After a fun night of speed dating, I showed my mom a photo of the guy I met. She freaked out and immediately called 911. I was shaken, but what I discovered the next day when things got really wild left me gasping for air.

My palms were sweating as I smoothed down my dress for the hundredth time. The restaurant’s dim lighting couldn’t hide the anxiety radiating from the other speed daters around me. At 30, I never thought I’d be here, but my best friend Lily’s persistent nagging had finally worn me down.

“You’ve got this, Selena,” I whispered to myself, taking a deep breath. The bitter scent of wine and the soft clink of glasses filled the air, doing little to calm my nerves.

The bell rang with a shrill sound that made me jump. It signaled the start of our first round.

I plastered on my best smile as a tall, dark-haired man slid into the seat across from me. My breath hitched as our eyes met.

“Hi, I’m Robin.”

I felt an instant spark, like electricity coursing through my veins. “Selena. Nice to meet you.”

I found myself leaning in as we chatted, captivated by his stories and wit. He spoke of his work as a software engineer, his love for rock climbing, and his dreams of traveling the world.

With each word, I felt myself falling deeper under his spell.

When the bell rang again, Robin stood up, hesitation brimming in his eyes as he gripped the back of the chair.

“Listen, I know this is unconventional, but would you like to grab a coffee after this? I’d love to continue our conversation.”

My cheeks flushed, and my heart raced. “I’d really like that. Tomorrow? I said, feeling the heat creep into my cheeks as he kissed the back of my hand.

“Sure! Will be waiting for you in the café downtown!”

As we left the restaurant later that night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life was about to change forever.

The next afternoon, I couldn’t stop smiling as I recounted my evening to my mom, Daisy.

“He sounds wonderful, honey,” she said, her eyes crinkling with happiness. “I haven’t seen you this excited about someone in years.”

“I know, Mom. There’s just something about Robin. It’s like… like I’ve known him my whole life.”

“Well, don’t get ahead of yourself. But I am happy for you. Do you have a picture?”

“Oh! Yeah, we took a selfie.” I pulled out my phone, swiping to find the photo. My heart fluttered as I looked at Robin’s smiling face. “Here he is!”

The moment I turned the screen towards her, Mom’s face turned pale.

“Mom? What’s wrong?” I freaked out.

Her eyes were wide with panic, fixed on the phone screen. “Selena, oh my God… it’s HIM. The man who robbed my friend Janet! CALL THE POLICE RIGHT NOW!”

“What? No, that can’t be right.” I shook my head, confusion and disbelief warring inside me.

“I’m telling you, it’s him! He conned Janet out of her life savings. Promised to marry her, took every penny she had, and then vanished! We need to call the police right now, honey!”

My stomach dropped, a cold dread seeping into my bones. “Are you sure?” I asked, desperately hoping she was mistaken.

“Positive. Janet showed me his picture a hundred times when we were trying to track him down. I’d never forget that face.”

I stared at Robin’s smiling face on my phone, feeling sick. The warm brown eyes that had seemed so kind now looked calculating. The charming smile now seemed sinister. How could I have been so blind?

Mom reached for her phone, her fingers shaking as she started to dial 911. Without thinking, I grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “Mom, wait!”

“What do you mean, wait? We need to turn him in!”

“If we call now, he might get spooked and disappear again,” I said slowly, a plan forming in my mind. “But, what if we set a trap?”

Mom’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you thinking?”

“I have a date with him tomorrow night. What if I go, act normal, and you call the police to meet us there?”

She hesitated, worry etching lines across her forehead. “I don’t like the idea of you being alone with him. He’s dangerous, Selena.”

“It’ll be in a public place, Mom,” I assured her, even as my heart raced at the thought. “And think about it. This might be our only chance to catch him. To get justice for Janet and who knows how many others.”

After a long moment, she nodded, fear still lingering in her eyes.

As we began to plot our plan, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was balancing on a knife’s edge. One wrong move and everything could come crashing down.

The next evening, I sat across from Robin at a cozy café, my nerves on edge. He looked as handsome as ever in a blue shirt that brought out his eyes.

But now, his charming smile made my skin crawl. Every compliment and every gentle touch of his hand on mine felt like a lie.

“You look beautiful!” Robin said, reaching for my hand across the table.

I forced myself not to flinch away, plastering on a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Thank you. You look nice too.”

As he launched into a story about his day, I discreetly texted Mom under the table, “Now!”

“So, tell me more about your family,” I said, desperate to keep the conversation going.

A shadow seemed to pass over Robin’s face so quickly that I almost missed it. “It’s complicated,” he said after a moment.

Before I could probe further, I saw two uniformed officers enter the café.

They approached our table, and Robin’s easy smile faltered. “Is there a problem, officers?” he asked, his eyes darting between them and me.

One of them stepped forward, his hand resting on his belt. “Sir, we need you to come with us for questioning.”

“Selena, what’s going on?”

“I’m sorry, Robin. But we know what you did to Janet. And probably to countless other women.”

I thought this was it. But what happened next left me reeling.

After a tense conversation with the officers, during which Robin vehemently denied knowing any Janet, they released him. And he walked back to our table.

“Selena, I don’t understand. Who’s Janet? What’s this all about?”

I blinked, utterly lost. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to be led away in handcuffs, not standing here looking at me like I’d betrayed him.

“The woman you conned. My mom’s friend. You… you took everything from her.”

Robin shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve never met anyone named Janet in my life. But, wait a minute, I think I know what happened here.”

He pulled out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. After a moment, he turned it towards me. I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth.

The photo showed two identical men — Robin, and another who could have been his clone. Same eyes, smile, and same everything.

But while Robin looked relaxed and happy in the photo, his double had an edge to him, a hardness in his eyes that sent a chill down my spine.

“That’s my twin brother, Adrian,” Robin revealed. “We haven’t spoken in over six months. He’s had some trouble with the law. I’ve been trying to help him, but he disappeared. I think he might be the one you’re looking for.”

I felt the blood drain from my face, shame and horror cloaking me in equal measure. “Oh my God. Robin, I’m so sorry. I thought—”

He held up a hand, cutting me off. “It’s okay. I understand. Anyone would have done the same thing in your shoes.”

But I could see the hurt in his eyes. I’d accused him of being a criminal and had the police come after him. Would he ever forgive me?

As if on cue, Mom burst into the café, her eyes wild as she scanned the room. When she spotted us, she rushed over, stopping short when she saw Robin still sitting there.

“What’s going on? Why isn’t he in custody?”

I stood up, placing a hand on her arm. “Mom, we made a mistake. A big one.”

Robin stood as well, offering his hand to my mother. “Mrs…?”

“Daisy,” Mom said, frowning.

“Mrs. Daisy, I understand there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not the man who hurt your friend. But I think I might know who did.”

He showed her the photo, and I watched as the same shock I’d felt played across Mom’s face.

“I can’t believe it,” she murmured, looking between Robin and his brother’s picture. “They’re identical.”

“Adrian and I… we’ve always been close. Or we were. But lately, he’s been making some bad choices. I’ve been trying to help him, but he disappeared a few months ago. I’ve been worried sick.”

I reached out, touching his arm before I could stop myself. “I’m so sorry for putting you through this, Robin. I feel terrible.”

He gave me a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t. You were trying to do the right thing. To protect others from being hurt.”

Mom shook her head, sinking into a chair. “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, dealing with your brother’s actions.”

Robin’s smile faded completely. “It’s been challenging. But I’m not giving up on him. I can’t.”

An awkward silence fell over the table. I fidgeted with my napkin, trying to find the right words to fix this mess I’d created.

How do you apologize for accusing someone of being a criminal? For bringing the police down on an innocent man?

Finally, I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Robin, I know this isn’t how either of us imagined this evening going. And I completely understand if you never want to see me again. But, if you’re willing, I’d love to start over. Maybe we could try another date? One without any police involvement or mistaken identities?!”

He looked at me for a long moment. My heart raced as I waited for his response. Finally, he broke into a genuine grin, the warmth returning to his eyes.

“I’d like that, Selena. I’d like that a lot!”

As we left the café, walking into the cool night air, I couldn’t help but feel that despite all the chaos and misunderstandings, this might just be the beginning of something wonderful.

And terrifying. Because now, somewhere out there, was a man who looked exactly like the one beside me. A man who was everything I’d feared Robin to be.

Here’s another story: My husband thought that gifting me a mop on our 10th anniversary in front of all our guests was a joke. Just moments later, karma showed him what a real joke looked like.

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.

After their marriage was arranged due to a business agreement between their parents, Jason and Aria had no choice but to get to know each other quickly. A few months in, the couple were expecting their first baby. But now that Lily is seven months old, Aria begins to wonder if Jason is really happy…

I wasn’t supposed to overhear it. But maybe I was meant to.

There’s something about family gatherings that always feels familiar. Warm. Chaotic. Comforting.

Today was no different.

Our daughter, Lily, was seven months old, and every time we visited Jason’s parents, she was the center of attention. Jason’s mom fussed over her, while his aunts and uncles passed her around, taking turns cooing and doting on her.

I sat on the couch outside, watching them, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.

“She’s just such a beautiful baby, Aria,” Jason’s aunt said. “Look at those eyes!”

I smiled at her, wondering how different everything could have been if Jason’s family hadn’t accepted us as we were.

Jason was in the kitchen with his mom, helping prepare dinner and getting everything ready for the grill outside. He always seemed so at ease in these moments, slipping effortlessly into the role of devoted son, loving husband, and doting father.

It hadn’t always been that way. At least, not in the beginning.

We were married young. I mean, I was only 20, and Jason had just turned 21. Our marriage was arranged by our parents in an effort to strengthen a business deal.

At first, I hated everything about it. I mean, Jason and I were only given two months to get to know each other before the wedding.

I wasn’t sure if love could grow in such a short amount of time. Especially between two people who were practically strangers.

But we tried.

And day by day, we learned each other’s quirks, built trust, and started creating a life together.

“I know that our relationship is based on our parents, Ari,” Jason said one day when we were getting ice cream together. “But we’ve both decided that we’re in this for the long haul. Right?”

“Right,” I agreed, adding chocolate sauce to my sundae.

“We can be happy, Aria,” he said, picking the cherry off my ice cream.

Things moved fast after that. We got married at a vineyard my father owned. And just a few months into our marriage, I found out I was pregnant with Lily.

The news hit us unexpectedly, and we were both hesitant about keeping our baby.

“What do you want to do?” he asked me one morning when I sat and looked at the pregnancy test.

“Keep her. I think the baby is a girl,” I said.

And just like that, it was decided.

Neither of us were prepared for it, but Jason stepped up in ways I hadn’t expected. After the business deal went through, my parents moved to a different state, leaving me to fend for myself in my marriage with a baby on the way.

Instead, Jason spoke to his parents and decided to take a year off work from his job at his father’s company to support me.

From that moment on, he was by my side, through every bout of morning sickness, every doctor’s appointment, and every sleepless night.

I leaned into his support, but at the back of my mind, I wondered if he ever felt the weight of it all. Jason was many things, but emotional wasn’t one of them. He rarely talked about his feelings and what this new life together meant to him.

But today, as the noise of family surrounded me, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’d come.

I stood up and quietly headed down the hallway, planning to check on Jason and Salma, my mother-in-law, in the kitchen.

But halfway there, I heard his voice.

I paused, not wanting to interrupt. He was speaking in a tone that I’d never quite heard before.

“I don’t know what I’d do without Aria and Lily, Mom,” Jason said softly.

I froze in place, my heart pounding. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but something about the way Jason said my name held me captive.

His voice lowered.

“She’s changed my life, Mom. Like before, I was just interested in parties and chilling on the boat. But now? I wake up every day and think about how lucky I am. I mean, I never really imagined this kind of happiness.”

I stayed hidden just around the corner from the kitchen arch, straining to hear every word. My mind raced as I tried to process the depth of his emotion.

Jason wasn’t the kind of guy to wear his heart on his sleeve like this. And if I’m being really honest, I had been wondering whether our little life was good enough for him.

We had gone from strangers to married to being parents in less than a year. Everything was rushed. So, I wondered whether his feelings for me were true.

But now? Hearing this?

I wasn’t so insecure anymore.

“I wouldn’t be half the man I am without her,” he continued.

There was a pause, and all I could hear was something being chopped.

“That’s beautiful, honey,” Salma said. “I’m glad that you feel this way. You know, when Dad and Aria’s father came to their arrangement, I wasn’t sure about it because of your age. I thought that we were setting you two up for divorce or failure in general. But you guys hit it off and made something wonderful.”

“I don’t tell Ari enough, but she’s everything to me. And Lily, my God! That little girl has taught me more about love than I ever thought possible.”

“That’s the love of a parent, my boy,” Salma said. “And the feeling that comes with being in love and at peace with your relationship.”

Tears filled my eyes, and I pressed my hand to my mouth, trying to hold back the sob that threatened to escape.

Jason had no idea that I was there, listening to the most beautiful confession I had ever heard. I wanted to run into the kitchen, wrap my arms around him, and tell him how much those words meant to me.

But I stayed rooted to my spot, overwhelmed by the weight of what I’d just overheard.

Instead, after a few minutes, I walked outside to join the rest of the family as they played with Lily.

I sat down, pretending everything was normal. I mean, it was, but it was also so much better. The world seemed brighter.

I had been worrying about our future and whether we even had a future lined up. We were young, I knew that. But a part of me always felt like we were doomed from the start.

And I had always known that he cared, but I didn’t know he felt this deeply.

How had I missed that?

Was I too caught up in being Lily’s mother? Had I been ignoring Jason?

That evening, after we returned home and put Lily to bed, the silence between us felt heavy. Jason sat beside me on the couch, his hand resting on my knee as he ate some of the leftover dessert we brought home.

“You’ve been quiet,” he said, his voice soft. “Is something on your mind?”

I bit my lip, unsure of how to begin.

I wanted to tell him everything I’d heard, but I didn’t know how Jason would react.

Finally, I took a deep breath.

“I overheard you today… when you were in the kitchen with your mom.”

Jason’s eyes widened for a moment before he glanced down.

“What did you hear?” he asked.

“You said… you said that you wouldn’t be the man you are without me. You said I’m everything to you.”

“You heard that?” he gasped.

I nodded.

“I was coming to see if you guys needed help. Lily was with the rest of the family. Jason, I had no idea. I mean, I knew you loved me, but hearing you say that…”

“Aria, I meant it,” he said quietly. “I don’t say it enough. I know that. But it’s true, Aria. You’ve made me a better person, and I can’t imagine my life without you. Without Lily. You two are everything.”

The next day, I wanted to show Jason how much his words meant to me. I spent most of the day cooking his favorite meal, and I decorated the house with candles and notes detailing all the things I loved about him written down.

When Jason walked in that evening, his face lit up.

“What’s all this?” he asked, smiling.

“This,” I said. “Is my way of saying thank you. For everything.”

We put Lily to bed and had our romantic dinner. And in that moment, I realized that arranged marriage or not, we were happy. And we were in love.

And that we had made it.

What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you |

My Fiancé Humiliated Me in His Wedding Vows — He Regretted It Later

As Emily walks down the aisle, she feels as though she is finally living her wedding dream. The dress is perfect just like the venue, music, and her groom. Until it’s time for the vows when Jason completely humiliates her in front of everyone. But later, he gets a taste of his own medicine.

It was the day that I had been waiting for. After months of wedding planning and dieting to fit into my dream dress. This was the moment.

“Come on, darling,” my father said, holding out his hand, ready to walk me down the aisle to Jason.

“How do you feel?” my father asked me, kissing my forehead.

“Happy,” I said simply. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for years now, Dad.”

We walked down the aisle to soft music that I had chosen months ago. The guitarist perched on a wooden stool.

“You look beautiful, Emily,” Jason said, taking my hand from my father.

Read the full story here.

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.

In our house, our workaholic dad was king and our mom his servant. Us kids were practically ghosts. Until the day we decided to open Dad’s eyes with a risky plan, not knowing how it would end up changing everything.

Ever felt like you were invisible in your own home? Like the person you’re supposed to look up to doesn’t even know you exist? That’s been my life for as long as I can remember. I’m Irene, and this is the story of how my brother and I had to teach our dad a lesson he’d never forget…

It was a typical Tuesday evening. I sat at the kitchen table, math homework spread out in front of me, while my younger brother Josh sprawled on the living room floor, nose buried in a comic book. The clock on the wall ticked steadily towards 6 p.m.

Right on cue, the front door swung open. Dad trudged in, briefcase bag in hand, tie already loosened. He barely glanced our way as he called out, “Hey.”

I looked up, hoping for… something. A smile? A “How was your day?” But nope. Nothing.

Instead, he bellowed, “Mariam! Where’s my dinner?”

Mom appeared from the laundry room, looking frazzled. “Coming, Carl. Just finishing up the laundry.”

Dad grunted, kicking off his shoes. “Well, hurry up. I’m starving.”

I watched as he made a beeline for the PlayStation, plopping down on the couch without so much as a “How are you?” to any of us. The familiar sounds of his racing game filled the room, drowning out everything else.

Josh caught my eye from across the room. He rolled his eyes, and I nodded in silent agreement. This was our normal, but it didn’t make it hurt any less.

Mom rushed past, arms full of laundry. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, Carl.”

No response. Just the screeching of virtual tires and Dad’s occasional muttered curse.

I sighed, turning back to my homework. Another night in the Thompson household, where Dad was king, Mom was the servant, and Josh and I, well, we might as well have been furniture.

“Earth to Irene,” Josh’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “You gonna help me with my English homework or what?”

I forced a smile. “Yeah, sure. Let me finish this problem first.”

As I bent over my textbook, I couldn’t help but wonder: How long could we go on like this?

The next evening, things reached a boiling point. I was setting the table for dinner when I heard Dad’s voice from the living room.

“Mariam! Why are these magazines so dusty? Don’t you ever clean around here?”

I peeked around the corner to see Dad holding up one of his car magazines, a scowl on his face. Mom stood nearby, looking exhausted and defeated.

“I’m sorry, Carl. I’ve been so busy with work and—”

“Busy?” Dad scoffed, rubbing his chin. “I work too, you know. But I expect to come home to a clean house. Is that too much to ask?”

My blood boiled. Mom worked just as hard as Dad, if not harder. She had a full-time job, plus she did all the cooking, cleaning, and taking care of us kids. And what did Dad do? Work, eat, play video games, sleep. Rinse and repeat.

“That’s it,” I muttered under my breath. I stormed into the kitchen where Josh was grabbing a snack.

“We need to do something,” I said, my voice low.

Josh raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

“About Dad. This can’t go on. He treats Mom like dirt, and us like we don’t even exist. We need to show him what it feels like.”

A slow grin spread across Josh’s face. “I’m listening.”

We huddled together, whispering furiously as we hatched our plan. It was time to give Dad a taste of his own medicine.

“You really think this’ll work?” Josh asked as we finalized the details.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. But we have to try something. For Mom’s sake, if nothing else.”

Josh nodded solemnly. “Alright, let’s do this.”

As we separated, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of excitement and nervousness. Would this work? Or would it just make things worse?

The next day, Josh and I put our plan into motion. We convinced Mom to take a spa day, assuring her we’d take care of things at home. She was hesitant at first, but eventually agreed, clearly in need of a break.

As 6 p.m. approached, Josh and I got ready. We raided Dad’s closet, pulling out two of his shirts and ties. The clothes hung off our smaller frames, but that was part of the effect we were going for.

“Ready?” I asked Josh as we heard Dad’s car pull into the driveway.

He nodded, straightening his too-large tie. “Let’s do this.”

We took our positions — Josh on the couch with a magazine and me standing near the door. My heart was pounding as we heard Dad’s key in the lock.

The door swung open, and Dad stepped in. He froze, taking in the sight of us in his clothes.

“What’s going on here?” he asked, confusion evident in his voice. “Why are you guys wearing my shirt?”

I fixed him with a stern look. “I need my dinner,” I said, mimicking his usual demanding tone.

Josh didn’t even look up from his magazine. “And don’t forget to clean up the PlayStation when you’re done.”

Dad’s eyebrows shot up. “Wait a minute. What are you two doing?”

I waved him off dismissively. “Hey, I’m busy. Don’t bother me with questions.”

“Yeah,” Josh chimed in, “go ask Mom. Isn’t that what you usually do?”

Dad stood there, mouth agape, as we continued our act. I grabbed the PlayStation controller and started playing, while Josh flipped through the magazine with exaggerated disinterest.

“Seriously, what is this?” Dad’s voice was a mix of frustration and bewilderment.

I looked up, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, sorry, were you talking to me? I’m kind of in the middle of something important here.”

“Just like you always are,” Josh added.

A heavy silence fell over the room. I could almost see the gears turning in Dad’s head as he watched us. Slowly, his expression changed from confusion to dawning realization.

When he spoke again, his voice was softer, almost vulnerable. “Is this… is this how you see me?”

The moment of truth had arrived. I took a deep breath, dropping the act.

“Yes, Dad. This is exactly how you’ve been treating us and Mom. You’re always too busy for us, and you treat Mom like she’s just here to serve you.”

Josh joined in, his voice steady despite the emotion I could see in his eyes. “She works just as hard as you do, but she also has to take care of everything at home. And all you do is complain and demand things from her.”

Dad’s shoulders slumped as the weight of our words hit him. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the front door opened once more.

Mom walked in, looking more relaxed than I’d seen her in years. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her.

“What’s going on?” she asked, glancing between us and Dad.

Dad turned to her, and I was shocked to see tears in his eyes. “I… I think I’ve been a terrible husband and father,” he said, his voice cracking. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize how bad it was until now.”

Without another word, he walked into the kitchen. We all watched in stunned silence as he started pulling out pots and pans.

“Carl?” Mom called out, confusion evident in her voice. “What are you doing?”

“Making dinner! Flatbread, anyone?!” came his reply. “Please, sit down. All of you.”

Josh and I exchanged a look of disbelief before joining Mom at the table. We sat in awkward silence as the sounds and smells of cooking filled the air.

Finally, Dad emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming pot. He set it down on the table and began serving us each a portion.

“I’m sorry,” he said as he worked. “For everything. I’ve been neglecting you all, and I see that now. I’ll do better, I promise.”

As we began to eat, I couldn’t help but marvel at how different this felt. Dad was actually present, asking us about our day, listening to our responses. It was… nice. Weird, but nice.

“So,” Dad said, clearing his throat. “Tell me what I’ve missed. How’s school going for you two?”

Josh and I looked at each other, then back at Dad. Was this for real?

“It’s… fine,” I said cautiously. “I’ve got a big history test coming up next week.”

Dad nodded, actually seeming interested. “Maybe I could help you study?”

The offer took me by surprise. “Yeah,” I said, a small smile forming. “That’d be great.”

As we finished dinner, Dad looked at us with a smile, a real one, not the distracted half-smiles we were used to. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For showing me how I was acting. I needed that wake-up call.”

I felt a warmth in my chest I hadn’t experienced in a long time. “We’re just glad you listened, Dad.”

Josh grinned mischievously. “And maybe now you’ll actually join us to play games?”

Dad laughed, a full, hearty laugh that I realized I’d missed hearing. “Deal. But first, let’s clean up together.”

As we all pitched in to clear the table and wash dishes, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful. This was just one night, and I knew things wouldn’t magically be perfect from here on out. But it was a start, a real one. And for the first time in years, we felt like a family again.

Here’s another story: I chose to dishonor my dad’s final wish by doing something that haunts me. But there is a heartbreaking reason behind it that still makes me cry.

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.

Often, people will pass unnecessary judgments without knowing someone’s story. This was the case for Maria, who worked every day to give her son the best chance at a bright future. One day, Maria proved everyone’s assumptions wrong.

Maria’s life had always been an uphill battle. She came from a poor background and, despite her best efforts, always seemed to get the short end of the stick. She dedicated her life to ensuring that her son, Aiden, had the best upbringing possible.

She worked for a cleaning company as a janitor and often struggled to make ends meet. Maria worked 12 hours daily to ensure that she could feed Aiden and that he was taken care of. Once he was old enough, she sent him to a good boarding school in the suburbs.

“I’m gonna work real hard off to make sure you can attend college. Momma’s got you covered, okay,” she told Aiden before he boarded the bus. Maria made sure to write to Aiden every chance that she could.

Years later, Aiden excelled in science and told her he had the opportunity to job shadow a doctor at a medical practice. He decided that’s what he wanted to be when he grew up. Aiden also revealed to Maria that he met a girl named Linda while job shadowing and the two had started dating.

“Just remember, some of us might come from nothing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be something.”

It turned out that Linda was the daughter of another doctor at the practice that Aiden had visited. “Listen, son, I don’t want you to get your heart broken. But Linda comes from wealth, and her family might look down on you,” Maria wrote to her son.

“Don’t worry, mom. She knows where we’re from, and she doesn’t care. She loves me as I am. Trust me, you’ll see,” Aiden wrote back. Aiden and Linda stayed together after graduating high school and attended the same college.

Once Maria met Linda, she understood why Aiden loved her so much. Linda was humble and didn’t judge Maria even when she learned where she worked. When Aiden revealed that he and Linda had gotten engaged, Maria gave her blessing immediately.

Maria decided to throw an engagement party at a local restaurant to celebrate and meet Linda’s parents, Hugh and Elizabeth.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen, Maria. My parents are very stuck up, so when they learned about Aiden’s background, they didn’t give their blessing,” Linda revealed.

After some time, Hugh and Elizabeth reluctantly gave Aiden their blessing and agreed to pay for the wedding. The ceremony was quite extravagant. Linda wore a designer wedding dress that her grandmother had gifted her. The cake was giant, and Hugh had hired a famous chef to cater the wedding.

Maria finally had the opportunity to meet Hugh and Elizabeth, but they didn’t treat her kindly. When asked what degree she had, Maria replied, “I didn’t get the chance to finish my studies because Aiden’s dad left me to raise him alone.”

“Well, if we hadn’t worked hard, then we couldn’t have given Linda all of this,” Elizabeth replied rudely. Hugh and Elizabeth had VIP guests, including well-known businessmen from around the city. When asked who Maria was, they seemed embarrassed to reveal that she was the groom’s mother.

After the vows and I-dos were said, it was the turn of the groom and bride’s families to give speeches. Hugh and Elizabeth took the stage first to congratulate the newlyweds on their union. They then revealed their gift, which surprised Aiden and Linda because Hugh had already paid for the wedding.

“We’re really sorry. We’ve mistreated you since the moment we met you.”

“We know you are both house-hunting and will move in together soon. So we’re going to pay for all of your furniture and appliances,” Huge revealed.

“Once you’ve found a house, it will be fully furnished,” Elizabeth added. The gift was met with applause from the attendees. Hugh and Elizabeth looked on with pride at the reaction. Next to the stage was Maria. Many guests began to whisper and murmur as they all expected a gift that would be quite cheap in comparison.

Maria wiped away a tear of joy as she congratulated the newlyweds. She didn’t care about the judgment. Maria was just proud of her son and daughter-in-law. But what she said next shocked the entire wedding party.

“I worked all my life and saved up to pay for your college tuition because I knew it would be expensive. Then you decided you wanted to be a doctor, and I thought, wow, even more expensive,” Maria joked.

She could tell that Hugh and Elizabeth were laughing at her, not with her. Maria reached into her purse for an envelope before continuing.

“The funny thing is, you got a scholarship to study medicine anyway, so you didn’t even need all the money I saved. So now that you’re about to get your doctorate and you’re getting married to this brilliant young woman, what better way to congratulate you than by buying you a house,” Maria revealed.

The entire wedding party gasped in shock as Maria opened her envelope and handed a set of keys to Aiden and Linda. Everyone stood to applaud while Hugh and Elizabeth were left stunned. After the ceremony ended, Hugh and Elizabeth apologized to Maria.

“We’re really sorry. We’ve mistreated you since the moment we met you. We apologize for judging you. You’ve really shown us how remarkable you are,” Elizabeth told Maria.

“Just remember, some of us might come from nothing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be something,” Maria replied.

By the end of the year, Aiden had finished his doctorate and joined Hugh’s practice to work as a doctor. Aiden insisted that Maria retire from working as a janitor. Hugh and Elizabeth followed suit soon afterward. Linda threw Maria a retirement party, and Aiden bought her a brand-new car to thank her for everything.

Soon, Aiden and Linda had children of their own. Maria lived as a grandparent for the children, a role she happily shared with Hugh and Elizabeth.

What can we learn from this story?

Don’t take negative judgment to heart. All that mattered to Maria was her son’s happiness and success. She didn’t let the judgment bring her down, and in the end, she proved all of her doubters wrong.

You never know what someone has been through. Hugh and Elizabeth had false perceptions of who Maria was based on the fact that she was a janitor. In the end, they realized that Maria was just as hard-working and deserving of respect as anyone else.

Share this story with your friends and family. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a rich mom at a Christmas school fair who mocks another mom who works at night.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.

For Nancy her son Henry was everything, she never imagined her life without him. It had been 23 years since the horrible accident that took Henry’s life. Every year on that day, she took his favorite pie to his grave to honor his memory. But this year, everything was about to change.

For 23 years, Nancy, now 61, never missed a single day on this date. She baked her late son’s favorite pie and took it to his grave every year since.

The pie, a simple yet delicious apple and cinnamon creation, had been Henry’s favorite since childhood.

The scent of apples and cinnamon brought back memories of when Henry was little, running into the kitchen, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the pie.

It was his favorite dessert, and baking it had become a tradition they both cherished.

Since Henry’s tragic accident at 17, this ritual had been Nancy’s way of keeping his memory alive.

It gave her a sense of connection to him, like she was still doing something special for her boy. Losing him had been the hardest thing she had ever gone through. The pain of that day never left her.

Even though the years had passed, her grief remained, only softened by time and the small comfort this tradition brought her.

On this particular day, just like every year before, Nancy carefully carried the freshly baked pie to the graveyard.

The weight of the dish felt heavier, as it always did when she walked toward Henry’s resting place. The grave was neat and covered in flowers, a sign of how much he was still loved.

The stone had become smoother over the years, as she had often run her fingers over it, lost in her memories.

Nancy knelt, placing the pie gently on the gravestone. Her heart ached as she began to speak, her voice quiet, as though Henry might somehow hear her.

“Henry, I hope you’re at peace, my love. I miss you every day. I baked your favorite pie again. Remember how we used to bake it together? You’d always sneak a taste before it was done.”

She smiled, but her eyes were misty with tears. “I wish we could do that one more time.”

The familiar sorrow welled up inside her, but Nancy had learned over the years to push through the tears.

She wiped her eyes quickly and managed a small smile. After a few more moments of silence, she kissed her fingers and touched the top of the gravestone as she said her quiet goodbye.

Then, with a heavy but comforted heart, she turned and walked away, knowing she’d be back next year, just like always.

The next day, as part of her routine, Nancy made her way back to Henry’s grave to clean up the remains of the pie.

Usually, by the time she returned, the pie was either untouched or spoiled by the weather, a quiet reminder of her son’s absence.

She had always found it a bittersweet comfort, knowing the pie stayed where she left it as if waiting for him.

But today, as she approached the grave, something felt different. Nancy’s heart skipped a beat when she saw that the plate was clean—completely empty. For a moment, she stood frozen in disbelief.

Then, she noticed something else. Resting on the plate was a small piece of paper, folded in half.

Nancy’s hands trembled as she picked up the note. Her breath caught in her throat as she unfolded it.

The handwriting was shaky, as though whoever had written it had struggled to form the letters. The simple words read: “Thank you.”

Her heart pounded with confusion and anger.

“Who would take Henry’s pie?” she muttered under her breath, clutching the note tightly. “This was for my son. No one had the right to touch it!”

Her private ritual, her way of honoring and remembering her son, had been invaded by a stranger.

She felt violated, as if someone had stolen a piece of her grief.

With her emotions swirling—part outrage, part confusion—Nancy left the cemetery, her mind set on finding the person who had taken her son’s pie. She had to know who had done this, and why.

Determined to catch the culprit, Nancy decided she would take matters into her own hands. She couldn’t let someone continue to disturb the way she honored Henry. So, she devised a plan.

That night, she baked another of Henry’s favorite pies, the same apple and cinnamon recipe she had been making for over two decades.

The next morning, with renewed resolve, she placed the freshly baked pie on Henry’s grave, just like before, but this time she wasn’t leaving.

She found a large oak tree nearby and hid behind it, close enough to see the grave but far enough to not be noticed.

The warm aroma of the pie drifted through the air, filling the quiet cemetery.

Time passed slowly as Nancy watched and waited, her heart racing in anticipation.

An hour later, she spotted movement. A small figure cautiously approached the grave. Nancy squinted, leaning forward to get a better look.

It wasn’t the greedy thief she had imagined. No, this was something entirely different.

A young boy, no older than 9, with ragged clothes and dirt smudged on his face, moved toward the pie with hesitant steps.

Nancy’s heart tightened as she watched him. The boy didn’t immediately take the pie.

Instead, he knelt by the grave and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small scrap of paper and a dull pencil. His hand trembled as he carefully scribbled something on the paper, his brow furrowed with concentration.

It was clear the boy struggled with writing, but he took his time, making sure each word was legible.

Nancy’s heart softened as she saw him write “Thank you” on the paper, just like before. He wasn’t a thief. He wasn’t someone disrespecting Henry’s memory. He was just a hungry child, grateful for the kindness of a pie left behind.

The anger that had once consumed Nancy melted away in an instant. She realized this boy wasn’t stealing; he was surviving. He was in need, and her son’s favorite pie had somehow brought him comfort.

As the boy began to pick up the pie, his small hands shaking, Nancy stepped out from her hiding spot.

The rustle of leaves under her feet made him freeze, wide-eyed. Startled, he dropped the pie, and it tumbled onto the grass. His face paled, and he backed away, looking terrified.

“I’m sorry, I’m really sorry!” the boy cried, his voice trembling with panic. “I was just so hungry, and the pie was so good. Please don’t be mad.”

Nancy’s heart softened instantly. The sight of him—thin, dirty, and scared—erased any trace of anger she had felt before.

She knelt beside him, speaking gently, her voice as comforting as she could make it. “It’s alright, sweetheart. I’m not mad at you, Where are your parents?” she said, her tone soothing. The boy stayed silent and shook his head. “What’s your name?” Nancy asked another question understanding that the boy had nowhere to go.

“Jimmy,” he muttered, still avoiding her eyes, ashamed of what he had done.

“Well, Jimmy,” Nancy smiled softly, trying to reassure him, “it’s okay. You don’t have to steal pies. If you’re hungry, all you had to do was ask.”

Jimmy looked up at her, his lips quivering as he tried to speak. “I didn’t mean to steal,” he said, his voice small and shaky. “I just… I don’t get to eat much, and that pie was the best thing I’ve ever had.”

Nancy’s heart ached for him, her mind flooded with thoughts of how different this boy’s life must be.

The hunger in his eyes reminded her of her own son, Henry, when he would eagerly wait for that first bite of her freshly baked pie.

But Henry never had to worry about where his next meal would come from. Jimmy, on the other hand, looked like he had been living with hunger for a long time.

“Come with me,” Nancy said after a moment of thought. She stood up and reached out her hand to him. “I’ll bake you a fresh pie, just for you.”

Jimmy’s eyes widened in disbelief, as if he couldn’t trust his own ears. “Really?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and doubt.

Nancy nodded, her heart filled with a strange but comforting warmth. “Yes, really. You don’t have to be afraid.”

Slowly, Jimmy reached out and took Nancy’s hand.

She led him back to her home, the boy walking beside her in silence, his eyes darting around as if he wasn’t sure if this was all real. Nancy’s heart swelled with the thought of what she was about to do.

Baking had always been her way of expressing love, and now, after years of baking for a son she could no longer see, she was about to bake for someone who truly needed it.

When they reached her cozy kitchen, Nancy set to work, rolling out the dough, slicing the apples, and adding the perfect amount of cinnamon—just as she had done so many times before.

Jimmy watched her quietly from the corner of the kitchen, his eyes wide as he followed every move she made.

The smell of the pie began to fill the room, warm and comforting, like a hug from a long-lost friend.

Once the pie was baked, Nancy placed it in front of Jimmy. “Here you go, sweetheart,” she said softly.

“This one’s all for you.”

Jimmy hesitated for a moment, as if he couldn’t believe what was happening. But then he grabbed a slice and took a bite. His face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling as he chewed.

“This is the best pie I’ve ever had,” he said, his mouth still full. He ate with such happiness that it brought tears to Nancy’s eyes.

She watched him in silence, thinking about how something as simple as a pie could bring so much comfort to someone.

As Jimmy devoured the warm slices with obvious delight, Nancy couldn’t help but think of Henry.

She had always dreamed of seeing her son eat his favorite pie again, of watching him enjoy it the way he used to when he was a child.

But now, in some strange and unexpected way, she was sharing it with another boy who needed it just as much.

Watching Jimmy eat, Nancy felt a deep sense of peace wash over her. Perhaps this was how it was meant to be.

Maybe fate had brought Jimmy into her life for a reason. By feeding him, by offering him kindness when he needed it most, she was honoring Henry’s memory in a way she had never imagined.

For the first time in years, Nancy felt that her grief had led her to something beautiful—a connection, a purpose that gave new meaning to her life.

Maybe, just maybe, this was Henry’s way of sending her a message—that love and kindness should always find their way back to those in need.

Nancy smiled as she watched Jimmy finish the last slice of pie, her heart full of warmth and gratitude.

She had found an unexpected connection in the most unlikely place, and it filled her soul in a way that nothing else had in years.

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: Martha was always quiet and smiling. No matter how hard or small the task, she was always ready to help. One of her colleagues, Chelsea, often took advantage of Martha’s kind nature by asking her to do her work for her. But this time, Chelsea unintentionally did Martha a favor. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.