Alice had always thought of her mother-in-law, Linda, as a kind and gentle individual. But when Alice discovered that Linda had brutally abused her 12-year-old son from a previous marriage, she planned a public backlash that would destroy Linda’s spotless reputation forever. My mother-in-law, Linda, has always seemed like a kind person to me. She is a well-liked educator who never stops smiling. My sons, Peter, twelve, and Matthew, six, seemed to be adored by her. Peter used to be my husband. When Peter was only four years old, his father passed away. It was a challenging time for us both, but I did my best to raise him alone.

It was after four years when I met Greg. He avoids conflict and is kind and soft-spoken. Sometimes he lets his mother Linda have too much control over us, even though he tries with Peter and is a great father to Matthew. He does not put her to the test. Besides, I never thought he had to. She seemed worried about us all, in my opinion. However, there is been something bothering me recently. Peter has come across as quieter and more restrained, particularly after speaking with Linda. “Honey, is everything alright?” I would put that to him.

He would only shake his head and reply, “Yeah, Mom, I am OK.” But I had a feeling something was not quite right. I refrained from pressing the matter, instead waiting for him to open up when he was ready.

Then, one day, I decided on the spur of the moment to go pick up the boys from Linda’s house. I thought it would be great to surprise Peter and Matthew, who were staying there for a few days each week during summer break. I came over and brought some of their favorite foods along with a few new toys. As I pulled into her driveway, I smiled to myself, thinking of the boys’ looks. Since I do not knock, I didn’t. It is family after all. I reached for the doorknob, half expecting to hear them play or laugh. Instead, the noise I heard made me stop cold.

“Peter! I told you, little one, to remain in the room and not come out.  My heart grew icy. Peter said in a small, shaky voice, “Grandma, please, I am sorry.” I am not your grandmother! Never ever refer to me like that! Until I give you the all-clear to leave, you will stay in that room. Recognize?” Matthew was the next to speak. He whispered, “Please, Grandma, do not be furious at Peter.” He was not being sincere. I had to do something; I could not just walk in. I had to use a cunning strategy. My hands were shaking as I reached inside my backpack to retrieve my phone.

I pressed the record button. Linda answered sharply. Matt, you give me your full attention. He has never been your brother and never will be. You do not need to defend him. I could feel my anger building up inside of me. How could she say such disgusting things to my son? To each of them separately?