You never know people’s true intentions.” I tried to ignore her comments, but Margaret was always quick to plant seeds of doubt and fear in my mind. *** One evening, I came home earlier than usual, planning to surprise Isla with her favorite dessert. As I walked through the hallway, I noticed the door to my bedroom was slightly ajar. I pushed it open to find Delphine rummaging through my drawers. “What are you doing?” I blurted out louder than I intended. Delphine jumped, her face flushing with embarrassment.“I… I’m sorry,” she stammered. “I was looking for some aspirin. I wasn’t feeling well, and I didn’t want to bother you.” Her explanation seemed plausible, but the sight of her in my personal space unsettled me. I tried to push the doubts away, but they clung to me like a shadow, whispering in the back of my mind. *** Weeks later, my work required me to leave town for a few days. Delphine had been kind and caring, and Isla adored her. So, I decided to leave Isla in her care. Margaret had originally promised to stay with Isla while I was away, but at the last minute, she claimed she had an urgent matter to attend to and couldn’t stay. But I never made it to my trip. As I parked the car at the airport, my phone rang. It was Margaret. “Eloise, you need to come back right now.” “What happened?” “I went by the house to check on Isla, and something’s not right.”“Margaret, you’re not making sense. What is happening?” “I can’t explain everything over the phone,” she snapped. “Just get home. Now.” Without thinking, I started the car and sped back home. I imagined the worst. When I finally arrived and burst through the door, Margaret stood in the living room, holding Isla tightly against her chest. Delphine was standing nearby, clutching a bag. “What’s going on?” I demanded. Margaret shot Delphine a look of pure venom. “Tell her,” she spat. “Tell her what you were planning.” “I was planning to take Isla for an evening walk. That’s all,” Delphine said, glancing at me with pleading eyes. “Margaret burst in and started accusing me before I could explain.” “If that’s true, then open the bag,” Margaret snapped. “If you have nothing to hide, show us what’s inside.” Slowly, I walked over and unzipped the bag. Inside, I found Isla’s birth certificate and a box containing my ring! The world blurred around me.“Why?” I choked out. “Why would you do this?” Delphine’s face crumpled. “Eloise, I have no idea! I swear…” “I trusted you,” I whispered. “I let you into our home. But now…” I said, not looking at Delphine. “Just get out.” Delphine opened her mouth as if to say something, but no words came. Finally, she turned and walked out. Margaret pulled me into a tight embrace. But even as she held me, a hollow emptiness settled in my chest. I had thrown Delphine out yet something about it felt wrong. *** The next morning, I was in the kitchen when I heard small footsteps behind me. “Mom, where’s Grandma Delphine?” I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words, but before I could answer, Isla continued.“She told me the secret. She is my real Granny.” Real Granny?! “She… She told you that?” I managed to whisper. “She said you didn’t know, and she was trying to tell you. But Aunt Margaret kept being mean to her.” Isla added, “She’s no fun. She just takes your stuff and hides it.” “What do you mean, honey?” I asked carefully. “I saw Aunt Margaret. She put your jewelry and papers in Grandma Delphine’s bag yesterday.” The pieces suddenly fell into place, crashing over me like a tidal wave. It can’t be! Margaret framed Delphine! Why? After hours of calling, I finally met Delphine on a park bench, looking more fragile than I had ever seen her. “I’m so sorry, my sweetheart. Years ago, I was in a difficult situation. I couldn’t provide for you, so I gave you up for adoption.”She reached into her bag and pulled out an old photograph. It was a picture of a young woman holding a baby—an identical copy of a photo I had in my album at home. “I was looking for this photo in your house,” Delphine explained. “To confirm what I already knew.” Tears streamed down my face as I finally understood. “Margaret knew,” Delphine continued. “I told her, trying to find help. But all she wanted was control over you.” I collapsed into Delphine’s arms, sobbing. She held me, not saying a word. Delphine handed me a small bankbook.“I’ve been saving,” she said gently.“You don’t have to worry about the debts. You can focus on your work and Isla.” *** Returning home, I confronted Margaret one last time. She didn’t argue and simply walked out. Delphine stepped into the house, her eyes meeting mine with a quiet strength. “Grandma!” Isla squealed, running into her arms. Delphine scooped her up. At that moment, I realized we were free to be the family we were always meant to be. Isla had the loving grandmother she deserved, and I finally had the support and love I had been searching for all my life.
