It was difficult enough to take care of Mom without having to deal with my sister. The disappearance of valuables sparked accusations. The truth 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 classes, 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 hired, but I was unable to pay her a full-time salary. I looked after Mom on my own after long work shifts.

Every time I asked 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 room, Mom called. She spoke sharply, almost in a panic. “Come on, Violet!”

“Mom, I’m coming!” I returned the call 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 said, “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 delivery 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 bluntly, “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 sharp as she asked.

Perhaps because you’re impoverished. Perhaps because you have some crazy 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 scream.

“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 away. “Go. I’ve finished this.

I said, “All right,” and slammed the door behind me.

Kaden was putting on his coat when I arrived home.

I said, “Where are you going?”

My husband kissed my cheek and said, “Just out for a walk.” Milo is dozing off. Dinner is in the refrigerator. Then he left me in silence and walked away.

Kaden was a father who stayed at home. This was the best 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 really 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 because you’ve done this before! I lost my temper.