I loved my neighborhood, especially because of the close-knit, caring community. As an elementary school teacher, I often helped neighbors and their kids too.
Next door lived Thomas and Martha, a kind couple with a daughter named Riley. Sadly, Martha passed away during childbirth, and Thomas raised Riley alone until he remarried a woman named Carmen. Carmen seemed caring at first, but things changed after Thomas died in a car accident.
I offered support where I could, especially to Riley, who had grown quiet and withdrawn. One day, she revealed Carmen had been sending her outside while entertaining a man named Roger. Carmen, once attentive, now made Riley do chores and ignored her emotionally.
Riley began spending more time with me. I cooked for her, played games, and gave her a safe space. Slowly, her laughter returned.
One night, I overheard Carmen and Roger talking. Carmen was upset Thomas had left everything to Riley and was scheming to find a way to take it all. She even said she wanted to get rid of Riley.
Worried, I spoke to Mr. Davis, a lawyer and father of one of my students. He confirmed Thomas’s will secured Riley’s inheritance, and Carmen couldn’t change that.
Carmen’s mask finally slipped during a confrontation. She screamed about Riley being a burden and accused me of trying to take everything. Mr. Davis suggested she give up guardianship if she didn’t want the responsibility. Carmen exploded.
Inside, Riley asked me, “Would you like to be my mom?” My heart said yes.
With Mr. Davis’s help, and the support of neighbors and Riley’s own voice, I went through the process to adopt her. In the end, the court granted me custody. Carmen left, and Riley finally had the loving home she deserved.
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