Left in a Cardboard Box at Birth, Now My Mom Needs Me 20 Years Later

My Mom Left Me in a Cardboard Box in the Supermarket When I Was a Baby — 20 Years Later She Asked For My Help

When Sue was little, she was abandoned in a cardboard box. Fortunately, she was taken home by a store clerk who completely turned her life around. Sue is now forced to confront her history and the disappointment that accompanies it in the form of an unexpected knock at the door. Is this Sue’s greatest life disappointment or a wonderful reunion?

Twenty years ago, I was abandoned in a grocery store in a cardboard box. I had nothing but a few pictures of my mother and a note when I was just a few months old.

I love you, Sue, always, the note said.

Neither my middle name nor my surname were known to anyone. No one appeared to be aware of my mother’s condition or my father’s demise. In a world that knew nothing about me, I was by myself.

However, even at the age of many months, I appeared to be the fool of fate. Ruby, a nice store clerk, found me and took me in.

She would always add, “I couldn’t leave you there, Sue,” when the story was mentioned. Soon after, I took on the role of guardian and brought you up as my own. You turned into my tiny pest.”

To me, Ruby was everything. And the more I developed, the closer we got.

I would always be appreciative that Mom provided for all of my needs. Nevertheless, I would never stop wondering why my mother had abandoned me and if she would ever return.

Ruby once told me, “I know that it bothers you, darling,” while preparing lasagna for supper. “But now, she’s a mystery. Nothing we have can help us find her.”

As I grated more cheese for the meal to be served, I said, “I know.” “It’s just frustrating when I start thinking about it.”

“Sue, you adore social media and the internet. Use it to share your story with others; perhaps they will find it relatable and you will be able to connect with like-minded people.”

After opening the oven, she placed the lasagna dish inside.

So I did exactly that, sharing my tale with the world and rising to fame as a video blogger.

Ruby informed me, “You’ve created a safe platform for people to share their stories, too,” after I read her the comments from my most recent video.

I helped myself to the eclairs on the table and remarked, “It means something to me.”

Let’s go back to the current day. I’m prosperous and able to support my guardian as well as myself.

One night when I cleaned my face, I thought to myself, “So much for being an abandoned baby.”

But you can only imagine my shock when all of a sudden there was a knock on my door.

When I opened the door, I saw an elderly, thin woman standing there with remorse and desperation in her eyes.

“Sue, my love,” she exclaimed. “I am your mother, and I need your help!”

I couldn’t help but stare at her, not wanting to blink lest I miss the opportunity.

“Do you still have the note I left with you when I left you safely in the store?”

securely? I pondered in my mind. The wave of emotions that had invaded my house when she arrived left me frozen in place.

I responded, my voice hardly audible above a whisper, “Yes, I have it.” “I kept it.”

“I know that what I did gives me no right to ask for your assistance, but I need you to believe that at the time, I had no other option. I was fleeing a hazardous circumstance. And I believed that the only way to keep you safe was to leave you in a secure location. I had to vanish.”

I questioned, “What kind of situation?”

This moment has long been on my mind. I was only disappointed by the reunion with my birth mother every second that passed.

She paused and turned to face her hands.

“People were after me, and they weren’t going to give up until they achieved their goals. I once committed theft solely to support my needs financially. I took something inappropriate from the wrong person. I have to protect you. I therefore parted ways with you.”

My mother was shady, of course.

You had the opportunity to return sooner. You may have looked for me.”

“I know, but I was scared.”

I inhaled deeply as I tried to take it all in.

“What do you need help with?”

Her eyes begged as she raised her head.

“Until I can stand again, I need somewhere to remain for a short while. There is nowhere else I can go.”

My heart hurt. However, I was aware Ruby would prefer that I accept. I would follow her instructions. Her words were so clear in my mind.

Sue, that’s your biological mother. Ruby would say, “Help her,” probably in exchange for something to eat.

At last, I said, “Okay.” “You’re welcome to stay. However, this does not imply that all is forgiven. We have a great deal on our minds.”

Tears were running down her face as she nodded.

“I’m grateful. I’ll put things right, I swear.”

She followed me inside after bending down to pick up a scuffed duffel bag.

The first few days passed without too many problems. My mother attempted to assist around the house and appeared sincere in her regrets.

“I’ll cook and I’ll clean for you, darling,” she replied.

It didn’t last long, though.

I returned home early one evening from the local radio station where I was doing an interview for one of my pieces. It was abnormally quiet in the house.

I heard the faint sound of drawers opening and closing as I made my way to my bedroom.

She was standing in front of my jewelry box, which was open, holding my most valuable items tightly.

“What are you doing?” I demanded, hoping to remain composed but also unable to control my fury.

She jerked awake, and for an instant, I noticed a glint of shame in her eyes.

“I was merely… I reasoned that I might be able to sell some of these to make ends meet. They are genuine because they are hefty.”

Obviously, these are real! My mother gave these to me! She put years of savings into getting that diamond necklace for my eighteenth birthday. And you’d like to rob me?”

She appeared stunned, as though the wind had been taken out of her sails.

She practically whimpered as she added, “You have so much, darling.” “I simply assumed you wouldn’t overlook a couple of pieces. We could make use of the funds.”

“Us? This is about you, not about us. It’s also not a financial matter. It all comes down to trust. You claimed that you wanted to put things right, but all you’ve accomplished is make me doubt your sincerity.”

I retreated as she extended her hand to touch me.

Sue, please don’t do this. I am adaptable. All I need is a little time.”

Tears of betrayal and sadness filled my eyes as I shook my head.

“You had my opportunity. I opened my house to you. I gave you access to Ruby. Nevertheless, you decided to turn on me. No, I apologize. However, you must depart.”

She snatched a tissue from my vanity, her face crumpled.

She pleaded, “Please, just one more chance.”

I uttered, “I can’t,” with a broken voice. “You need to go.”

“Sue, I gave birth to you,” she stated, setting down the jewelry.

“And you left me inside a box,” I murmured.

I observed her gathering her belongings and departing, the duffel bag appearing far more stuffed than upon her arrival. However, I lacked the energy to battle her once again.

I carried a lot of sadness and despair with me. There was, however, also a hint of relief.

I visited Ruby’s residence later. It was the one location I would always associate with home.

She said, “Darling girl,” as she flipped a grilled cheese onto a dish. “You took a chance on someone who loved you, that’s what you take away from this experience.”

I gave her a smile. At the woman who’d instantly brought me home and loved me ever since.

I fear now, though, that I may have just thrown my biological mother back into the very world she was attempting to flee.

Was what I decided the proper way?

Though it has been romanticized for artistic purposes, this work draws inspiration from actual individuals and events. For reasons of privacy protection and story improvement, names, characters, and details have been changed. Any likeness to real people, alive or dead, or real events is entirely accidental and not the author’s intention.

The publisher and author disclaim all liability for any misinterpretation and make no claims on the veracity of the events or character portrayals. The thoughts represented in this story are those of the characters and do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the author or publisher. The story is offered “as is.”