**Amber, a corporate lawyer and dedicated mother, never expected that a simple drawing could turn her world upside down. Yet, that’s exactly what happened one late evening when she accidentally found a drawing made by her seven-year-old daughter Mia with crayons.
The drawing seemed harmless at first glance – a happy family of three holding hands. But upon closer inspection, it became clear that the woman in the picture was not Amber. She was a completely different person, wearing a flowing dress, and under it, there was a caption: « Non vedo l’ora che tu diventi mia mamma! »
Amber’s heart sank. Was this a betrayal? A secret that Jack, her husband of ten years, had hidden from her? Or was it something much deeper?
Amber had always seen herself as a hardworking woman. At 34, she juggled a demanding career as a lawyer, her role as a wife, and her most important task – being Mia’s mother. Life had gotten harder in the last year. The worsening health of her mother meant frequent hospital visits and costly treatments, which forced Amber to work long and grueling hours to keep the family afloat financially. Jack had taken over at home, cooking, cleaning, and helping Mia with her homework. He had been her rock, enabling her to manage everything.
But the sacrifices had taken their toll. That evening, Amber was exhausted after a long workday. She rushed to prepare dinner, bathe Mia, and tuck her into bed to enjoy the few moments they had together. As Mia fell asleep, Amber stayed behind to tidy up the house. While collecting Mia’s crayons and coloring books, she found the drawing.
Her stomach clenched as she looked at the picture. Who was this other woman in the drawing? Why was Mia dreaming of someone else becoming her mother? And why had she written those heartbreaking words?
Amber couldn’t wait until morning to find answers. She gently woke Mia, holding the drawing. « Sweetheart, can you tell me about this? » she asked.
Mia blinked sleepily and then turned bright red as she saw the drawing. She snatched it from Amber’s hands and pressed it tightly to her chest. « You shouldn’t have found it! » Mia burst out. « Dad said I should hide it better! »
Amber’s heart raced. What was Jack hiding? Had he betrayed her – and worse, involved their daughter in his secrets?
Amber couldn’t sleep that night. The next morning, she confronted Jack, holding out the drawing. « What is this? » she demanded to know. « Did you tell Mia to hide it? »
Jack’s face went pale, and he stammered, « It’s not what you think. Let me explain. »
Amber’s patience was at an end. « You have five seconds, » she snapped.
Jack sighed and ran his hand through his hair. « Come with me. We’re going to Mia’s school. I need to show you something. »
Amber was skeptical but agreed. The drive to the school was tense and silent. Her thoughts raced through the worst scenarios, but nothing could prepare her for what came next.
At the school, Jack introduced Amber to Mia’s teacher, Clara. As Clara entered, Amber’s stomach clenched. She was stunning – long brown hair, a radiant smile, and an effortlessly warm aura. The resemblance to the woman in Mia’s drawing was unmistakable.
Amber clenched her fists, expecting the worst. But then Clara began to speak. « Mia has been having a hard time, » she said gently. « She talks about missing her mom and feeling like you don’t have time for her anymore. She started drawing these pictures to process her feelings. »
Clara handed Amber a stack of drawings. Each one depicted Clara in Amber’s place. On the back of one drawing, Amber found another caption: « Dad and Clara. »
Amber’s voice trembled as she asked, « Have you spent any time with my daughter outside of school? »
« Only at school, » Clara assured her. « Sometimes Mia stays longer to help clean up. She told me she feels like she’s losing you. I’ve tried to reassure her, but I’m sorry if I’ve overstepped. »
Amber turned to Jack, her chest tight. « And you? » she asked.
Jack looked miserable. « I found the drawing last week, » he admitted. « I told Mia it wasn’t true, that you love her more than anything. But I didn’t want to stress you out, so I told her to put it away. I should have told you – I just didn’t know how. »
Amber’s anger began to fade, and guilt took its place. This wasn’t about Jack betraying her or Clara overstepping boundaries. It was about Mia, her sadness, and how she was coping with Amber’s absence.
That evening, Amber sat down with Mia over bowls of ice cream. « Sweetheart, » she began gently, « I know I haven’t been around much lately, and I’m so, so sorry. Grandma needs a lot of help, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you. You’re everything to me. »
Tears filled Mia’s eyes as she threw herself into Amber’s arms. « I thought maybe you didn’t like me anymore, » she whispered.
Amber’s heart broke. « I love you more than anything, » she said, holding Mia tight. « That will never change. »
In the following weeks, Amber made some changes. She reduced her working hours and asked her siblings to take on more responsibility for their mother’s care. She started a « Mom-and-Mia » night every week where they baked cookies, built forts, watched movies, or went on small outings together. Amber also had an open talk with Clara and thanked her for being there for Mia during a difficult time. Clara apologized for any discomfort her involvement may have caused, but Amber reassured her. « You’ve become a safe place for Mia, » Amber said. « I’ll always appreciate that. »
Life isn’t perfect, but it’s better now. Amber is learning to ask for help and prioritize what matters most. And now, every time Mia picks up her crayons, Amber is right there by her side, making sure her daughter knows she’ll always come first.**