A Hard Life
Mildred Kemp had never had the easiest life. Living in a care home all by herself, she had been abandoned by her entire family. But the day she discovered that the person she trusted the most had betrayed her, she knew she couldn’t let them get away with it.
As soon as she discovered what Thomas, her grandson, had done, she began plotting her revenge. She wasn’t going to let him get away with this.
She Was Excited
That day started like any other. When her grandson showed up with his new girlfriend by his side, Mildred was excited to get to know the young woman. She had bought a few snacks for them to share and set a table where they could engage in friendly conversation.
She loved it when Thomas came to visit. She had been excited about it all week, but she was about to learn the devastating truth.
She Knew
It was on that seemingly normal day that she discovered that Thomas had been betraying her in the worst way possible.
As soon as he and Mindy left the care home, Mildred rushed to her bedroom, desperate to teach him a lesson. With shaking hands, she reached for the telephone. She knew what she had to do, but she was terrified.
How Could He?
Taking a deep breath, she decided to call the police and waited for someone to answer the phone. Her heart was racing, but there was no backing down. How could he use her like this?
After a few seconds, a woman finally answered the phone. “911, what’s your emergency?” the young woman asked.
A Call
Mildred had tears in her eyes as she held the phone to her ear. He had been her rock, but it was all lies. “I would like to report a felony,” she said, letting the tears roll down her cheeks. She was doing what she had to do.
But she had one more call to make. The last time she had updated her will, she had given everything she owned to her grandson. She had to change that.
A Lonely Life
Mildred Kemp was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and for as long as she could remember, life had never been easy for her. She was raised by two loving parents, but she never had any friends.
She was lonely for most of her life, but that changed when she met the love of her life, Robert. The two met at the end of high school, and he soon became her best friend. Two years later, they got married.
Their Own Family
She knew that no one would ever love her as much as Robert did. She always felt comfortable around him. He got along with her parents and adored how close she was to her mother.
Life became easier when they decided to start their own family. Nothing could describe the love she felt when she held each of her children for the first time. Little did she know how it would all end.
A Big House
Mildred and Robert raised their children in a big house in the suburbs, and they gave them everything they needed to succeed in life. When their eldest daughter, Mary, turned sixteen years old, they bought her a car, and when their son moved out of the house, they paid his first few months of rent.
All in all, Mildred did everything she could to be the best mother she could be. Unfortunately, her children never appreciated her.
The Favorite Parent
Their children, Mary and Anthony, always made it clear that they loved their father more than their mother, and Mildred never understood why. They always spent a lot of quality time with Robert and hardly ever spoke to their mother.
They always insulted the meals she cooked and rarely had anything nice to say. But Mildred never held this against them. She thought it was just a phrase while they were teenagers. But she was wrong.
They Never Spoke
This continued into their adult years. After they left their childhood home, Mary and Anthony would often call their father but never speak to their mother. “I just feel like they hate me sometimes,” Mildred would tell her husband with a sorrowful expression. He never understood it, either.
Robert would hold Mildred close and tell her what a wonderful wife and mother she was, but she never felt all that wonderful.
No Interactions
Mildred watched from afar as her children grew up and had kids of their own, but they hardly interacted with her. It was a heartbreaking experience for the aging mother. But when she and Robert were in their sixties, something terrible happened.
For that entire day, he’d been complaining about a strange pain in his stomach. It was 2 a.m. when Mildred suddenly awoke to a strange sound. When she looked toward Robert’s side of the bed, she found him groaning in pain.
Rushing To The Hospital
That night, Mildred rushed her husband to the hospital with tears in her eyes. Something terrible was happening to him, and she wanted to help him. Robert could hardly walk toward the car.
It took all of Mildred’s strength to help her husband into the car at their house and into the hospital. As soon as they stepped through the hospital’s doors, nurses and doctors rushed to help them. But what was happening to Robert?
Waiting
Mildred sat in the waiting room for hours as the doctors and nurses took Robert for all kinds of tests before wheeling him into surgery. Robert’s illness popped up suddenly, but it would not last long.
When Robert’s doctor approached Mildred, she could see the disappointed look in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Kemp. We did everything in our power to help your husband. But he didn’t make it,” he revealed.
Everything Changed
That was the night her entire world came crashing down around her. She never asked the doctor what the cause was. She was too devastated to speak. Just like that, her entire world suddenly changed, and she didn’t know how to go on without him.
She went home alone the following morning. When Mildred broke the news to their family, everyone was devastated to hear about Robert’s sudden death.
No One Cared
But to Mildred’s surprise, no one ever thought to check in on her. She was left all alone in her house for an entire week until the funeral.
The last time Mildred saw her children and grandchildren was at her husband’s funeral. They didn’t even acknowledge her presence. It was a devastating day, but what hurt Mildred even more was her daughter’s words just before she left.
The Last Time
Mary approached her mother as they were about to leave with her eighteen-year-old son, Thomas, by her side. “Now that Dad is gone, I probably won’t be coming around anymore. I will have a mover come to collect the last of my things from your house,” Mary said before she walked off.
Mildred was stunned by her daughter’s statement. What did she mean she wouldn’t be coming around anymore? That was the last time they ever spoke.
They Never Answered
Mildred tried calling Mary and Anthony after Robert’s death, but they never answered her calls. They had abandoned her. Mildred didn’t know why she was so surprised.
She told herself that she should have seen it coming. But she was heartbroken. Suddenly, Mildred was left all alone in her big house in the suburbs. No one came around anymore, and no one cared to check on her.
Mental Health
Two years passed after her husband’s death, and Mildred’s mental health was slowly deteriorating. She spent all of her days in bed, hardly eating or drinking anything.
All she could do was dream about the life she never had. But one Saturday morning, something changed. Mildred was in the kitchen, preparing a pot of coffee, when she heard a knock on the door.
A Knock
She was confused at first. She hadn't heard a knock on her front door in two years, and she couldn’t help but think something was terribly wrong. Mildred placed her cup on the kitchen counter before rushing toward the front door.
But when she opened it, she saw an unexpected face. Mildred froze in her footsteps when she opened the door and saw Thomas, her grandson, standing in front of her.
Thomas
“Thomas, what are you doing here?” she asked, caught off guard. For a moment, she wondered if he was there to deliver bad news. But that was not the case.
Thomas smiled brightly at Mildred and stepped forward to give her a great big hug. “Hey, grandma. I came to see how you were doing,” the now twenty-year-old man said. Mildred couldn’t believe her ears.
Inviting Him In
Tears burned behind her eyes as she invited Thomas into her home. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have him there after all those years. She never thought she would see any of her family members again.
Thomas sat on the couch as she brought the pot of tea to the front of the house. They sat together on the couch as Thomas looked around the living room, taking in the room he hadn’t seen in years. But then, he said something strange.
An Observation
“I never realized how many nice things you and Grandpa had,” he said, glancing at the beautiful chandelier and fancy, old furniture.
“Oh, yes,” Mildred chuckled nervously. “Your grandfather was a successful businessman, and I had a keen interest in nice things,” she explained. But Mildred didn’t notice the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips. “So, what brings you here, Tommy?” she asked.
An Explanation
Thomas reached for his cup of tea and smiled politely at his grandmother, but she did not expect what he had to say. “I’ve been thinking about you. I feel bad for the way my mother walked out of your life. I just wanted to see if you were still okay,” he explained.
This warmed Mildred’s heart. Tears burned behind her eyes as she stared at the one family member who still cared about her.
Thank You
“I never thought I would see any of you again,” she said with tears in her eyes. “Thank you for coming, Thomas,” she said, overwhelmed with emotions.
But as she smiled at the boy who had made her day, she noticed his eyes on the necklace around her neck. Mildrid raised her hand, her fingers brushing against the beautiful, golden necklace. “You noticed my necklace?” she asked.
Grandmother’s Necklace
“Yeah. It’s beautiful. Is that one of the nice things Grandpa bought you?” he asked with a smile, his eyes never leaving the necklace.
“Oh no. This belonged to my Grandmother. She gave it to my mother, and my mother gave it to me on the day of my wedding,” she said with a nostalgic smile. But Thomas would not stop staring. “Looks like real gold, too. It must be worth a fortune,” he pointed out.
She Didn’t Notice
Mildred chuckled to herself, not noticing the way he looked at her precious necklace. “Yes, but it’s worth more than just money to me,” she said.
She slowly removed it from her neck and handed it to Thomas to look at. “I’ve always been terrified of losing something so valuable.” Thomas stared at the necklace for a second longer, and then, he made a suggestion. “You know, Grandma, I could help you keep it safe.”
A Suggestion
At first, Mildred shook her head. “That’s not necessary, sweetie. I can just keep it in my old jewelry box,” she said. But he was persistent.
“I have a safe box at my house. I can keep it there for you until you need it again. You don't want to lose something so valuable, Gran,” he insisted. Mildred considered it for a second longer. The more she thought about it, the more she began to think it was a good idea. She agreed to let him take it and keep it safe.
A Fascination
Thomas had always shown an interest in it, even after taking it to keep it safe. Initially, Mildred thought it was just a fascination with family history and the stories that the necklace represented.
Thomas would often sit by her side, listening intently as she recounted the tales associated with the necklace. His eyes would light up with curiosity, and he would ask detailed questions about its origins and the people who had worn it before her.
Touched By His Eagerness
Mildred was pleased by his interest, believing it showed a deep respect for their family’s legacy. Mildred was touched by his eagerness to protect something so precious to her. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder why he was so insistent.
After all, the necklace had been safe with her for many years. As time went on, Thomas's insistence on keeping the necklace safe puzzled Mildred.
Stored It In A Safe Place
Whenever she mentioned it, he would remind her that he had stored it in a secure place. Mildred found his concern endearing, interpreting it as a sign of his growing maturity and care for family traditions.
However, a tiny seed of doubt began to sprout in the back of her mind. One sunny afternoon, while sipping tea on the porch, Thomas brought up the subject again.
Other Valuables
"Gran, have you thought about getting a safe for your valuables?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes intense. Mildred smiled, patting his hand. "You're such a thoughtful young man, Thomas. I appreciate it. But I think we're fine as we are."
What Mildred didn't realize was that Thomas had his own reasons for everything. Reasons he kept carefully hidden behind a mask of concern and affection.
Frequent Visits
Thomas’s visits became more frequent, and with each visit, he seemed more on edge. He would casually ask about her daily routines, subtly probing for information on when she might be out of the house.
Mildred, trusting her grandson implicitly, never suspected a thing. She thought his questions were born out of genuine concern for her well-being.
Going To The Store
One day, Mildred decided to go to the store to buy ingredients for Thomas's favorite meal. She wanted everything to be perfect for his next visit. As she wandered the aisles, selecting the best produce and the freshest ingredients, she felt a warmth in her heart.
She loved these little moments of preparation, imagining the joy on Thomas’s face as he enjoyed her cooking.
A Break In
When she returned home, however, her idyllic mood was shattered. She was shocked to find her living room in disarray. Furniture was overturned, drawers were pulled out, and their contents scattered across the floor.
Her heart raced as she tried to comprehend what had happened. In the midst of the chaos, she heard a familiar voice. "Gran! I'm so glad you're safe. Who did this?" Thomas stood in the doorway, his face a mask of concern.
Thomas Was There
Relieved to see him, Mildred rushed to his side. "Oh, Thomas, it’s terrible! I don’t know what to do. Why would someone do this?" Thomas led her to a chair and gently helped her sit down. "Don't worry, Gran. I'll help you sort this out."
He began to "investigate" the scene, moving through the house with an air of determination. As he did, he subtly checked the places where Mildred might have hidden the necklace. As they worked together to assess the damage, Mildred couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. Little did she know that Thomas was there, and it was no coincidence.
Things Were Missing
Days turned into weeks, and Mildred began to notice other things missing around the house. Small, valuable items that she couldn’t recall misplacing. Jewelry, old coins, and even some of her late husband’s collectibles seemed to vanish.
Each time Thomas was there to comfort her, his concern only deepened her trust in him. "Gran, you really should get safe," Thomas suggested one evening as they sat together in the living room. "Just to be sure everything is protected."
Never Had Issues Before
Mildred nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and confusion. "Perhaps you're right, Thomas. It's just so strange. I've never had any issues before."
The true motives behind Thomas's actions remained hidden, and Mildred continued to see him as her caring grandson. His attentiveness and concern seemed genuine, but there was always a lingering question in Mildred’s mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
Doubts Growing
As the days passed, Mildred’s doubt grew. She began to observe Thomas more closely, noticing subtle changes in his behavior. His questions, once seemingly innocent, now felt probing.
His visits, once a source of comfort, now filled her with a sense of unease. And in that moment, Mildred felt a flicker of doubt. Could it be that the person she trusted the most was the one she should fear?
Thinking About It
She pondered this as she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling. The house was quiet, but her mind was a whirl of thoughts. What were Thomas’s true motives? Was he really looking out for her, or was there something more sinister at play?
The next morning, Mildred decided to take action. She started to keep a closer eye on her belongings, making a mental note of where she left things.
Testing Him
She also began to test Thomas subtly, mentioning places where she had hidden valuables and watching his reactions. Thomas continued to visit, his behavior outwardly unchanged, but Mildred could sense an underlying tension.
He seemed to watch her more closely now, his eyes following her every move. The doubt in her mind grew stronger, but she kept her suspicions to herself, waiting for the right moment to uncover the truth.
Confiding In Someone
One evening, after a particularly tense visit, Mildred decided to confide in her neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins. Over a cup of tea, she shared her concerns, hoping for some clarity. "Do you think I'm just being paranoid?" Mildred asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Mrs. Jenkins shook her head. "Trust your instincts, Mildred. If something feels off, it probably is. Just be careful and keep your wits about you."
Remaining Vigilant
Encouraged by her friend's words, Mildred resolved to remain vigilant. She would find out the truth about Thomas, whatever it took. In the process, she hoped to protect not just her cherished necklace but also the legacy of trust and love that had been passed down through generations.
As she looked out the window, watching the sunset over the horizon, Mildred felt a renewed sense of determination. The answers she sought were within reach, and she was ready to face whatever came next, with or without Thomas by her side. And so, the days continued, each one bringing Mildred closer to the truth. What she would discover and the choices she would have to make remained uncertain. But one thing was clear: the bonds of trust, once broken, could never be easily mended.
It Was Time
But that was not the only time Thomas came to visit. He was there every second weekend, visiting his Grandmother and taking things to keep safe for her.
This continued for years until Mildred was ready to move out of her big, beautiful house and into a care home.Luckily for Mildred, Thomas insisted that he was there to help. The weekend she moved, Thomas was there, helping her move all of her most precious belongings.
They Grew Closer
In just a few years, Mildred and Thomas grew extremely close. She found herself always waiting for his visits. Her new life in the care home was far more comfortable.
She made a few new friends, and the staff was friendly. But one summer afternoon, she received a call from Thomas. He wanted to come over and introduce his new girlfriend, Mindy.
The Apple Of Her Eye
For years, Thomas had been the apple of her eyes. When her entire family abandoned her, he came back for her. Mildred thought she would never see any of her family members again, but she was wrong.
When Thomas showed up, she thought he was there because he cared. But she was wrong. Thomas had shown up for a specific reason, and he had been using her all along. Not knowing this, she invited Thomas and Mindy over that Saturday afternoon.
His New Girlfriend
It was supposed to be a nice day. When Mildred’s grandson came to visit with his new girlfriend, she couldn’t wait to meet the young woman. She had bought a few snacks from a nearby store and set a lovely table for the three of them.
All she wanted was to spend some time with her grandson and his girlfriend. All in all, she thought it would be a wonderful day. But that was the day she learned the truth about her grandson.
They Arrived
Thomas and his new girlfriend, Mindy, arrived just before 12 p.m., and as soon as they stepped through the door, Mildred was delighted.
She’d heard so much about the woman her son had fallen in love with, and she wanted to get to know her. They sat around the beautifully made table, talking about the week that had just passed. But just a second later, Mildred noticed something.
She Noticed It
Mindy was reaching for a bowl of cookies that Mildred had placed on the table when she noticed the beautiful piece of jewelry around the young woman’s neck. A frown set between her eyebrows as her eyes followed the young woman’s neck.
For a moment, she wondered if her eyes were playing tricks on her. But when it happened a second time, she was sure of what she saw. But how did her grandmother’s golden necklace end up around Mindy’s neck?
Distracted
Mildred was distracted as she stared at the beautiful piece of jewelry. At first, she wondered if it was just a similar necklace. But the more she stared, the more she was certain that it was the necklace she had given Thomas to look after.
Mildred’s heart dropped. Had he given his girlfriend her grandmother’s necklace? Her heart began to race in her chest.
Confrontation
Mildred had never been the type to keep quiet when she could tell something was wrong. She decided to ask Thomas what was going on. “Is that my grandmother’s necklace? Thomas, why is she wearing my necklace?” she asked, hoping for a reasonable explanation.
But when Thomas’s face twisted in what looked like anger, she knew something was seriously wrong.
The Necklace
“Your necklace? Thomas bought me this for my birthday,” Mindy said and placed her hand on the necklace. Mildred’s heart s
She was certain that it was her necklace, and he had given it to Mindy. “Why would you give her my necklace?” she asked. But when Thomas rolled his eyes and showed his true colors, she couldn't believe what he had done.
How Could He?
“You’re getting old, Grandma. You don’t need this necklace anymore. It looked better on Mindy anyway,” he said. Mildred was in a state of shock when those words left his lips.
How on earth could he say and think something like that? Mindy sat, staring in shock as Mildred and Thomas began to fight. “How can you say that? I gave it to you to look after! I want all my belongings back.”
He Refused
Mildred told Thomas that she wanted everything back that he had taken from her house. But to her surprise, he refused. “No, those things belong to me now. You can’t have them back,” he argued. Mildred couldn’t believe
“How can you say that? I gave you those things to look after. They do not belong to you,” she fought, but it was useless.
He Left
“Well, you’re not getting them back. Good luck trying, though,” he said, pushing his chair out and standing up from his chair.
Mildred couldn’t believe it. She watched with wide eyes as he walked away, Mindy running after him. He had stolen from his grandmother, and he refused to bring her things back. Mildred knew she had to act.
Betrayal
That was the day she learned that Thomas had been betraying her in one of the worst ways imaginable. She had to do something about it. As soon as Thomas and his girlfriend, Mindy, left, Mildred rushed toward her bedroom, desperate to teach her grandson a lesson.
Her hands were shaking as she reached for the telephone. She knew what she had to do, but the thought alone terrified her.
Calling 911
Mildred took a deep breath as she dialed the three-digit number and waited for someone to answer the phone. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and her palms were sweaty.
How could Thomas do this to her? How could he use her like this? It took a few seconds, but before long, a woman answered the phone. “911, what’s your emergency?” the young woman asked.
A Felony
Tears stung Mildred’s eyes as she held the phone to her ear. For years, Thomas had been her rock, but now she knew that it was all an act. “I would like to report a felony,” she said as the tears began to roll down her cheeks.
She couldn’t believe that Thomas could do this to her. But she had one more call to make. In her will, she had given everything she owned to her grandson, but that was about to change.
The Police
That day, Mildred sent the police to Thomas’s address and told them exactly what they had to take from him. They promised to get all of her things and bring them back to her.
Next, she called the person in charge of her will and changed a few small details. Mildred now knew that no one in her family deserved the nice things Robert had bought her over the years.
Her Revenge
Thomas was going to inherit everything she owned, but instead, she decided to give it all to charities around town. Luckily for Mildred, the police were able to get all of her belongings back and brought them to her. But it wasn’t over yet.
When Thomas tried to contact her again and fix things, she told him to get lost. She now knew that he was just another user.
Moving On
Mildred was happy with her decision. Over the course of her life, her family had broken her heart again and again. Now that she was in the care home with a few friends and wonderful employees, she knew she didn’t need her family anymore.
She would never pay them any mind ever again. After that day, Mildred accepted her fate, and suddenly, she was a lot happier.