One day, I was cleaning the kitchen after a long day at work, and I could still smell the bleach I used. The more I cleaned Mom’s house, the more upset I got with my younger sister, Jane. It felt like she didn’t remember that Mom was her mom too. This was something Jane did a lot. At school, she often did things that weren’t very smart—like running away, taking money from her mom’s wallet, and not going to class. But no matter what she did, people always forgave her. Jane was really smart, so people often overlooked her mistakes. She finished school with top marks, got a special scholarship, and became the favorite in her family. Jane only came to see Mom when she wanted something or to make sure Mom remembered her, so she could still get money later. But I had to deal with the truth that Mom was really sick. I asked a lady named Nancy to help take care of my mom, but I couldn’t pay her to work all the time. So, after working long hours, I took care of my mom by myself. I also asked my friend Jane for help, but she kept saying she was too busy with her job.

But I knew she’d been unemployed for months. I had a job, a husband, and a son who needed me. “Violet!” my mother called from her room. Her voice was sharp, almost panicked. “Violet, come here!” “I’m coming, Mom!” I called back, wiping my hands on a dishcloth. I entered her bedroom to find her standing by the dresser, holding a jewelry box. “My gold earrings are gone,” she said in a trembling voice. “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 come 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.” “I’ll ask Jane about it,” I replied. “Don’t do that,” my mother said firmly. “Jane wouldn’t steal. I don’t want you two to fight again.” “I’ll be careful,” I promised. “I just need to ask.”

After Mom went to bed, I drove to Jane’s. My frustration was boiling over. I knocked on her door and waited. It took a while, but finally she opened it. “Hello, sister,” Jane said. She stepped aside and let me in. “Hello,” I replied coldly, looking around her living room, where empty delivery boxes and tools were strewn about. “Are you working on something?” I asked, pointing to the mess. “Something for work,” Jane replied. “But that’s not what we’re here to talk about, is it?”
“Your mother’s gold earrings are gone,” I said bluntly. Jane crossed her arms, “And you think I took it from you, of course.” “You were the only one who visited her today,” I said.

“Why would I take her earrings?” Jane asked sharply. “Maybe because you’re broke. Or maybe because you need money to buy some crazy stuff. Pick what you want,” I said sharply. “I have a job now! Do you know how much I’ve done for this family?” Jane replied. “You’re not doing anything! I’m taking care of everything!” I yelled. “I told you to hire someone full-time for your mom and you didn’t!” Jane yelled. “Because I’ll pay for it!” I screamed. “You don’t know what the hell is going on,” Jane said. “Then tell me!” I demanded. “Why do I have to do this? You’re just going to keep blaming me for everything!” Jane said and turned around. “Go away. I’m done with this.” “Okay,” I said, slamming the door shut as I left. When I got home, Caden was putting on his coat.

“Where are you going?” I asked.” Just out for a walk,” my husband said, kissing my cheek. “Milo’s asleep. Dinner’s in the fridge.” Then he walked out, leaving me in silence. Kaden was the dad who stayed home to take care of things. We decided this was the best choice for our family. I was usually at work or helping Mom, so I didn’t have much time for anything else. Milo needed a steady routine, and having Kaden at home helped with that. Even when he was busy, Kaden would often help with Mom too. He never grumbled about it, and I was really grateful for that.