I’m raising my son Kyle all by myself. He’s never had a dad around, and I haven’t remarried.
Kyle has always been a lively, active kid. He’s either outside playing sports or making things with his friends. But lately, things have gotten… weird. He hardly spends any time at home anymore. When I ask him what he’s doing after school, he just says he’s hanging out with friends or doing music.
Then one day, while tidying up his room, I discovered a pile of expensive gadgets and stacks of cash hidden under his bed! We’ve never had that kind of money for brand new smartphones, laptops or tablets!
When he got back home, I acted like I hadn’t seen anything unusual but the next day I parked near his school after classes to find out what was really going on.
Suddenly, a line of shiny black SUVs pulled up. My Kyle walked out of the school and climbed into one of the cars! So naturally, I followed them.
I marched up to the front door and pressed the intercom button. Moments later an elegant woman appeared with a sharp look that cut right through me.
“What are you doing here and how did you get in?” she asked coldly.
“All you need to know is that I’m here for my son Kyle,” I replied firmly.
“You’re Kyle’s… mother?”
“That’s correct! Now where is he?”
“Kyle is busy right now. This isn’t a place for people like you; you need to leave.”
I felt anger rising in me “Look lady; it doesn’t matter what you think! I’m not leaving until I’ve seen my son.”
Just then Kyle showed up in the doorway looking guilty yet surprised.
“Mom?” he said glancing between us “Ms. Anderson please let her in.”
The woman looked annoyed but finally said “Fine come in if you must.”
Then I noticed a man standing by the fireplace watching me with an easy yet calculating gaze.
He nodded slightly “Miranda,” he said as if greeting an old friend.
“What… What is this?” My voice shook but i wouldn’t show weakness.
He glanced at Kyle then softened slightly “I’ve been searching for him since making serious money and just recently found both of you now i want to make things right.”
“After thirteen years without anything from you think some gifts will fix everything?”
He raised an eyebrow unbothered “You’ve done your best I’m sure but look around Miranda.” His hand gestured towards all this wealth around us “I can give him stability filled with opportunities not whatever life you’ve provided.”
“You… want to take my son away from me?”
He shrugged smirking slightly “I’m pretty sure I’ll win custody too because I’ve got means & resources now so they’ll see that Kyle would be better off living with me.”
I couldn’t lose Kyle—not to this man who saw him as nothing more than part of his wealth—a trophy!
His voice was low yet defiant: “You think I’d want to live here? With YOU?” His face was pale eyes blazing “I went along because you’d throw cash & stuff at me—phones money—anything!”
Pointing at his father sharply saying: “But every last gift? It was always meant for selling—I just didn’t know how Mom could get it without being suspicious—I took those things so i could help her pay bills.”
His father’s face froze losing confidence momentarily
Kyle stared directly into his eyes unwaveringly saying: “You’re nothing! All your money won’t change that you’re just some stranger who left us behind—and if you’re trying taking Mom away from me? Then forget it!”
Reaching out pulling kyle close looking straight at his father showing no fear saying: ”Stay away from us!”
The next morning when someone knocked on our door we were startled both jumping up.I opened it finding a man dressed sharply holding bag handing over silently before disappearing before questions could be asked
Inside lay piles upon piles crisp hundred-dollar bills.
For illustration purposes only
A note tucked among cash written hurriedly read : ‘Forgive Me . Just wanted make things right.’
Kyle looked hardening staring down at money saying : ‘We don’t need HIS MONEY MOM . We HAVE EACH OTHER.’
Grabbing hold squeezing hand tightly replying : ‘I know sweetheart ,but maybe we can use this chance finally breathe again . To start fresh.’
Sitting side by side whatever choice made would be together because ultimately it’s not about riches mansions nor even shadows casted by fathers defining lives—it’s US standing strong no matter what comes next
