Ellen eventually managed to accumulate enough money for a little amount of calm in her latter years, after spending years giving everything she had. On the other hand, everything comes crashing down when her daughter shows up with a charming smile and a secret agenda. Money is not the only thing that is taken; trust, heritage, and affection are all taken. As the story comes to a close, Ellen realizes that family is not necessarily about blood; rather, it is about who is there for you.

When people speak about becoming older, they often talk of dreaming of simple pleasures, such as sleeping in, gardening, going on a vacation, or reading literature that they never had the chance to read.

You? I just want stillness. The sort that is not heavy and causes your heart to weigh down, but rather the kind that is gentle and comes when you realize that you have done enough, worked enough, and given enough.

My name is Ellen, and I am 55 years old. I have been a mother for a longer period of time than I have not. Sarah, my daughter, was three years old when her father entered the room without turning around to look at her. That morning, I recall the scent of old coffee and rain more than the sound of the door closing behind him on that particular occasion. I brought her up by myself till I met Dan, a kind individual who has a hearty chuckle. Lily, his daughter, was reserved at first but quickly became like a member of my family.

Dan’s heart stopped beating one night as he was doing laundry, and within five years of our marriage, he passed away. Suddenly, I found myself in the position of being a single mother to two little daughters.

To make ends meet, I put forth a lot of effort, working two jobs, and sometimes even three, and taking up additional shifts. There were long nights, weekends that turned into early mornings, and work that arrived at the eleventh hour. I went years without purchasing any new clothing. Always, my feet hurt, and my body was completely worn out.

My objective, however, was very clear: I wanted to provide the ladies with everything that I had never had.

They received vehicles that were worn but dependable when they were 18 years old, and I assisted them with their college expenses in every way that I could. I not only sat in the front row at every performance and recital, but I also brought their lunches. I wanted for them to have a sense of being protected, cherished, and selected.

Invariably, Lily was aware. Even after she had graduated from college, she would call to see how she was doing. Hello, Mom! How are you doing? Still behaving in an inappropriate manner? Her voice was bright, like if she had just wandered in from someplace else, and she would inquire.

Despite the fact that I had to go to work the next day, she brought me soup while I was sick with the flu. A message that said, “You’ve always made me feel like your daughter, Mom,” was attached to a perfumed candle that she had placed in my mailbox at one point. I will devote my whole life to demonstrating that I am aware of you.

As soon as she arrived, she did not wait for me to inquire about it.

Sarah was not like other people. She was not malicious, but she was subtly resentful, as if she was keeping score. “It always felt like Lily got the best of you, Mom,” she commented at one point when she was eating lunch. She said this while poking at her meal.

I spoke the words, “Sweetheart,” in a state of astonishment, “I gave you both everything.”

It seemed as if she had arrived first, she shrugged.

I made an effort to disprove her misconceptions by purchasing her preferred cereal, providing her with a larger bedroom, and paying her auto insurance when she was having difficulty. I explained to her that love was not like a pie filled with just a few pieces. Nevertheless, her animosity persisted, remaining unspoken and unyielding, much like mold that grew behind a mirror.

After the females left, there was a noticeable decrease in the amount of noise in the home. After a long period of time, I finally found myself thinking about myself.

Due to the fact that I had previously been burnt by banks and their fees, I did not maintain a retirement account. As a result, I purchased a wall safe that is concealed behind a panel in the closet of my bedroom. Folded and tucked away, each and every tax return, birthday card with cash, and additional shift was placed in that particular location.

Although it was mine, no one, not even Lily, was aware of it.

Ten years ago, I continued to add to it. In a calm and slow manner. In addition to the money, there was control, which was something I had never had before. I didn’t check the whole amount very frequently; I simply let it accumulate. As in the spring of the previous year, it was somewhat less than $50,000. A sufficient amount to breathe, but not enough to live a luxurious existence.

I did not disclose the sum to anybody else. My future and my safety net after years of supporting everyone else was represented by that money.

After that, Sarah began to show signs of improvement.

Over the course of one afternoon, she brought my preferred coffee, remained for supper, and even complimented the tuna dish that she had before referred to as “gross.”

The living room was where she spent her time, going through Zillow. “Mom, these houses are crazy,” she added as she displayed her phone to me. “However, I believe that I have located the ideal one!”

Is Sarah considering making a purchase? I cracked a grin. “That is wonderful. I hope that all of you females have success.

She laughed and said, “Thinking?” Hey, Mom, I’m all set! What I really need is some assistance with the first deposit…

Despite the fact that her tone was light, I sensed something darker.

The next day, she inquired about my retirement in a casual manner when I was preparing chicken and potatoes while singing an old tune.

“Mom, have you ever ever considered downsizing?” Asked by her. Like, cohabitating with another person? Less to be concerned about?”

As I spoke to Sarah, I added, “I like my quiet.” It’s nice to have my own area.

A few days later, she revealed the shocking information.

“Mom, I need your retirement money,” she said in a straightforward manner.

What is it, Sarah? That is not going to take place, honey. Money like that—”

“I know,” she interrupted me with. “Your future is a priceless treasure. It’s not foreign to me at all.”

“So you understand why it’s so important,” I responded, completely taken aback.

It was then that she snapped, “Mom, you’ve given your entire life to everyone else but me.” “It is now my turn here. You owe it to me.

Her tone was icy and abrasive, definitely not like my daughter’s. The look on her face suggested that she was either angry or desperate. It made me uneasy.

“No, sweetheart,” I hushed in a low voice. “I am very sorry. Not at all.”

A second time, she said, “You owe me.”

Her words land like a blow to the gut. As I watched, I couldn’t help but wonder whether I had understood correctly.

She spoke more loudly and continued, “Throughout my entire life, I have shared you.” “With a person who is not even related to us by blood. You most likely gave her more than I did, if not more. Is it true that you are going to retain all of that money for yourself? After all that I was unable to experience?

The things that mother said were painful, as if each birthday, school pickup, and embraced knee was a loan that she was trying to collect.

“I’ve worked hard for this,” she yelled out. In the event that you do not provide it to me, you should not anticipate that I would take care of you when you are old. It’s possible to rot away in a nursing home.

Quickly, she reached for her handbag and snatched it. “Give it some thought. Put up a lot of effort.”

This door banged shut. This quiet that was left behind was a burden.

I listened to her comments over and over again, feeling furious but mostly empty. Was I a letdown to her? What if my love was insufficient? Perhaps she could only see me for what I had provided for her.

The next week, I was standing in my closet, clutching a little envelope containing cash that Lily had secretly given to me. She did so on occasion; for example, she would force money into my hand when we were out walking or going to the grocery store.

“Baby, no,” I would respond.

She would grin and say, “Mom, don’t argue.” “It’s easy to take.”

With anticipation, I grabbed for the safe that was hidden beneath the panel, anticipating its weight. But it was accessible. Also devoid of anything.

My years of optimism were gone, and every envelope was gone. I collapsed to the ground, my forehead resting on the carpet, my hands trembling, and my mouth dry. I was afraid to weep.

I was aware of who had taken it.

That evening, Lily made her way over. “Mom! ” Then she noticed me sitting at the kitchen table, looking at nothing, and then she yelled out, “Are you ready for panini night?”

“Mom?” She said in a low voice. “What’s the matter?”

I hushed with a whisper, “It’s gone, baby.” “Every last penny…” Every single thing. “Sarah has taken it.”

Lily’s expression became more stern. “Don’t you weep. Please give me one hour.

The door was softly closed as she went, as if she didn’t want to rouse the part of me that was still under the impression that Sarah wouldn’t do anything like this.

After an hour, the door suddenly shattered open, causing the walls to shake. Sarah stood there, her cheeks flushed, holding her breath as if she had just completed a marathon. The duffel bag she was carrying landed with a resounding thump on the table.

As her face contorted, she yelled out, “Here.” “You should take it.”

I was so stunned that I gazed at the bag for a long time.

Lily had a peaceful expression on her face but her eyes were alert. Her eyes softened as she stared at me. “I told her, please bring back every cent, or I will call the police,” she added. “I told her.” Furthermore, inform her family, her friends, her partner, her employer, and her real estate agent. Any and all.”

The hands of Sarah trembled. Her hardness was beginning to crumble. It seemed as if she murmured, “I just needed a start.” It’s not appropriate. When Lily was growing up, you gave her a lot of things.

“Please, Sarah, stop,” Lily chimed in. “Mom provided us with everything!” Furthermore, you took the one item that she had reserved for herself.

I was able to open the bag with my hands moving independently. All of the envelopes were there, but some of them were crumpled and others were damaged. While I was counting, I had a hard time breathing. Each and every dime.

And even more: Dan gave me a pair of diamond earrings as a present on our second wedding anniversary, and he wrapped them in a dish towel. On the day of our wedding, his antique pocket watch was present. Even the first editions of my novels, such as “Pride and Prejudice,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “A Tale of Two Cities,” are worth thousands of dollars on the internet.

“Sarah,” I whispered to her, “I knew you stole the money, but then you stole these as well?”

Lily’s pupils had contracted. “How did you manage to get into the safe?”

Sarah cocked her chin upward. I’ve been aware of it for a number of years. Yes, Mom, we each have a key to the home. During the time when you were in pottery class, I arrived. Our birthdays were given as the code. Simple.”

I was frightened by her expressionless gaze and trembling hands.

Lily did not wait for anything. Taken out of her pocket, she tapped a contact on her phone. “What’s up, Aunt Linda? Just so you are aware, Sarah took the money that Mom had saved for retirement. The money. As well as her unique qualities.”

I heard my sister shout out, “What?” “There is no way!”

“Yes,” Lily said. Because I had captured her, she was the only one who brought it back. Sarah was always the one who claimed to be your favorite. I only wanted you to be aware of what she is capable of becoming.

Sarah took a deep breath. As if she were a child, she seemed to be aware that grownups were observing her.

“You are destroying my life,” she said in a low voice. Both of you, I say.

Lily informed Sarah, “No, Sarah.” “You were the one who did it. There are repercussions for actions. To set this situation right, you have a lot of work to do.

Sarah departed without uttering a single word.

The stillness came again, crushing; nonetheless, it was mine. In a low voice, Lily assured her mother, “I will always have your back.” “As if you’ve always had mine,” she said.

I felt a sense of warmth and calmness wash over me as a result of her comments.