Yet, no matter what, she was always forgiven. Jane’s brilliance seemed to excuse her flaws. She graduated with honors, earning a scholarship, and became the family’s golden child.
Now, Jane only visited Mom when she wanted something—or maybe to remind Mom of her presence so she’d stay in the will. Meanwhile, I faced the reality of Mom’s illness. I had hired a caregiver, Nancy, but I couldn’t afford her full-time.
But I knew she’d been unemployed for months. I had a job, a husband, and a son who needed me too. “Violet!” Mom called from her room.
Her voice sounded sharp, almost panicked. “Violet, come here!”
“I’m coming, Mom!” I called back, wiping my hands on a dish towel. I walked into her bedroom and saw her standing by her dresser.
She was holding her jewelry box. “My gold earrings are gone,” she said, her voice trembling. “Are you sure you didn’t put them somewhere else?” I asked, stepping closer.
“No. I haven’t touched this box in a long time,” Mom said. “I wanted to give you something special to keep, but when I opened it, the earrings were gone.”
“Did anyone visit today?” I asked, frowning.
“No. Nancy had the day off,” Mom said. “Only Jane came by this morning.
She just wanted to check on me.”Continue reading…
