the simplest option, yet the coincidences kept stacking up in my thoughts. I made an effort to keep my voice steady. “I’ll have a chat with Jane about it,” I said. “Let’s take a moment before we make any assumptions.”
“Please, I really don’t want you two to fight,” Mom said, her voice filled with concern. “Jane wouldn’t do that.” Her confidence was palpable, but I couldn’t shake off the anger bubbling inside me. Jane had made bigger mistakes in her younger days, so why not this one?
“I’ll be careful,” I said, gently tucking Mom into bed and assuring her that we would figure this out together. Once she fell asleep, I hopped into my car and made my way to Jane’s apartment. The drive seemed to stretch on forever, my thoughts circling back to old grudges and lingering resentments. I found myself thinking back to the last time Jane really seemed to care about Mom’s health. Can I think of a time when Jane stepped up to cover a medical bill or stayed with Mom so I could take a break? No. Her absence said so much.
I got to Jane’s place and gave the door a knock. She took her time before finally opening it. When she finally turned around, her expression showed that she was taken aback to see me. She moved to the side, allowing me to enter, and I couldn’t help but notice the living room was a jumble of unusual things—tools, cardboard boxes, and tangled wires everywhere. Perhaps she was focused on a project, or maybe it was simply a mess. Regardless, it didn’t seem like the place of someone who was short on funds, even though I was aware she had been out of work for several months.
“Hey, sis,” Jane said, crossing her arms. “What brings you here today?””
I went right to the heart of the matter. “I can’t find Mom’s gold earrings.” “She mentioned you were the only one who came by today.”
Jane raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Do you really believe I took them?”She seemed more irritated than hurt.
“Is it really so wrong for me to have my doubts about you?”“I lost it.” “You’ve made bigger mistakes before.” Well, Jane, it looks like you’re out of cash. This isn’t the first time you’ve taken something that doesn’t belong to you.
She let out an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes. “I’ve got a job now, Violet.” It’s not like you’d care to find out. I’ve been working as a freelancer from home. Just so you know, I didn’t touch Mom’s earrings. What’s the reason for that?“
“Because you need money,” I said, my teeth clenched in frustration. “It seems like you’re not contributing to Mom’s expenses or care, and perhaps you feel entitled to something.”
Jane let out a snort. “Do you really believe this is just about money?” Do you really think I would take something from Mom? You’re just incredible.
I shot her a fierce look. “You’ve never done anything to help.” I’m the one who’s really trying to juggle everything—my job, Kaden’s schedule, taking care of Milo, and looking after Mom. Where have you been hiding?“
“I told you to hire a full-time caregiver,” Jane shot back. “You wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed if you did that.”
“And who would cover the cost for that?”“I shot back, my voice getting louder.” “Me!” Where are we going to find the money, Jane? Everything you say feels so straightforward. Every now and then, you come in and act like you have all the answers.
Jane raised her hands in exasperation. “I’ve had enough of this conversation.” Go away, Violet. If you have something to say, just call the police. I have nothing to hide.
Feeling a surge of anger and frustration, I burst out, slamming the door as I left. The ride back to Mom’s place felt like a whirlwind of frustration and uncertainty. There was a nagging sense of guilt within me—what if Jane really was being honest? I pushed that thought aside. Jane had a past, and I had every reason to be cautious around her.
In the weeks that followed, more things disappeared from Mom’s house. Small treasures, vintage pins, a shiny silver bracelet. With each thing that went missing, my suspicion of Jane grew stronger. She would drop by to see Mom every now and then, but it always seemed to happen on days when something mysteriously disappeared afterward. It felt like too much of a coincidence to overlook.
However, I required evidence. I figured it was time to take control of the situation myself. During my lunch break one day, I picked up a set of small security cameras and quietly set them up in Mom’s living room and bedroom without mentioning it to anyone. If Jane were the thief, I would definitely catch her red-handed. When Mom saw me on the ladder, she asked what I was up to, and I quickly came up with an excuse about checking the smoke detectors. She didn’t ask me anything more.
A few days later, Mom summoned me to her room once more, this time regarding a missing gold ring. I bit my lip and nodded, trying to reassure her that we would find a way through this. I hurried into the kitchen, grabbed my laptop, and started looking at the camera footage. My heart raced as I skimmed through hours of footage.
Finally, there she was: Jane stepping into Mom’s bedroom, pausing by the dresser. My jaw clenched. This was it. She would lift the lid of the jewelry box, and I’d watch her reach for the ring, finally giving me the proof I needed.
However, Jane didn’t take anything at all. She lifted the lid of the box, peered inside, then shut it again and walked away without taking anything. I stayed glued to the screen, feeling utterly perplexed. Perhaps she would return later.
Suddenly, another figure emerged. My stomach sank. That afternoon, it was Kaden—my husband—who walked into the bedroom. He glanced around, then made his way to the dresser and quickly grabbed the ring. He quickly slipped it into his pocket and walked away, all in just a few seconds. I sat there, completely speechless, trying to wrap my head around what was unfolding before me.
Kaden. The man I relied on, who looked after our son while I was at work. The man who stood by me during all the challenges and heartaches of our fertility journey. The man I believed to be honest, kind, and reliable. He was taking from my mother—our family. I was feeling unwell.
When I got home that evening, I found Kaden by the door, putting on his coat. He mentioned that he was going out for a walk. I stepped in front of him, my heart racing in my chest. “I know what you’ve been up to,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.
He blinked, pretending to be unaware. “What do you mean, Violet?””
“I have camera footage,” I said, my voice steady and unyielding. “I noticed you took the ring.” I’m aware that you took Mom’s earrings and some other things as well.
His face drained of color, and for just a moment, he resembled a trapped creature. “Did Jane mention it to you?”“He asked softly.”
“No,” I replied, feeling completely confused. “What makes Jane think she should share anything with me?””
He let out a deep sigh, leaning back against the wall. “I borrowed money from her, and when she found out what I was up to, she stopped helping me.” Looks like she didn’t mention it to you. I didn’t see that coming.
I couldn’t believe it; I just shook my head in disbelief. “Did you take out a loan from Jane?” What for?“
He ran a trembling hand through his hair. “I’ve been gambling,” he admitted, his voice trembling. “I began with just a little, hoping I could win enough to contribute to the bills and lighten the financial load for you.” Yet, I found myself losing more often than winning. Debts started to accumulate. I asked Jane if I could borrow some money, but when she learned about my gambling, she refused to lend me anything. Instead, she suggested that I consider therapy or rehab. I said no.
My jaw tightened. “So, you stole from my mother to pay off your gambling debts?” So you let me think Jane was the one who stole it? You allowed me to treat her like a criminal just to hide your own mistakes?“
Kaden felt tears start to gather in his eyes. “I apologize, Violet.” I’m really disappointed in myself for this. I never intended to cause any pain to you, Milo, or your mom. I felt so lost and foolish.
“Stupid doesn’t even begin to describe it,” I spat, a mix of anger and betrayal coursing through me. “You’ve caused harm that can’t be undone.” Do you have any idea what I went through, blaming Jane and fighting with her, when all along it was you who was taking things?”
“I know,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I realize I made a mistake. <text”I would do whatever it takes to make it right.”
“I think it’s best if you just leave,” I said with conviction. “Gather your belongings and leave.” I need some time to reflect on our situation. “No matter where we find ourselves.”
He nodded, though his face twisted in distress. “I get it.” I plan to head out tomorrow while you’re at work. I truly love you, Violet. I really love Milo.
“This isn’t what love does,” I said sharply, turning away to conceal my tears. “Just take your walk, Kaden.” I just need some time to myself at the moment.
He quietly slipped out the door, leaving me on the couch, trembling with tears. How did my life fall apart so entirely? I really believed I understood Kaden, that we were in this together. Hadn’t we built a life centered on trust and honesty? But he had let me down in the most unimaginable way.
Once I took a moment to collect myself, it hit me that I needed to apologize to Jane. I had spent weeks pointing fingers at her, fully convinced that she was the selfish thief. In truth, she had made an effort to support Kaden, even suggesting rehab as an option for him, all while keeping it to herself. Perhaps she was looking out for me or wishing he would finally be honest. I realize now that I had been too quick to judge her without seeing the whole story.
I made my way to Jane’s apartment late that night, my eyes still puffy from tears. She opened the door in her pajamas, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion at my unexpected visit so late. “Violet?”“She said softly, stepping aside to let me in.” “Is something bothering you?””
I just had to let it out. Once more, tears streamed down my face as I laid bare all my secrets. “It wasn’t you, Jane.” Kaden was the one. He’s been betting and taking money from Mom. I caught it on camera.
Her expression shifted from shock to sorrow. She wrapped her arms around me in a warm embrace, without a moment’s pause. Her embrace felt warm and comforting. “I’m really sorry,” she murmured. “I understand how deeply you trusted him.”
“I accused you,” I managed to say, my voice barely audible as I buried my face in her shoulder. “I held you responsible for it all.” I really believed you were the villain once more, and all along, you were actually supporting us from the shadows—covering Mom’s medical expenses, encouraging Kaden to get his act together.
Jane let out a sigh and gave my back a gentle pat. “I see why you felt that way.” Considering my history, it’s understandable that people might jump to negative conclusions about me. But Violet, we’re family. I’ve always cared, even if I didn’t express it just right.
I stepped back, gazing at her with tears in my eyes. “I apologize.” For doubting you, for constantly anticipating your failure. You were doing your best in your own way.
She offered a bittersweet smile. “I’m not flawless.” I messed up a lot when we were younger, and I really appreciate how you always stepped in to help me out. Yet, I really wanted to improve. I helped out with some of Mom’s bills whenever I had the chance. I offered Kaden help because I wanted to keep you safe, even if you were never aware of it.
The weight of guilt pressed heavily on my chest. “Will you be able to forgive me?”“
Jane gave a nod. “We’re family, Violet.” Absolutely, I can.
We found ourselves on her sofa, whispering softly about what had been and what was yet to come. Jane shared that she had successfully found some contract work online. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but it provided her with enough money to quietly support Mom. She understood that I was having a tough time with both money and my schedule, so she made an effort to ease my burden without revealing her identity. She also confessed that she had a hunch about Kaden’s issue when she caught him acting anxious at home one day, digging through the drawers. She faced him, and he crumbled, admitting to the gambling and the debts. She suggested covering the cost of therapy, but he turned it down, either too embarrassed or too proud to seek assistance.
I stood there, completely taken aback. For so long, I had seen Jane through a filter shaped by past grudges, youthful mistakes, and the jealousy I harbored over her smarts and charisma. I never let myself believe that she had the capacity to change, to grow, and to truly care. In the soft glow of her living room, I began to see my sister differently: complex, sure, but at her core, she was genuinely striving to do right by our family.
As I was leaving, the first light of dawn was starting to appear. I drove home feeling exhausted, but in a way, I felt a bit lighter too. Now, I finally have clarity. Kaden was gone—at least for now—and I needed to figure out my next steps. Am I prepared to think about divorce? The idea turned my stomach. We had a child together, a home we built, and a history that binds us. However, when trust is broken, it’s not something that can be easily restored. Is it possible for me to forgive him if he reaches out for help, if he makes amends for what he took, if he shows that he can truly change?
I wasn’t aware of that yet. I pulled up outside my mom’s place and took a moment in the car, soaking in the sunrise over the peaceful neighborhood. I couldn’t help but think of Mom, tucked away inside, blissfully unaware of the secrets the night held. Finding out the truth about Kaden would break her heart. Perhaps it was preferable to avoid making her believe that her daughters were in conflict. I would need to approach it with care, making sure she realized that none of this was her doing.
When I walked into the house, I went by Milo’s room. He sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, fully awake now. “Mom?”“He asked gently, noticing the tears on my cheeks.” “Are you alright?””
My heart felt heavy. “I’m alright, darling,” I said, managing a faint smile. “I just had a really long night.” Feeling hungry? What do you think about pancakes?“
Milo nodded with enthusiasm, and I felt a sense of relief at having a straightforward, everyday task to keep me anchored. In the kitchen, I mixed the batter and poured it onto the griddle, the sizzle bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity. While I was cooking, Jane’s words echoed in my mind—that we were family. Through it all, we always had one another. I was genuinely taken aback by how thankful I was for that one simple truth.
As soon as Mom opened her eyes, I took a seat beside her bed and shared everything that had unfolded. Her eyes brimmed with sorrow over Kaden’s betrayal, mingled with a hint of regret for the family turmoil. Yet, she extended her hand and grasped mine. “You’ll get through this,” she said gently. “You’re a resilient woman, Violet.” More powerful than you realize.
I nodded, tears streaming down my face. “I apologize for the accusations I made about Jane,” I said, my voice shaking. “I really thought it was her.”
My mom gently stroked my hand. “Everyone makes mistakes.” “What matters most is that you discovered the truth and took steps to make things right,” she said with a warm smile. “I know your dad would be really proud of you for that.”
In the weeks that followed, I focused on taking it one day at a time. Kaden would text me from time to time, saying he was sorry and hoping for a chance to talk in person. I wasn’t quite prepared, but I decided to let him meet Milo while keeping an eye on things. I urged him to consider therapy or to find a support group for his gambling addiction. He nodded, eager to win back my trust, but I remained cautious.
I spent more time with Jane, meeting her at Mom’s house to talk about finances and care schedules. Slowly, the tension between us began to fade away. When Mom’s new medical bills came in, I spotted credits and payments from unfamiliar sources—Jane had been quietly chipping in here and there for months, taking on some of the load without making a fuss. I expressed my gratitude to her, and even though she played it down, I could tell that my recognition of her hard work meant something to her.
One afternoon, I found Jane in the backyard, carefully clipping roses to arrange in a vase for Mom’s room. I joined her, breathing in the fragrance of the flowers and soaking up the warmth of the sun. It felt odd to reflect on just how much we had achieved in such a brief period. Just a few weeks back, I was convinced she was the bad guy. In that moment, I understood that she was just as human as I was, navigating her own path of decisions—some wise, some not so much, and some filled with genuine compassion. We were sisters, bound by our shared history and a deep love for the same mother.
“How is Kaden doing?”“Jane asked gently, trimming a rose stem with meticulous care.
“He’s giving it his best shot,” I said with a sigh. He began going to meetings for those struggling with gambling addiction, and he’s actively searching for a part-time job to repay what he took. I told him that I need some time before I can even think about letting him move back in.
Jane gave a nod. “I can understand that.” He caused you a lot of pain, and regaining trust isn’t something that happens quickly.
I really valued her understanding. I thought she would come out with something sarcastic, but she surprised me by not saying anything like that at all. She stepped closer and offered me a rose. “For my mom’s vase.” She is going to adore it.
“Thank you,” I murmured, accepting the flower. When our eyes locked, I sensed a connection beginning to grow in that quiet instant. We may not have that perfect sisterly bond from the storybooks, but we were building something deeper, more genuine, and more forgiving than we ever had before.
In the evenings, after I tucked Milo into bed, I often caught myself wandering back through memories of the past. I found myself thinking about how quickly suspicion had settled in my heart. I remember how my old grudges kept me from seeing the signs that something deeper was off. Kaden’s betrayal hurt deeply, yet it opened my eyes to the value of moving past old stereotypes and grudges. I needed to be more cautious, more receptive, and more ready to uncover the truth that might be lurking in surprising spots.
As the days stretched into weeks, life found its own steady beat. I set things up for Nancy to put in a few extra hours by tweaking our family budget—scaling back on little indulgences and being more thoughtful with our grocery shopping. Jane unexpectedly stepped up to help with some of the extra caregiver costs from time to time, which really surprised me. She always kept it low-key, never sought recognition, simply offered her support whenever she was able.
Mom’s health stayed steady, and with Nancy’s help, I felt a sense of relief. I found myself with a little extra energy to share with Milo, enjoying board games in the evenings or lending a hand with his school projects. I made an effort to keep my thoughts from wandering too far into the future when it came to Kaden. If he can stay on the right track, seek help, and truly make things right, perhaps we could find a way to rebuild our marriage. If that wasn’t the case, I needed to keep Milo, Mom, and myself safe from any more danger. No matter what, I felt confident knowing that Jane was there for me as I stepped into this new chapter.
On a chilly Saturday morning, Jane and I decided to take Mom for a stroll around the neighborhood. We took our time walking, as Mom’s pace had slowed down, and we needed to support her arms. Still, she cherished the warmth of the sunshine and the feel of fresh air around her. Milo sped ahead on his scooter, giggling and whirling around in circles. At one moment, Jane and I caught each other’s gaze over Mom’s shoulder. I gave her a smile, and she returned it with one of her own. It was clear without saying a word just how much we had grown since that night I stood in her living room, throwing accusations around.
As we made our way back home, I felt Mom’s hand gently patting mine. “You girls have really blossomed,” she said gently. “I’m really proud of you both.”
A sudden warmth filled my throat, creating a lump that caught me off guard. I glanced at Jane, recalling the time I believed she had taken Mom’s treasured items. It was a truth I could hardly wrap my head around back then: my husband, not my sister, was the one responsible. From that difficult reality emerged something precious—honesty and a deeper understanding between Jane and me.
As we got to the porch, Milo jumped off his scooter and dashed over to me, giving me a warm hug around my waist. I playfully tousled his hair, feeling thankful for his pure heart and the joy he added to our lives. I assisted Mom as we went inside, and Jane chose to linger a bit longer for some tea.
As we sipped our chamomile tea, the conversation flowed softly, touching on little things—flowers, a TV show Jane suggested, and a new recipe I experimented with for dinner. The sense of normalcy felt well-deserved and soothing.
Before Jane headed out, I walked her to the door. “Thank you,” I said, keeping my voice steady as I locked eyes with her. “For all that you’ve accomplished.” For Mom, for myself, and even for Kaden, as difficult as that is to acknowledge.
Jane offered a faint, ironic smile. “No problem at all.” We’re all in this together, Violet. We look out for one another, even when times are tough.
I nodded, fighting to hold back a surge of feelings. Family. It’s amazing how a single word can encapsulate something so intricate. Our family faced challenges of suspicion, theft, and betrayal. Yet, it came out even stronger in an unexpected manner. I realized that none of us were perfect—Mom, Jane, Kaden, or myself. We were imperfect beings trying our hardest to safeguard what was truly important: one another.
Once Jane had gone, I settled onto the couch, relishing the unusual stillness of the afternoon. Milo was having a great time playing in the yard while Mom took a break in her room, and the whole house was filled with a sense of calm. I took out my phone and started scrolling through some old family photos. Pictures of Jane and me as kids came to mind—us at the beach in our matching swimsuits; us squabbling over a toy, with Mom in the background stifling her laughter; us at Jane’s high school graduation. Countless moments brought us to this point.
I came to understand that I had been so fixed in my views of who Jane was that I never considered the chance for her to grow and evolve. This whole experience showed me that even in the darkest times, trust and forgiveness can emerge. Sometimes, what separates good from bad comes down to how we see things, the timing of events, and our level of understanding.
Ultimately, what began as just another tiring day—cleaning the counters and feeling frustrated with my missing sister—turned into insights that completely changed my perspective. Mom’s cherished belongings had vanished, and in my quest to uncover the thief, I discovered some unsettling truths about those I held dear. I found out that my husband was battling inner demons I had no idea about, and my sister showed me a level of kindness and loyalty I had never truly recognized before.
Life won’t be perfect as we move ahead. Recovery is a journey that requires patience. I still need to figure out what to do regarding my marriage. If I wanted Kaden to remain a part of our lives, I’d need to rebuild that trust, or I’d have to figure out how to stand on my own if I couldn’t find it in my heart to forgive him. Yet, I found I wasn’t by myself. I had Milo, Mom, and now, more than ever, I had Jane. She showed me that our past mistakes don’t have to determine our future.
Feeling that way, I got up and headed over to see how Mom was doing. She rested quietly, turning the pages of a vintage photo album. Her face lit up when she spotted me. “Are you alright, Violet?””
I settled down at the edge of her bed, gently holding her hand in my own. “I believe I will be,” I replied honestly. “We’ll make it through this, Mom.” “Everyone, united.”
That’s the beauty of family—you may break, bend, or stumble, but when love is deep enough, you discover a way to endure and flourish. In our most challenging times, surprising revelations can bring us closer together. Sometimes, betrayal opens the door to forgiveness, and suspicion can transform into understanding. In that delicate, lovely moment, we reflect on the essence of trust, the importance of care, and the yearning for a brighter future.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story! Pass it along to your friends; it could spark some inspiration for them as well. At times, we all require a gentle nudge to remember that even when trust is broken, love and kindness have the power to heal what’s been damaged and draw us nearer than we ever thought possible.
Summarized:
The narrative centers on the main character’s challenges as she tries to care for her mother, who is battling a serious illness. Jane, the protagonist’s sister, finds herself caught up in the situation, grappling with the unsettling feeling that she has neglected thoughts of their mother. Jane was notorious for her wild antics at school, yet somehow, she always managed to win everyone’s forgiveness. Now, she only goes to see her mother when she needs something or to make sure her mother remembers she’s there, hoping to stay in the will.
The protagonist’s mother, Nancy, has brought in a caregiver named Nancy, but she can’t manage to pay for her full-time services. She looks after her mother on her own, and she’s reached out to Jane for some assistance with her tasks. Jane has been out of work for months now, and the protagonist can’t help but worry about how this is affecting their relationship.
One day, Jane picks up the phone and calls her mother to share some troubling news: her gold earrings have gone missing. The main character confronts Jane, suggesting that she took them out of desperation or to fund some wild schemes. Jane insists that she hasn’t done anything and believes she should be the one handling everything. The main character feels a deep sense of frustration and anger, fully aware that she will continue to be the one blamed for everything.
As the protagonist faces Jane, she realizes that small treasures, like jewelry and keepsakes, have gone missing. Whenever Jane comes around, her frustration consistently escalates into anger. The main character chooses to meet Jane in person, asserting that she has experienced more losses than ever before.
Jane once again accuses the protagonist of stealing, and the protagonist struggles to maintain a steady voice. She inquires of Jane why she would take the earrings, and Jane clarifies that this is simply how she has always been. The main character feels unsure about involving Kaden, even though he’s the only one who truly supports her.
Jane rolled her eyes and proposed that they call the police if she’s really certain. The protagonist bursts out, slamming the door shut behind her.
As the story unfolds, the protagonist finds their relationship with Jane and her sister becoming increasingly tense, leading them to doubt the trust that has been established within their family. The main character’s mother’s sickness and the strain between her sister and their mom create challenges for them as they try to navigate their lives.
The main character chooses to set up security cameras at her mother’s home rather than reaching out to the police. She purchases a collection of cameras and arranges them in the living room and her mom’s bedroom. Upon her arrival, she discovers Nancy putting in extra hours, and she inquires why Nancy hadn’t mentioned the bills to her. Nancy shares that they visit each month, and it’s usually Jane who takes care of the payment. The protagonist is left in shock, beginning to wonder if it was all just a prank.
A few days later, her mom calls to let her know that her gold ring is missing. The main character is taken aback and chooses to review the security footage. She captures the video and spots Jane in Mom’s room, standing next to the dresser. She lifts the lid of the jewelry box and peers inside, but after a moment, she shuts it and walks away empty-handed.
A few hours later, Kaden shows up, and she sees Kaden pull Mom’s gold ring out of her pocket. She comes to the shocking realization that her husband, Kaden, is the one who has been stealing. She grabs the footage and heads home, a swirl of confusion and anger churning inside her. Kaden admits to taking money from his mother, money that he had previously borrowed from her. He acknowledges that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone, yet he holds Jane responsible for the theft.
The main character feels a deep sense of shame for deceiving her and taking from her family. Kaden wants her to go, but he isn’t ready for a divorce. He says he’ll pack her things tomorrow while she’s at work and will text her when he’s ready to chat. Kaden nods slowly, tears welling up in his eyes, and offers a heartfelt apology for what he has done.
After checking on Milo, the protagonist crumbles, tears streaming down her cheeks. She visits Jane’s house and expresses her apologies, grateful for all that she’s done, including her support for Kaden. Jane confesses that her actions were for her sake and pleads for forgiveness. She hears that she will always be there for her.
The main character tells this tale to friends in hopes of uplifting their spirits and bringing a little joy to their day.
