I Noticed Things Disappearing from My Sick Mother’s House, so I Installed Hidden Cameras and What I Saw Shocked Me — Story of the Day
It was difficult enough to take care of Mom without having to deal with my sister. The disappearance of valuables sparked accusations. The reality rocked my world, even though I believed I knew who was at fault. I was betrayed in the most unexpected way, which made me doubt everyone and everything I trusted.
The slight odor of bleach permeated the air as I scrubbed the kitchen counter following yet another demanding workday.
I grew increasingly irate with my younger sister, Jane, the more time I spent cleaning my mother’s house. She seemed to have forgotten entirely that this was also her mother.
This wasn’t out of the ordinary for Jane. She acted recklessly at school, skipping lessons, stealing money from Mom’s wallet, and running away. Nevertheless, she was always pardoned.
Jane’s genius seemed to make up for her shortcomings. She became the family’s golden child after graduating with honors and receiving a scholarship.
Jane now only went to see Mom when she needed something, or perhaps to remind her of her existence in order to keep her in the will. In the meantime, I had to confront Mom’s illness.
Nancy was the caregiver I had recruited, but I was unable to pay her a full-time salary. I looked after Mom on my own after lengthy work shifts.
Every time I begged Jane for assistance, she dismissed me. She would say, “Work keeps me busy.”
However, I was aware that she had been jobless for months. I had a son who also needed me, a husband, and a job.
“Violet!” From her chamber, Mom called. She spoke sharply, almost in a panic. “Come on, Violet!”
“Mom, I’m coming!” I returned the phone while using a dish towel to wipe my hands. She was standing by her dresser when I entered her bedroom. She had her jewelry box in her hand.
Her voice was shaking as she continued, “My gold earrings are gone.”
“Are you certain you didn’t put them in another location?” I moved closer and asked.
“No. It’s been a while since I’ve handled this box,” Mom remarked. “The earrings were gone when I opened it, but I still wanted to give you something special to keep.”
“Has anyone come by today?” I frowned as I asked.
“No. Mom said, “Nancy had the day off.” Jane was the only visitor this morning. She merely wanted to see how I was doing.
I said, “I’ll ask Jane about it.”
“Don’t,” Mom firmly said. Jane wouldn’t pilfer. I do not want you two to fight once more.
“I’ll exercise caution,” I pledged. “I simply must inquire.”
I drove to Jane’s house after Mom went to bed. My anger had reached a boiling point. I waited after knocking on her door. After some time, she eventually opened it.
Jane said, “Hello, sis.” She moved out of the way so I could enter.
“Hello,” I said in a chilly tone. I surveyed her living room. There were tools and empty shipping boxes all over the place.
“Are you working on something?” I pointed to the mess and asked.
Jane answered, “Just some stuff for work.” “But you weren’t here to discuss that, were you?”
I said plainly, “Mom’s gold earrings are missing.”
Jane crossed her arms. You also believe that I took them. Naturally.
I remarked, “You were the only one who came to see her today.”
“What would make me steal her earrings?” Jane’s tone was stern as she asked.
Perhaps because you’re impoverished. Perhaps because you have some ridiculous expenses that require money. Pick your favorite,” I yelled.
“I now have a job! How much I’ve done for this family—do you even realize it? Jane retaliated.
You haven’t taken any action! Everything is being handled by me! I yelled.
“You didn’t hire someone full-time for Mom, even though I told you to!” Jane shouted.
“Because I would be the one footing the bill!” I let out a yell.
“You have no idea what’s actually happening,” Jane remarked.
“Then tell me!” I insisted.
Why ought I to? You will continue to hold me responsible for everything! “Said Jane.” She looked aside. “Go. I’ve finished this.
I responded, “All right,” and slammed the door behind me.
Kaden was putting on his coat as I arrived home.
I said, “Where are you going?”
My spouse kissed my cheek and said, “Just out for a walk.” Milo is dozing off. Dinner is in the refrigerator. Then he left me in quiet and walked away.
Kaden was a father who stayed at home. This was the greatest option for our family, we had decided. I didn’t have much time for anything else because I was mostly at work or taking care of Mom.
With Kaden at home, Milo had the stability he needed. Kaden frequently helped out with Mom even though he had a lot on his plate. I was so grateful that he never complained.
Mom continued to complain that things were missing over the course of the following few weeks.
I initially assumed she was simply perplexed, but I soon began to notice it as well. Little things like jewelry and mementos were gone.
It was always on the days Jane came to visit. I became angry out of frustration. What made her so self-centered?
I was no longer able to ignore it. With the intention of confronting Jane directly, I drove to her home.
Jane crossed her arms, opened the door, and moved aside. She said sharply, “Here to accuse me of stealing again?”
I tried to speak steadily as I said, “Mom has lost more things.”
Jane’s eyebrows went up. Do you also believe that I took them? Why would I?
Because you’ve always been like this! I know you need money since you’ve done this before! I lost my temper.
Jane’s expression stiffened. “How about asking your husband what it’s like to be in need of money?”
“Avoid involving Kaden in this!” I yelled. “He is the only person who truly assists me!”
Jane laughed. “Call the police if you’re absolutely certain. Proceed. Take action.
“Perhaps I will!” I shouted. I hurried out, slamming the door behind me, without waiting for an answer.
I decided to install security cameras at Mom’s house rather than contacting the police.
Determined to catch whoever was stealing her belongings, I drove back from the store after selecting a set of cameras.
I was shocked to see Nancy when I entered the house. Hours ago, her shift ended.
“Why are you in this place?” Placing the camera box on the table, I asked.
Nancy wiped her hands on a dish towel and answered, “Jane said she’d pay me to work more hours so you could get some rest.”
I narrowed my eyes and remarked, “That doesn’t sound like her.”
“Why not? Nancy stated, “She’s done it before,” with a perplexed expression. “She asked me not to tell you,” I said.
Unsure of what to say, I just stared at her. I couldn’t dispute Nancy’s statement, but it didn’t match my perception of Jane.
I took the cameras and started arranging them in Mom’s bedroom and the living area.
A stack of fresh medical bills was on the kitchen counter when I was done. As I turned through them, a knot formed in my throat. They were huge sums.
“Nancy!” I yelled. “Are you familiar with these bills? They weren’t previously present.
Nancy approached and took a quick look at the documents. Yes, they visit once a month. They are typically paid by Jane.
I was astonished by what she said. I was beginning to believe that this was all a farce.
Mom contacted me from her room a few days later, her voice nervous. She declared, “My gold ring is gone.”
My stomach twisted. The security cameras needed to be inspected. I had kept them a secret from everyone, including Mom, so whoever was stealing wouldn’t know what to conceal.
I pulled up the video on my laptop while seated at the kitchen table. As I sped through the hours of recording, my heart was pounding.
Then I noticed Jane. She was standing beside the dresser in Mom’s room. Confident that I had caught her, I leaned closer.
She peeked inside the jewelry box after opening it. I became enraged. Then, however, she shut the box and left without taking anything.
The next footage played, and relief gave way to fear. Kaden showed up a couple hours later.
He went to the jewelry box, took Mom’s gold ring, and put it in his pocket before he left, leaving me in stunned silence.
Unable to comprehend what I was witnessing, I froze. After blaming Jane for weeks, I discovered that I had been mistaken all along. The thief was my companion, my husband.
After taking the video, I drove home with a racing mind. Kaden was putting on his coat and getting ready to go again when I got there. I blocked the door by moving ahead of him.
With a trembling voice, I declared, “I know everything.”
He appeared perplexed. “What are you discussing?”
I held up the flash drive and commented, “I know you’ve been stealing from my mom.”
His face turned white. His voice was shaking as he questioned, “Did Jane tell you?”
“What? No! Why would Jane tell me? I asked, feeling confused and angry.
Kaden let out a deep breath and combed his hair. “Because I took out a loan from her.” She stopped lending me money after learning the reason. I even declined her offer to cover the cost of my rehabilitation. She then saw me stealing your mother’s valuables.
It seemed as though someone had punched me in the stomach. “This is unbelievable!” I yelled. “Why? Why would you steal from my family and lie to me?
“I began to gamble. I kept losing, but I believed I could get it back. The debt increased more quickly than I could manage. His voice cracked as he admitted, “I borrowed more to cover the old ones.”
“How could you?” I shouted. “I believed you were being the parent Milo needed by spending time with him. Rather, you squandered Mom’s belongings, Jane’s money, and my money!
Kaden muttered, “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”
I was furious and added, “And yet you didn’t stop me from blaming Jane.” “While you were hiding, you allowed me to attack her.”
“I understand. With sad eyes, Kaden replied, “I hate myself for it.” “I feel embarrassed.”
“I want you to go,” I firmly said.
His voice was almost heard when he questioned, “Do you want a divorce?”
“I’m not sure. I am aware that I am unable to look at you at this moment. While I’m at work tomorrow, pack your belongings. When I am ready to speak, I will text you.
Slowly, with tears in his eyes, he nodded. “I apologize so much, Violet. He muttered, “I love you and Milo so much,” and walked away.
The moment the door shut, I started crying uncontrollably. I checked on Milo, who was asleep, and then I took a car to Jane’s residence.
I hardly spoke when she opened the door. With tears running down my cheeks, I managed to say, “I’m sorry.”
Jane immediately drew me into an embrace.
I sobbed as I said, “And thank you.” “For everything.” even for assisting Kaden.
For him, I didn’t do it,” Jane said. “Violet, I did it for you.”
“Pardon me, please,” I pleaded.
It’s alright. Jane hugged me and said, “I’ll be here for you no matter what.”
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