Anna returned home from the cafe, packed her belongings, and drove to her grandfather’s house in the countryside. It was a small blue cottage with a wooden door, very different from Anna’s in Cleveland, but here she could find peace and a well-deserved break from housework and, especially, Edward’s lies.
The woman creaked open the gate upon arrival, but as she took a step forward towards the front door, she noticed a man lying unconscious in the yard with a shovel beside him. Blood had covered every square inch of the shovel as if someone had hit him on the head with it.
Anna called 911 right away and rushed the man to the hospital. Fortunately, they made it in time, and the man was out of danger. But when she got home from the hospital, she had another surprise in store for her. Her dear husband Edward was waiting for her at the cottage.
“I have been searching for you the whole day, Anna! You just disappeared without a trace. Where have you been?” Edward inquired.
“Because you were so preoccupied with your work and ‘client meetings,’ I decided to take a vacation with my baby,” Anna said indifferently. “It’s not as if I have to ask you for your permission for everything. Anyway, what are you doing here?”
Edward’s tone abruptly shifted. “Are you upset about something, honey? Do you want me to get you something?”
“No, Edward,” Anna retorted. “Right now, all I need is sleep. So, please move. And, yes, I’ll be sleeping alone, so you can sleep outside on the couch!”
Anna went to bed, but her thoughts kept returning to the man she’d discovered unconscious in her yard. What exactly was he doing here? Was she on the lookout for something? Is he familiar with me? And how did he get a head injury? Her head was racing with questions.
Anna fell asleep while trying to find answers for her inquisitive mind and was awakened by the sun the following day. It was mildly cold, so she reached out for the blanket, but she couldn’t find it.
She awoke, irritated, and was about to yell at Edward if he’d pulled it to his side when she realized she’d been sleeping alone.
However, as Anna looked around the room, she noticed it was in a terrible state. The blanket had been thrown on the floor, her room’s cupboard had open drawers, and her luggage had been opened and rummaged through.
If this is you, Edward, I swear you’re dead today! Anna was furious as she dashed into the living room. But that space was in no better shape. It was even messier than she’d found it when she first entered the house, and Edward was nowhere to be found.
She was about to go outside and check the yard for him, but just then, her gaze was drawn to a crumpled sheet of paper on the ground. When she picked it up, she discovered it was a blueprint for her cottage with a red circle at its center.
She dashed to the loft as it came under the circled region and discovered that, too, was messed up. Edward had vanished as if he didn’t exist, and the yard had been dug out in one corner.
Worried, she was about to call him, but just then she heard a voice from behind. “I’m sorry, but I hope I didn’t disturb you!” it said.
Anna turned around and discovered the man she’d saved the previous day standing at the doorstep. “Oh, it’s you! Are you all right now?” she worriedly inquired.
The man sighed as he looked around Anna’s house, which was in a state of disarray. “I was taken to the hospital on time thanks to your assistance,” he said. “By the way, my name is Andrew. Can I come inside, if you don’t mind? I’d like to speak with you about something…”
Anna offered tea to Andrew, and that’s when he started telling her the whole story. Andrew turned out to have cared for Anna’s grandfather in his final days. So, before his death, her grandfather told the kind man about the treasure hidden in the yard near his house.
“He also gave me a letter,” Andrew explained, “and it was addressed to you to an address in Florida. I went there, but you’d already left, so I waited until you came back so I could give it to you. I wasn’t there on his funeral day; otherwise, we could have met that day.”
Anna opened the letter and began reading it.
“Dear Anna, I hope you’re doing well,” the letter began, “I know it might come as a shock to you, but I have a box hidden in my yard, and there’s a map to it.”
“My grandfather gave it to me before he died, and I wanted to give it to you on your wedding day, but I’m sorry to say that your husband already has his eye on it. Edward is not who he appears to be. He came to see me after you two got married and overheard me talking to Andrew.”
“By the way, Andrew is the man who will most likely deliver this letter to you. The brooch you’ll find inside the box is worth millions of dollars, and it is a relic of our ancestors that has been passed down to us. Edward will not find it as long as he does not obtain the map. I hope you find it and keep it in a safe place. Love, Grandpa Silas.”
As Anna finished the letter, she showed a picture of Edward to Andrew. “Have you seen him around, or do you know him?”
“Oh, yes, he’s the man who comes here often. When I came here that day to clean the yard, I found him here, and he hit me over the head with a shovel.”
When Andrew said that, it all made sense: Edward’s sudden appearance at the cottage and his sudden disappearance. Anna immediately called the police and informed them of the situation. In no time, Edward was apprehended, and he confessed to the theft, and Anna was able to recover the brooch.
After the incident, Anna decided to cut all ties with Edward, who’s serving time in prison, and she and Andrew are now raising her son, Brandon, together.
What can we learn from this story?
You can’t escape karma. Edward decided to flee with the ancient brooch, but he was apprehended and punished for his actions.
Everything in life happens for a reason. If Anna hadn’t caught Edward cheating on her that day, she would never have found out the truth about Edward.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a young mother who found an old crib on her doorstep with an envelope inside.
On a Trip with His Foster Family, Teenage Boy Runs Away to Find His Real Family after Spotting an Old Sign — Story of the Day
Sixteen-year-old Eric slips away from his foster family on a camping trip, desperate to find his real mother and the answers he’s always craved. But as he faces hard truths about the past and what family truly means, Eric’s journey takes a turn he never saw coming.
The Johnson family drove along the winding road, the car filled with excited chatter and Mila’s occasional giggles as she wiggled in her booster seat, her eyes wide with excitement.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mr. Johnson glanced in the rearview mirror, catching Eric’s gaze and offering a warm smile. Eric tried to smile back, but he couldn’t shake the knot of worry in his chest.
He was almost sixteen now, and he understood his place in the family—or at least, he thought he did. The Johnsons had taken him in as their foster child when he was twelve. They’d told him he was family, even though he wasn’t their own child by blood.
For years, they’d treated him with a kindness he’d never known before, showing him what it felt like to be truly cared for. But now, with Mila—their own child—things felt different. Eric wondered if they’d still want him, now that they had a child of their own.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“We’ll stop here at the gas station; you can stretch your legs,” Mr. Johnson said, turning off the engine as they pulled over. Eric felt the cool air hit his face as he stepped out, and he lifted little Mila from her seat, setting her down gently. She clung to his hand, her tiny fingers gripping his tightly as she looked around with curiosity.
Eric’s gaze, however, was drawn to the other side of the road, where an old, weathered diner sign hung, faded and cracked. A strange feeling stirred in his chest as he looked at it, an odd sense of familiarity that he couldn’t place. He reached into his backpack, pulling out a worn photograph—the only thing left from his past, from his real parents.
In the photo, baby Eric stood beside a woman, his biological mother, with a sign in the background just like the one in the gas station.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mrs. Johnson walked over, noticing Eric staring at something in his hand. “Everything alright?” she asked gently, her voice filled with warmth.
Eric quickly slipped the photo into his pocket, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine,” he replied, trying to sound casual.
Mr. Johnson called from the car, “Alright, family! Time to hit the road again.”
Eric took one last glance at the diner sign before getting back in the car with Mila and Mrs. Johnson.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Within an hour, they arrived at the campsite, a quiet, wooded area surrounded by tall trees and the sound of rustling leaves. Eric helped Mr. Johnson set up the tents, quietly going through the motions, his mind still on the photo.
After dinner by the campfire, Mrs. Johnson and Mila headed to bed. Mr. Johnson looked over at Eric. “Are you going to bed now?”
Eric shook his head. “I’ll stay up a bit longer.”
Mr. Johnson nodded. “Don’t stay up too late. Big hike tomorrow. You sure you’re okay, kiddo?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Eric forced a smile. “Yeah, just not tired yet.”
“Alright,” Mr. Johnson said, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading to bed.
Eric sat by the campfire, watching the last embers flicker, his thoughts drifting back to the photo he’d tucked away. He pulled it out once more, studying the faded image in the dim light.
Written neatly on the back were the words “Eliza and Eric.” The woman holding him had a faint smile, but he couldn’t remember her at all. Glancing over at the Johnsons’ tent, he felt a pang of guilt. They had always been kind, always treated him with care.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
With a sigh, he slipped the photo into his pocket, went to his tent, and picked up his backpack. He checked through its contents—his few belongings, a bottle of water, and the sandwiches Mrs. Johnson had made for him.
She’d even cut the crusts off, remembering how he didn’t like them, just as she had when he first arrived at their home. Small acts like this made him feel seen, but still, he wondered if he truly belonged.
Taking one last look at the campsite, Eric turned and walked down the path toward the main road, the cold air biting at his cheeks.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
It was pitch dark, and he switched on the flashlight on his phone, remembering how the Johnsons had handed it to him with a smile. “We need to know our kid is safe,” they’d said. If they really thought of him as their own, wouldn’t they have adopted him by now?
He walked along the road, shivering in the night air, his heart pounding with each step. After hours, he finally saw the dim lights of the diner.
Taking a shaky breath, he stepped inside, eyes adjusting to the gloomy interior. At the counter stood an old man, who looked at him with a frown as Eric approached, photo in hand.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The old man behind the counter narrowed his eyes at Eric. “We don’t serve kids here.”
“I don’t want anything to eat. I just have a question.” He pulled the photo from his pocket, unfolding it carefully. “Do you know this woman?”
The man took the photo, peering at it with a frown. “What’s her name?”
“Eliza,” Eric replied, hoping for a sign of recognition.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The man’s face shifted slightly, and he tilted his head toward a noisy group in the corner. “That’s her over there.” He handed back the photo, shaking his head. “She looked different back then. Life’s taken a toll.”
Eric’s heart pounded as he approached the table. He recognized the woman from the photo—older now, worn down, but definitely her. He cleared his throat. “Eliza, hi,” he said.
She didn’t respond, absorbed in her loud conversation.
Eric tried again, louder this time. “Eliza.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She turned, finally noticing him. “What do you want, kid?”
“I…I’m your son,” Eric said quietly.
“I don’t have any kids.”
Desperate, he held up the photo again. “It’s me. See? Eliza and Eric,” he said.
“Thought I got rid of you,” she muttered, taking a long drink from a bottle.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Eric’s voice trembled. “I just wanted to meet you.”
Eliza looked him over with a smirk. “Fine. Sit down, then. Maybe you’ll be useful.” Her friends chuckled, and Eric sank awkwardly into a chair, feeling out of place.
After some time, Eliza looked around the diner, glancing toward the counter. “Alright, time to leave. Let’s get out before the old man catches on.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The group started to stand up, gathering their things. Eric, feeling uneasy, looked at Eliza. “But you haven’t paid,” he said.
Eliza rolled her eyes. “Kid, that’s not how the world works if you want to survive. You’ll learn that,” she replied.
Eric hesitated, reaching into his backpack. He pulled out some cash, ready to leave it on the table, but before he could, Eliza snatched it from his hand and shoved it into her pocket.
As they headed toward the door, the old man behind the counter noticed. “Hey! You didn’t pay!” he shouted angrily.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Run!” Eliza shouted, dashing out the door. The group bolted, and Eric had no choice but to follow. Outside, he noticed police lights flashing nearby. As Eliza ran past him, she shoved him, and he felt something slip from his pocket.
“Mom!” he called, desperate, hoping she’d turn back.
But Eliza didn’t stop. “I told you—I don’t have any kids!” she shouted over her shoulder, disappearing into the night.
A police car pulled up beside Eric. He stopped, knowing he couldn’t outrun them. The window rolled down, and one of the officers leaned out, squinting at him.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, isn’t this the kid they mentioned?” the officer asked his partner.
The other officer looked Eric over and nodded. “Yep, that’s him. Alright, kid, get in the car.”
Eric’s heart pounded. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said, his voice trembling. “I tried to pay, but she took my money. I can call my parents—they’ll come get me.”
He reached into his pocket, only to find it empty. Panic rose as he realized his phone was gone, too. Tears filled his eyes. “Please, you have to believe me. I didn’t do anything.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
One of the officers got out, placing a hand on Eric’s shoulder. “Come on, son.” Gently, he guided Eric into the backseat as Eric’s tears fell silently.
At the police station, Eric expected the worst, but instead, they led him to a small room with a warm cup of tea. Glancing up, his heart skipped when he saw the Johnsons talking with an officer nearby. Mila was in Mr. Johnson’s arms, and Mrs. Johnson looked worried, her eyes darting around the room.
The moment Mrs. Johnson spotted him, she gasped, rushing over and wrapping her arms tightly around him. “Eric! You scared us so much!” she said, her voice shaking. “We thought something terrible had happened when we saw you were gone. We called the police right away.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mr. Johnson approached, holding Mila close. “Eric, why did you run off like that?” he asked.
Eric swallowed, looking down. “I just… I wanted parents of my own. I thought finding my mom would change things, but she… she wasn’t what I thought,” he admitted.
Mrs. Johnson’s face softened as she squeezed his hand. “Eric, it hurts to hear that,” she said gently. “We consider ourselves your parents.”
Mr. Johnson nodded. “We’re sorry if we didn’t make that clear.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Eric looked at them. “I thought… maybe you’d want to get rid of me now that you have Mila,” he confessed.
Mrs. Johnson pulled him into another hug, her arms warm and steady. “Parents don’t give up on their children, Eric.”
“You’re as much our child as Mila is,” Mr. Johnson added. “That’s never going to change.”
Eric’s tears fell, his heart finally feeling the love they’d always given. “This whole trip was actually for you,” Mr. Johnson explained. “You wanted to go camping, so we made it a special occasion.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“A special occasion?” Eric asked, wiping his eyes.
“To tell you that we want you to officially be our son,” Mr. Johnson said with a smile.
“All the paperwork is ready, but only if you want it,” Mrs. Johnson added, her voice soft. Eric didn’t need to answer in words; he hugged them both, realizing he had found his real family.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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