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.

I Found a Letter in the Attic Revealing a Secret My Parents Hid from Me for Years – Story of the Day

I always believed my parents had given me the perfect childhood, filled with love and trust. But one evening, while looking for old family photos in the attic, I stumbled upon a sealed letter. What I read inside turned my entire world upside down and changed everything I thought I knew.

That evening felt peaceful, just like always when I came to my parents’ house for dinner on the weekends. Their home felt warm and safe.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The smell of Mom’s cooking filled the air, and soft music played in the background.

We sat at the kitchen table, laughing and remembering funny stories from my childhood.

While we were still talking, Mom mentioned the old photo albums she kept in the attic. “You should look through them,” she said. “There are lots of sweet baby pictures.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I smiled. “Maybe I’ll take a few home.”

After dinner, I went upstairs. The attic smelled like dust and cardboard. I turned on the light and crouched near the boxes.

I found the albums and smiled at the photos of myself as a baby, riding on Dad’s shoulders, sitting in Mom’s lap.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Then I noticed a worn box pushed behind the others. At the very bottom, under wrapping paper and old cards, was an envelope. It was sealed. On the front, in shaky handwriting, were the words: “For my daughter.”

My hands began to tremble. What was this? Why had I never seen it before?

I broke the seal and opened the letter.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My beautiful baby girl,

I am so sorry. You are only just born, and I already have to make the hardest choice of my life. I cannot keep you. I am too young, too lost, and too afraid to raise you alone.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“But my love for you is endless. Letting you go is not because I don’t want you — it’s because I want a better life for you than I could ever give. I hope the family who takes you in will love you the way you deserve. I will always carry you in my heart. Always.

With all my love,

Your mother.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t breathe. My chest tightened. My parents were downstairs. What was this letter? I grabbed the envelope and stormed into the kitchen, holding it out to them.

“What is this?” My voice shook. I held out the letter with both hands. My fingers would not stop trembling.

They turned to look at me. Mom’s face lost all its color. Dad’s jaw clenched hard. They stared at me. Neither of them spoke.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well?” I asked again. My voice was louder this time.

Mom jumped to her feet. She wrung her hands tightly. Her eyes were wide. “Emily… honey, I don’t know where you found that. Maybe it’s a mistake. Maybe—”

“Stop,” I cut her off. Dad’s voice came next. His tone was steady but cold. He reached out. He took Mom’s hand and pulled her back into her chair. His eyes met mine. His face was serious. “We have to tell her.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My stomach dropped, and I felt like I was falling.

“Tell me what?” I asked. My voice came out soft, and I barely heard myself.

Dad let out a long breath. “Emily… you are not our biological daughter.”

I felt like someone had hit me. I grabbed the table to keep from falling. My knees were weak.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What are you saying?” I asked. My voice was sharp.

Mom’s eyes filled with tears. She opened her mouth. Her lips trembled. “We adopted you. You were just a few days old. Your birth mother was 16. She couldn’t keep you. She wrote that letter after you were born.”

“No,” I said. I shook my head hard. “You’re lying. Both of you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Emily, please,” Dad said. His voice softened. “We love you. You are our daughter.”

I stared at them. My hands curled into fists. “But you lied!” I shouted. “Every single day. You looked me in the eyes. You lied!”

Mom reached toward me. Her hands shook. I stepped back.

“We wanted to tell you,” she cried. “We were scared.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Scared of what?” I asked.

“That you would hate us. That you would leave us,” she said.

I felt my whole body shaking. My throat burned. “This letter was for me. You had no right to keep it.”

Dad’s voice cracked. “We didn’t know how to tell you. But we have always loved you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stood. My hands were tight at my sides. “I don’t even know who I am.”

The room went quiet. The silence hurt.

“Tell me her name,” I said. “Where is she?”

Mom lowered her head. Dad answered. “Her name is Sarah. She lived in the city where you were born.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stared at them both. I grabbed my jacket, keys, and bag.

“Emily, wait!” Mom called out.

But I didn’t stop. I could hear Mom calling my name, but I kept going. I slammed the door behind me and stumbled toward my car, my breath coming fast and shaky.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I had never felt this kind of pain before. It was sharp and deep like something inside me had snapped.

I climbed into the driver’s seat and gripped the steering wheel as hard as I could.

I started the car and drove away without looking back. I headed straight to my apartment.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When I got inside, I dropped my bag on the floor. I couldn’t stop crying. My chest hurt so much I could barely breathe. I cried until there were no more tears left, just that awful empty feeling.

I barely slept that night. I couldn’t stop hearing my parents’ voices in my head.

Their words circled over and over, but none of their reasons could drown out the hurt. The betrayal was louder than anything they had said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When the sun came up, I knew I couldn’t just sit there. I had to find her. I checked online and there were only a few results. Then I saw her photo. She stood outside a small diner, smiling.

I stared at the screen. My eyes wouldn’t leave her face. I wondered if I looked like her. I wondered if she ever thought about me.

I got in my car and drove two hours to that little town. I kept going over the words I might say when I saw her, but none of them felt right.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When I reached the diner, I stayed across the street, just sitting in my car, watching. It was small and simple.

Inside, people laughed and talked over their meals. The windows were bright with sunshine.

Then I saw her. Sarah. She moved between the tables, carrying plates and smiling at the people around her. She looked kind. She looked happy.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I felt my heart race as I forced myself to open the car door. I stepped outside, walked across the street, and pushed open the door of the diner. The bell above the door jingled softly.

“Hi there! Sit wherever you like,” she called from behind the counter. Her voice sounded friendly and warm.

I picked a small table by the window. I sat down and tried to keep my hands still. My fingers kept twisting together in my lap.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She walked over with a bright smile and handed me a menu. “What can I get you, sweetie?” she asked, tilting her head a little as she looked at me.

I felt my throat tighten. I cleared it and tried to speak without my voice shaking. “Just a sandwich, please,” I said, keeping my eyes down.

She nodded and wrote the order on her pad. “Coming right up.” She turned and headed back toward the kitchen.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stared at her as she moved between the tables. Every time she passed near me, I wanted to say something. The words were right there, but I couldn’t get them out.

When she brought the sandwich, I coughed. My throat felt dry and itchy.

She set the plate down and gave me a soft smile. “Sounds like you’re catching a cold,” she said. “Would you like some tea? It’s on the house.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Thank you,” I whispered. My voice barely came out.

She smiled again, sweet and gentle, then walked back toward the counter.

I stayed there for hours, sitting at the table by the window, barely eating, barely moving.

The sandwich on my plate stayed almost untouched. I watched her the whole time as she moved between the customers, smiling easily and talking softly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

We exchanged a few simple words — only safe small talk about the town, the diner, and the weather. I lied. I said I was just passing through. My throat felt tight every time I spoke, but I tried to smile.

Then the door opened. A man came in, holding a little boy’s hand. They laughed softly as they walked toward Sarah.

The boy let go of the man’s hand and ran straight to her. She bent down right away and hugged him close.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She smiled at him with so much love that my chest hurt. The warmth on her face made my heart ache.

I sat frozen, staring at them. I could not look away. Was this her family? Did she have another child? Did she already have everything she needed in her life?

I couldn’t stay. My chest felt tight, my breath short and hard to catch. I grabbed my bag, left money on the table, and walked out fast, holding back tears until I reached my car.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I collapsed into the seat and let the sobs come, hot and heavy, shaking my whole body. I wasn’t ready.

I told myself I wouldn’t go back. But the next week, I was driving those same two hours again. I didn’t fully understand why. I just knew I couldn’t let it go.

I sat at the same table, watching her move between the customers, smiling easily. When she saw me, she smiled like she was happy to see me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well, hello again,” she said. “Back in town?”

“Yeah… just passing through,” I replied, my voice barely steady.

“Same order as last time?”

I nodded.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She brought the sandwich and tea, her kindness as gentle as before. I coughed again, and she gave me a soft look of concern.

Our conversation stayed light, but every word from her felt like it pulled at something deep inside me.

Then the man and the boy came in again. I watched as the boy ran to her, and she hugged him close.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When she came by my table later, I said softly, “You have a lovely family.”

Sarah smiled. “Thank you. But that’s my brother and my nephew.”

The breath I’d been holding finally left my lungs. I knew I couldn’t keep coming like this. I couldn’t sit there in silence, hiding.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

That night, I waited outside the diner until her shift ended. When she stepped into the parking lot, pulling her jacket tighter, I approached.

“Sarah,” I called, my voice shaking.

She turned, surprised. “Oh, hi. You’re still here?”

“I… I need to talk to you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Concern crossed her face. “Is everything okay?”

I took a step closer and reached into my bag, pulling out the letter. My fingers shook as I held it out to her.

She glanced down at the envelope, her expression softening the moment she saw the handwriting.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Slowly, she reached for it, her hands starting to tremble as well. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

She looked up at me, her eyes filling with tears. And in that moment, without needing me to say anything, she understood.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered, “Can I… can I hug you?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.

She wrapped her arms around me, and I fell into her. We stood there, crying, holding each other under the soft glow of the parking lot lights.

When we finally stepped back, she smiled through her tears.

“Would you come back inside? I’d love to talk.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I nodded, wiping my face.

We sat at a quiet table, away from the others. She poured tea for both of us. At first, we sat in silence.

Then she told me everything. How young she’d been. How scared. How much she had loved me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She said my biological father had wanted to keep me, but couldn’t. They stayed in touch, both wondering about me all these years.

I listened. I told her about my life and childhood. How my parents loved and gave me everything.

“I was angry at them,” I admitted softly. “But they did love me. They still do.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Sarah squeezed my hand. “I’m grateful they raised you.”

When we stood to leave, she hugged me again. “I’d love to see you again,” she said.

“I’d like that,” I answered.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

That night, back in my apartment, I picked up my phone. I stared at the screen for a long time before typing the message to the family group.

“Thank you for loving me. Thank you for raising me. I’m coming home for breakfast tomorrow.”

When I hit send, something inside me finally felt at peace.

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.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*