Single Mother Brings Out the Elf on the Shelf for the Holidays, Discovers Hidden Camera Inside Days Later — Story of the Day
Despite family strife, a single mother discovers a hidden camera inside an Elf on the Shelf in their house while attempting to offer Christmas magic to her little kid. After learning of a startling betrayal, she is forced to face her loved ones and defend her kid and their tenuous peace.
Sophie pushed the Christmas tree down the tiny attic stairs, struggling to keep her balance. Every stride made her realize how different this holiday season would be, and her arms hurt.
Their first Christmas without Frank was this one. His warm laugh and the aroma of his cinnamon-scented coffee filled the house, but suddenly it felt much too quiet.
Sophie wiped her forehead and sighed slightly as she placed the tree in the living room. Even though she wasn’t in the mood to celebrate, her seven-year-old son Matthew deserved a wonderful Christmas.
It had always been infectious to see the gleam of joy in his eyes every December. She would have wanted to preserve that for Frank.
Sophie had had a difficult few months, particularly because of Rachel, her mother-in-law, attempting to remove Matthew.
Sophie had persuaded Rachel to give in after weeks of heated debates, but the battle had left wounds.
Sophie’s hands brushed across familiar ornaments as she opened a dusty box of decorations. When she lifted the Elf on the Shelf and saw its sly smile peering back at her, she gasped.
Memories of Frank flooded back, whether it was balancing the elf on the bookcase or setting it up in the kitchen with small marshmallows.
She could hear Matthew laughing, thinking the elf was up to no good. A smile tugged at her lips, bittersweet.
She was shocked by her phone’s buzz. She gave the screen a quick look.
@Mom:
How are both of you doing?
Sophie:
We’re doing fine overall, however it’s a little challenging to do things by myself.
The doorbell rang as Sophie put down the phone. Her heart sunk as she opened the door. Rachel was standing there with her suitcase.
“What are you doing here, exactly?” Sophie’s voice was harsh with astonishment as she asked.
Without waiting for an invitation, Rachel entered and remarked, “I thought I’d keep you company for Christmas.” “It appeared that you needed the assistance.”
Sophie folded her arms. “We don’t require companionship. On our own, we’re doing great.
Rachel looked around and placed her suitcase by the door. “Are you serious? You’ve looked terrible since Frank left away. Matthew spending Christmas in such a depressing home is unthinkable.
Sophie’s fists clenched. “You’re not allowed to say that. Matthew and I are doing well. I’m doing my hardest.
“You must be,” Rachel remarked. “I don’t come to pass judgment. I simply assumed you would want assistance.
Rachel strolled into the living area and looked at the décor. “This place is beautiful. You did a good job. I doubted that you would even erect a tree.
Sophie whispered, “I did it for Matthew.”
Here’s If You Love to Read More: The Man I Rescued in a Storm 20 Years Ago Knocked on My Door Yesterday
The Elf on the Shelf caught Rachel’s attention. She lifted it and looked at its face. “This elf is so endearing. It has always appealed to me. Doesn’t he keep an eye on everything?
Sophie was a little uneasy about what Rachel had said, but she ignored it and forced herself to concentrate on getting ready for the holiday.
Sophie was somewhat relieved when Matthew burst through the door after school, his face beaming at the sight of the decorations.
But it was short-lived. Rachel jumped in right away, advising Matthew how to properly wash his hands and adjusting the way he hung his coat.
“Your mother permits you to act in this manner? “It’s understandable why it’s a mess,” Rachel sighed.
Sophie’s mouth tightened as she suppressed a reply. She observed Rachel going on, giving guidance on everything from homework to snack selections.
She continued to be patient, telling herself, “Just a few more days.”
When Sophie heard a knock on the door the following morning, she stumbled out of bed.
Liz, her mother, was standing there with a tiny suitcase when she shuffled downstairs and answered the door.
“Mom? Why are you here? Sophie rubbed her eyes and inquired.
Liz stated as she entered, “I chose to come and keep you company.”
Sophie let out a sigh. “There are others like you.”
Liz’s eyebrows went up. “What do you mean?”
“Rachel arrived yesterday,” Sophie said in a dull voice.
Liz scowled. Rachel? Fortunately, I was able to attend. Someone will have to be on your side.
For Sophie, the next two days were intolerable. Her patience seemed to be put to the test at every turn.
Hovering over her, Rachel pointed out her parenting shortcomings. Matthew requires additional organization. Things were different when Frank was alive,” Rachel remarked sharply.
Here’s If You Love to Read More: The Man I Rescued in a Storm 20 Years Ago Knocked on My Door Yesterday
Liz sat in the corner and shook her head in the meantime. She said, “Oh, honey, it must be so hard doing this all on your own,” in a sympathetic tone that made Sophie even more irritated.
With their words roiling in her brain like a never-ending storm, Sophie felt imprisoned.
Desperate for a peaceful moment one evening, she started cleaning the living room.
The Elf on the Shelf, idly perched on the mantel, caught her attention. She saw something about its eyes.
They had a strange, almost unnatural appearance. Turning it over in her palms, she picked it up. She noticed a tiny slit on its back, which made her stomach turn.
Sophie opened it with shaking fingers and took out a flash disk. She hurried to her room, locked the door, and plugged it into her computer, her heart racing.
Clips of her sobbing, her disorganized house, and her interactions with Matthew dominated the screen. The clip even included Rachel and Liz.
She felt a surge of wrath and terror. Only one individual was looking for proof that she wasn’t a decent mother.
With a red face and a tight grasp on the flash drive, Sophie stormed into Rachel’s room. She held up the disk and shouted, “What is this?”
Rachel sat on the bed, her face expressionless, and gazed up. “I’m not sure. What are you discussing?
Sophie took a step forward and raised her voice. Inside the elf, I discovered a concealed camera. Don’t pretend that you are ignorant of it.
Rachel raised her eyebrows in astonishment. “A secret camera? That’s awful. We ought to contact the cops.
Sophie tightened her glare. “Stop acting! I am certain it was you. You’ve been attempting to discredit me as a mother in order to remove Matthew.
Rachel got to her feet, raising her voice. “That is untrue! That is not what I have done. Yes, I have considered having Matthew live with me. But since I knew it would harm him, I chose not to. He should be here with you.
“Avoid playing the innocent. “I don’t trust you,” Sophie yelled. “Please leave my house. Right now.
Rachel folded her arms. “I won’t be leaving. I came to visit my grandson here. Go ahead and contact the police if you want me gone.
Sophie turned and walked out, slamming the door. Frustration swelled in her chest. Even after Sophie had lost everything, Rachel continued to attempt to dominate her life.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she sat on the side of the bed with her face buried in her hands.
Everything felt too much to endure, including the criticism, the invasion of her privacy, and the ongoing pressure. It wasn’t until her mother spoke that she heard Liz enter.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Liz asked in a quiet voice.
Sophie’s face was smeared with tears when she looked up. With a trembling breath, she whispered, “It’s Rachel.” “She’s attempting to connect me.”
Liz scowled and took a seat next to her. “I was aware that the witch was unreliable. Tell me what occurred, though.
“I discovered a…” Sophie started. She stopped and looked at Liz’s bag on the bed. She noticed that a piece of paper had slipped out.
She took it up, leaning over. As she read the receipt, her stomach fell. The purpose was a security camera.
Here’s If You Love to Read More: Amanda Seyfried Reveals the 1 Item of Her Daughter’s That Is Off-Limits to Her Son: ‘She Has Very Clear Boundaries’ (Exclusive)
She held it up with trembling hands. “What is this?” she cried out.
Liz’s face was white as she groped for the receipt. “Let me explain, sweetie.”
Sophie gave it a start. “So it was you? You equipped the elf with a camera? How come you would do that?
Liz let out a deep breath and spoke defensively. “Because, Sophie, you’re not managing! Frank, you’re still in mourning. You don’t come see me. These days, I hardly ever see Matthew. I needed evidence to support my belief that he would be happier with me.
“Better off?” Sophie’s voice raised. Have you ever questioned me? Have you given Matthew’s feelings any thought? We’re doing great! I’m making every effort to provide him with a happy life!
Liz gave a headshake. “I only wanted to assist. We can discuss him returning to you once you’re stronger.
Stunned, Sophie gazed at her. “Are you even able to hear yourself?”
Liz raised her hands in the air. “You told me you were having trouble. I came for that reason. I did this for that reason. You required assistance!
Sophie’s tone became stern. “I didn’t need my mother to take away my child; I needed her support!”
Liz said in a stern voice, “It’s for the best.”
Sophie’s eyes were flaming as she stood. “Leave.”
Liz stopped. “What?”
“Leave my house now!” Sophie pointed to the door and yelled.
Liz moved stiffly and packed swiftly. As she walked away, she didn’t turn around. Sophie saw her mother, her chest constricted, get into a taxi.
“Gramma Liz, where are you going?” As he entered the room, Matthew inquired.
Sophie whispered, “She had to go.”
Matthew encircled her with his arms. “All right. I want to live with you, but she wanted me to accompany her.
Sophie gave him a hard hug while crying once more. “Kiddo, you will never be taken away. I swear.
She caught Rachel entering the kitchen out of the corner of her eye. They looked at each other. “Sorry,” Sophie mouthed. Rachel nodded slightly, but her face was unreadable.
Sophie clung to Matthew, her determination growing. This was their life, and she would do all in her power to keep it safe.
Share this story with your friends and let us know what you think. It could give them motivation and make their day.
Here’s If You Love to Read More: Fans Share Strong Reactions to the Season 5 Finale of ‘Yellowstone’ – Here’s What They’re Saying
Here’s If You Love to Watch Movie: MyFlixerHD
