I Uncovered My Neighbor’s Secret—and Knew I Had to Do Something

I made an effort to support my neighbor’s bereaved family after his death. His daughter was left with her first benevolent stepmother. However, as I spent more time with the young child, I began to notice some unsettling things. I knew I couldn’t watch helplessly. No matter what, I had to keep her safe.

Because of my neighbors in particular, I cherished our neighborhood. It seemed cozy and inviting because of the lanes lined with trees and the happy homes.

Everyone was amiable and willing to lend a hand. There were always enough of offers if someone needed help. It was like being a member of a large, loving family.

I was a teacher at an elementary school. Children’s curiosity and joy brightened my days.

I enjoyed working with my students, and I was always willing to assist the children of my neighbors.

I was happy to help with homework, childcare, or just providing a secure environment for play.

Thomas and Martha, a lovely family, resided next door. However, tragedy struck when Martha passed away during giving delivery.

Riley was their adorable little girl. Thomas made every effort to raise Riley by himself.

He got married again less than a year ago. Carmen, his new wife, looked beautiful. She constantly assisted Thomas with Riley and was a homemaker.

She didn’t resemble a fairy tale villainous stepmother. She spent time with Riley and took her out to clubs.

However, a weary Thomas was involved in a car accident one evening on his way home from work. Riley and Carmen were devastated.

I offered to bring meals and take Riley on walks so Carmen could get some rest, and I did what I could.

Carmen and Riley stopped by for tea one afternoon. Riley, who used to be so happy, ate the pie I had made while sitting calmly.

I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on behind those sorrowful eyes, and her stillness was unnerving.

When I said, “I don’t know how you manage,” I was being gentle. “I understand what it’s like to lose a loved one.

Nevertheless, despite everything, your child still needs to experience childhood. It requires strength.

Carmen nodded and took a drink of her tea. She inquired, “Your fiancé died, right?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes,” I said. “Mike died five years ago.” My chest tightened at the mere mention of his name. Even after all this time, it seemed like new anguish.

“I’m sorry,” said Carmen. “I didn’t mean to bring up old wounds.”

“It’s okay,” I acknowledged. “I just… I don’t really like talking about it.” I made an effort to grin.

Carmen put down her cup. She made the question, “Have you thought about moving on?” “Looking for a new partner? Having a kid, starting a family?”

Her remarks really got to me. My cheeks began to flush. I said, “I… I can’t have children,” I hardly raised my voice above a whisper.

Her gaze expanded. “Oh, Emily, I’m so sorry.”

My response was, “It’s fine,” “You were unaware. However, I continue to hold out hope that I might one day become a mother. Like you are to Riley, albeit not in the conventional sense.

Carmen’s face became softer. She remarked, “Riley hasn’t called me’mom’ yet,” “But we do have a wonderful bond, don’t we, Riley?”

Riley, who had been eating her pie in silence, nodded without raising her gaze.

“We spend a lot of time together,” Carmen added. I enjoy going out with her and taking her to clubs. Being a mother seems to be my life’s mission.

I grinned. When I said, “That’s wonderful,” “Not everybody discovers their purpose with such clarity. You’re a blessing to Riley.

They talked about trivial topics for a little while longer. Riley stayed silent and only responded to direct inquiries.

Riley was outdoors one afternoon when I was on my way home from school. The dried leaves crunched beneath my feet, and the air was sharp. Her hands were red from the cold as she stood close to the sidewalk.

Saying “Hi, Riley,” “Aren’t you cold?”

She gave a headshake. “No.”

I wrapped my shawl around her after removing it. “Why are you out here alone?”

Riley remarked, “Carmen has a guest,” “She told me to play outside.”

I knelt to look her in the eyes. “What guest?”

She looked away and shrugged. “A man by the name of Roger. He has visited this place more than once.

I felt a knot in my stomach. It had not been long since Thomas left. Did Carmen already have a new partner? It didn’t feel right. I extended my hand to grasp Riley’s. They were freezing.

“Why do you pretend that you’re not cold? I said, “You’re freezing.” “Come on. Let’s bring you inside so you can warm up.

Riley took my hand despite his hesitation. I heated up some leftovers and made tea at home. She ate in large portions, as though she hadn’t eaten well in days.

“Does Carmen feed you well?” I asked in a lighthearted manner.

Riley gave a nod. “Yes. I’m not hungry. She frequently orders takeout. But I do miss home-cooked meals.

I agitated my tea. “What are you two up to? Do you still play games or attend clubs?

She gave a headshake. “We do the cleaning. Carmen responds, “It’s my responsibility now.”

I said, “Just cleaning?” “No more clubs or fun?”

“No,” she replied. “Carmen claims that our finances are limited. In any case, she is occupied with Roger.

I tried to conceal my concern by biting my lip. Perhaps I had misjudged Carmen’s seeming compassion.

Although Riley wasn’t in danger, children required more than just a place to live. They required joy, love, and care.

I murmured, “Listen,” softly. “I want you to come here if Carmen sends you outside and Roger visits again. The key will be beneath the mat even if I’m not home. Alright?”

Riley’s gaze expanded. “Really?”

“Really,” I replied. “You can come over even if you’re just feeling lonely. We can play, make cookies, or do anything else you desire.

Riley smiled for the first time that afternoon. Though tiny, it was genuine. “Okay,” she replied.

I felt the weight of her small body as I gave her a hug. I wanted to remove all of her sorrow.

Riley came to me every day after that. She would occasionally be sitting on my couch when I got home from school, exhausted and ready to take off my shoes.

At other occasions, a gentle knock on the door would signal her arrival while I was stirring soup on the stove. With hopeful eyes, she would ask, “What’s for dinner?”

I observed her transform day by day. She felt as though the melancholy that had been weighing her down had lifted.

Her pleasant, pure laughter was like music in my house. In her eyes, the spark that had vanished upon Thomas’s passing began to reappear.

I wanted her to experience love and safety. We painted and drew till our fingers were coated in color, then I came up with some goofy games and brought out some vintage board games.

Sometimes I read her stories in a goofy voice that made her laugh. We also spoke. Riley talked about her anxieties, fears, and depressing things.

Then I heard voices outside my window one late evening. I opened the window slightly and moved very carefully, so as not to make any noise.

A man, most likely Roger, was standing beside Carmen, fiercely talking in the chilly night air.

“Why can’t we talk at your place?” Roger inquired. His piercing voice pierced the still night.

Carmen let out a sigh. “The child is dozing off. She said, “I don’t want her to hear us.”

Roger sighed. “That kid is nothing but trouble.”

Carmen’s voice became resentful. “You believe I’m unaware of that? Thomas leaving everything to her was unexpected. I assumed I would own everything.

“So, what’s the plan?” Roger inquired.

Carmen stated, “I’m searching for a gap in the will.” “As soon as I find a way to transfer everything to myself, I’ll get rid of her.”

“Get rid of her?” Roger sounded interested. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t know,” Carmen replied. “She might be referred to social services. I’m at my breaking point with her.”

Roger whispered, “Well, it can’t happen soon enough.”

As they moved away, their voices grew softer. With shaky hands, I carefully closed the window.

My thoughts were racing. Riley was never important to Carmen. All she desired was the inheritance.

She acted like a good mother, but she was lying. And suddenly, like if Riley were nothing, she wanted to discard her.

One of my pupils’ fathers was Mr. Davis, the attorney who handled Thomas’s will.

We would talk for a minute or two after he picked up his son from school.

I chose to ask him about Thomas and Carmen one afternoon as his son was running to get his backpack.

“Mr. Davis, do you have a moment?” I asked in a quiet voice.

“Of course,” he replied with a warm grin.

I started by saying, “I know it’s not really my business, but Riley worries me.” I had a question regarding Thomas’s will.

With a solemn gaze, he nodded. “Go ahead.”

Carmen has mentioned keeping the inheritance for herself, according to what I’ve heard. I said, “She mentioned finding a loophole.”

Mr. Davis scowled. “Thomas has a strong will. Riley is the recipient of everything. Until she reaches adulthood, her guardian oversees the finances and the home, but no one can take it away from her.

“You’re sure Carmen can’t do anything to change that?” I inquired.

“I’m sure,” he questioned. “But I can talk to Carmen again if it helps. Ensure she comprehends.

When I said, “I’d really appreciate that,”

He gave a nod. “I’ll take care of it. Riley’s security is crucial.

With a wave of relief, I nodded. Riley needed someone to defend her, and I was relieved that I wasn’t the only one.

Riley continued to visit me. She would arrive with her hair a little disheveled and her little backpack.

How Carmen could be so aloof toward her was always beyond me. Riley was a good-natured, intelligent child. It was impossible to avoid loving her.

I had considered adopting her on multiple occasions. My heart warmed at the thought.

I wanted to provide her with the loving and secure home she so richly deserved. I was aware that it was unrealistic, though.

Carmen would be recognized by the court as the legitimate guardian. She resided in the house with Riley and was Thomas’s wife. I was powerless.

While Riley and I were playing with sidewalk chalk one afternoon, Mr. Davis emerged from Carmen’s residence.

Her angry and piercing voice reverberated over the still street as she yelled.

“I’ve said everything I needed to say,” Mr. Davis informed them. His face was impatient, yet his speech was calm.

Carmen’s face was flushed with rage as she stood on the porch. “Why do I need this kid if I can’t get anything out of it?!” she yelled. Her entire body trembled, and her fists were tight.

Riley’s hand was mine. A whisper, “Come on, sweetheart,” I said. “Let’s go inside.” I wanted her to stop listening. She didn’t have to be aware of Carmen’s lack of concern for her.

Carmen’s screams could still be heard in the still street as I stepped back outside. “She is nothing but a burden! I am unable to create my own life because of her.”

“Then give her up,” suggested Mr. Davis. “Adopting her would be Emily’s dream. You could go about your life as you please.

Carmen’s tone became abrasive. “Exactly! It’s all you. She gestured toward me. “This was put up by you! The house is what you want! You want to keep everything for yourself.

“This house belongs to Riley,” Mr. Davis declared. “Until she is 21, it cannot even be sold. You are aware of that.

“All I want is for Riley to grow up happy. That’s it,” I said steadily.

“Liar!” With her spit flying, Carmen yelled. “Her inheritance is what you want! You’ve had this planned all along.”

I shut the door after shaking my head. It was pointless to argue. Carmen had already made up her mind.

Riley was standing near the door inside. Her fists gripped her shirt tightly, and her eyes were wide. Her voice was little but optimistic as she inquired, “Would you like to be my mom?”

I knelt next to her. “I’d be the happiest person if that happened.”

I embraced Riley as she flung her arms around me. That was all I had to do to get going.

I started the process of taking Riley in with Mr. Davis’s assistance. It seemed like there was never enough paperwork, meetings, or inquiries. But I persevered.

I was successful somehow, by what seemed like a miracle. The evidence of Mr. Davis was quite beneficial.

He witnessed Carmen shouting that she didn’t want Riley. It had also been heard by other neighbors. Their assistance was invaluable.

Riley’s voice, however, was the strongest. She gave me a direct look when I inquired where she wanted to live. She declared, “I want to live with Emily.” “Just with her.”

I was elated when the judge agreed. I became the mother of Riley. Carmen was forced to move out and was only left to make her own decisions.

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