Caring for my mum was difficult enough, not to mention the tension with my sister. The accusations came when valuables started disappearing. I thought I knew who was to blame, but the truth shattered my world. Betrayal came from where I least expected it, forcing me to reevaluate everything – and everyone I trusted.
I was scrubbing the kitchen cooker after another tiring day of work, the light smell of bleach lingering in the air.
The more time I spent cleaning my mum’s house, the angrier I became at my little sister Jane. She seemed to have completely forgotten that this was also her mother.
It wasn’t the first time for Jane. She had been careless at school – running away, taking money from Mum’s purse, skipping classes. But no matter what, she was always forgiven.
Her intelligence seemed an excuse for her shortcomings. She graduated with honours, won a scholarship and became the family’s golden daughter.
Now Jane only came to see Mum when she needed something – or maybe to remind Mum of her existence, to keep her in her will. And I was facing the reality of Mum’s illness.
I hired a caregiver, Nancy, but couldn’t afford her full-time. After long shifts at work, I took care of Mum on my own.
I asked Jane to help, but she always waved me off. ‘I’m busy at work,’ she’d say.
But I knew she had been unemployed for months. I had a job, a husband, and a son who needed me too.
‘Violet!’ – Mum called out from her room. Her voice was harsh, almost panicked. ‘Violet, come here!’
‘Coming, Mum!’ – I replied, wiping my hands on a towel. I walked into her bedroom and saw her standing next to her dressing table, holding a jewellery box.
‘My gold earrings are missing,’ she said, her voice trembling.
‘Are you sure you didn’t put them somewhere else?’ – I asked, stepping closer.
‘No. I haven’t touched that box in a while,’ Mum replied. ‘I wanted to get you something special, but when I opened it, the earrings were gone.’
‘Has anyone come round today?’ – I asked, frowning.
‘No. Nancy was on her day off,’ Mum said. ‘Only Jane stopped by this morning. She just wanted to check on me.’
‘I’ll ask Jane about it,’ I replied.
‘Don’t,’ Mum said firmly. ‘Jane didn’t steal. I don’t want you and her to fight again.’
‘I’ll be careful,’ I promised. ‘I just have to ask.’
After Mum went to bed, I drove to Jane’s house. My irritation had reached a fever pitch. I knocked on her door and waited. It took a while, but finally she opened.
‘Hi Sister,’ Jane said, stepping aside to let me in.
‘Hi,’ I replied coldly, looking around her living room. Empty delivery boxes and tools were scattered everywhere.
‘What do you do?’ – I asked, pointing at the mess.
‘Just some stuff for work,’ Jane replied. ‘But you didn’t come here to talk about it, did you?’
‘Mum’s gold earrings are missing,’ I said bluntly.
Jane crossed her arms. ‘And you think I took them? Of course.’
‘You were the only one who visited her today,’ I said.
‘Why would I take her earrings?’ – Jane asked, her tone becoming harsh.
‘Maybe because you’re broke. Maybe because you need money for something stupid. Take your pick,’ I said sharply.
‘I have a job! Do you even know how much I’ve done for this family?’ – Jane replied.
‘You haven’t done anything! I’m taking over everything!’ – I shouted.
‘I told you to hire someone full time for mum, but you didn’t!’ – Shouted Jane.
‘Because I would have to pay for it!’ – I shouted.
‘You don’t know what’s really going on,’ said Jane.
‘Then tell me!’ – I demanded.
‘Why? You’re going to blame me for everything anyway!’ – She said, turning away. ‘Go away. I’m tired of this.’
‘Okay,’ I said, slamming the door shut.
When I got home, Kaden was putting on his coat.
‘Where are you going?’ – I asked.
‘Just for a walk,’ my husband said, kissing my cheek. ‘Sweet’s asleep. Dinner’s in the fridge.’ Then he walked out, leaving me in silence.
Kaden was a homebody. We decided it was the best choice for our family. I spent most of my time either working or caring for my mum, leaving little time for anything else.
Milo needed stability, and Kaden being at home gave him that. Despite his busyness, Kaden often helped with Mum. He never complained, and I was deeply grateful for that.
Over the next few weeks, Mum continued to complain that things were disappearing.
At first I thought she was just confusing things, but then I started to notice it myself. Little things – jewellery, souvenirs – went missing.
It always happened on the days Jane visited her. My irritation turned to anger. How could she be so selfish?
I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I drove to Jane’s house, determined to talk to her face to face.
Jane opened the door and stepped aside, crossing her arms. ‘Come to accuse me of stealing again?’ – She asked, her voice harsh.
‘Mum lost more stuff,’ I said, trying to speak calmly.