After bringing his mother to a nursing facility, Joe and his fiancée come home to discover his suitcases on the doorstep and the arrival of a new family. He quickly discovers that his mother has deceived him in order to shield him from a more dangerous danger.
As she reached across to pat Joe’s calf, Emily smiled and said, “You did the right thing, baby.” “You and I can start converting your mom’s old crafts room into a nursery for our baby, and she will have a much better quality of life in the nursing home.”
Joe stopped at an intersection and grinned at his amazing fiancée. Her heart was so good. If only Mom could see it, but she was too old and sick to notice. He was afraid that without Emily, he might never have understood how terrible things were.
An odd car was already parked in the driveway, so Joe had to park outside Mom’s house. His perplexity increased when he noticed two little girls playing on the lawn and others hauling items inside the house through the window.
“What on earth is happening here?Joe jogged up to the front step after getting out of the automobile. At the main door, he gestured to a man. Why are you in my house, hello?”
“You’ve got to be Joe!The man put a hand to the back of his head and smiled sheepishly. “Your mother promised you would arrive. The problem is that this is no longer her home. Last week, she sold it to us. The documents and your belongings are here.
When Joe saw his suitcases arranged on the doorstep and a cardboard box with his name on it, his mouth fell open. He turned as he felt a hand on his arm. Emily stood next to him, her eyes flashing with wrath as her lips curled into a sneer.
She scowled and grabbed the papers out of his hand, saying, “Give me that.”
As Emily looked over the documents, Joe saw her cheeks flush. It was clear from her expression that Mom had indeed sold the house! In search of solace and something to ground him in this insane circumstance, Joe grabbed for his fiancée.
Emily, however, dismissed him.
“Joe, you must be the dumbest idiot I’ve ever encountered!Emily shouted. “How could you allow your mother to deceive you in this way, directly in front of you? Now everything is ruined.
Emily, don’t say that. We still have each other, even though I don’t know why or when Mom did this. We can—
For me, this was the final straw! Joe, you have nothing to give me and are a loser. Emily yanked the band off her finger and tossed it to the floor, saying, “Forget me.” “And disregard our union.”
“Hold on!Joe trailed behind Emily as she marched off. “You can’t simply walk away. How about our kid?”
In his face, Emily laughed. “You truly are a simple-minded fool. Joe, there isn’t a youngster. Please move aside; I’m going!”
“What are you saying? Emily, Emily! Joe called, “Stop and tell me what you mean about our child.”
Emily didn’t even turn around. Joe watched his true love walk over the grass and disappear from his life. He was unable to comprehend. He felt numb and disoriented after all that had occurred to him all at once, as if everything he had known had been a lie.
Just when his knees buckled, he went back to the porch and sat down. He saw the envelope hidden under a flap on the cardboard box as he leaned against his suitcase. Mom’s angular cursive writing was used to write his name. There was a letter inside when he opened it.
Greetings, Joe
I apologize for how things came to be. You left me with no other option, even though I wish I had never had to take such harsh measures. To clarify, it all began the day you brought Emily home.
Several Weeks Prior
With a courteous smile, Nora sat in her favorite recliner and absorbed the news that her son had suddenly developed a serious relationship with the young woman sitting next to him on the sofa.
Where did the two of you meet?Nora inquired.
Joe responded, “I frequently deliver packages to the office where Emily worked at the front desk.” “At first, she was very professional and didn’t want to talk to me, but I kept trying.”
Emily looked at Joe through her eyelashes and smiled shyly, saying, “I didn’t want to get into trouble because it was a temporary job.” However, Joe was incredibly charming and witty. When he asked me out on a date to the funfair, I was unable to refuse.
Nora gave her temple a rub. She had a deep affection for her son. He possessed many admirable qualities, such as being straightforward, honest, and kind, but charm was not one of them.
Joe’s eyes were full of stars as he said, “That was about three weeks ago, and we’ve been seeing each other every day since then.” We were obviously destined to be together. I’ve asked Emily to move in with me because of this.
Joe’s announcement startled Nora so much that she started coughing. She reached for the glass of water she always kept close at hand, trembling, but someone else arrived before her.
“Here.” Emily placed a hand on Nora’s shoulder and gave her a charming grin. “Are you alright? Do you need anything else from me?”
Nora sipped her water and waved her away. She slumped back in her chair, put her oxygen mask to her face, and took several long breaths until she had calmed herself.
Joe sat on the arm of her chair and stroked her shoulder, saying, “I apologize if this has surprised you, Mom.” “I’ve been holding off on telling you about Emily until the appropriate moment. Although it may seem abrupt, our relationship has been going so well thus far. We are soul mates!”
Emily was still hanging close by when Nora reached out and stroked her palm. “Will you please make me some tea, Emily? My throat is soothed by the warmth. Everything you require is on the kitchen counter.
She is the best, isn’t she?As Joe saw Emily walk out of the room, he whispered.
“She looks like a sweet girl, but don’t you feel like you’re going a little too quickly, Joey?”
“Thanks for your worries, Mom, but…” Joe groaned. Joe smiled and clasped his mother’s hands in his, saying, “I didn’t want to tell you everything at once because of your health, but you deserve to know this.”
“This weekend, I intend to pop the question to Emily.”
Her oxygen mask dropped into Nora’s lap as her fingers went lifeless. “This weekend? However, you can’t; it’s too early.
Joe grinned as if his greatest hopes had been realized, saying, “We have something special together, Mom.” “I learned to fight for and believe in true love from you. When you eloped, you and your father did just that. Grandma and Grandpa were also skeptical about your relationship, didn’t you tell me?”
Nora shook her head, saying, “It’s not the same.” We had to elope in order to get married before your father was sent to the Gulf since we had been in love for a long time. Joe, those were other times. There were crises to deal with in addition to the wonderful things that were happening at the time.
“Mom, there is yet! Joe moved in to meet Nora’s gaze. “The only difference between then and now is that the threats my generation faces are different from what yours faced.” “Mom, I adore Emily. I can’t possibly believe how much I love her! Since I already know we are destined to be together forever, life is too short to waste time waiting to marry her.
Nora let out a sigh. Although she was still unsure, it was obvious that Joe and Emily were incredibly in love, and he would pop the question regardless of her response. When Joe’s parents prohibited him from marrying her, she and his father had taken the same action.
“All right,” said Nora. “She is free to move in, but don’t think she’s going to elope! When my son gets married, I want to be present.
Joe grinned broadly and assured Nora that he wouldn’t wed Emily without her. Silently, Nora sighed with relief. Although she remained skeptical of Joe’s choice, she wished him well and hoped he would disprove her.
When Emily moved in the following day, Nora was taken aback by how much they had in common. Emily sat down next to her with her own knitting supplies and yarn when she nearly fell out of her chair that night.
Emily smiled nervously and said, “I hope it’s okay if I join you.” “I’ve just started knitting, so I thought we could talk and knit together. I’d really appreciate it if you could offer me some advice on how to keep my tension levels down.”
The two women talked for the majority of the evening after Nora gave her consent. The three of them watched a TV documentary after Joe ordered takeout for dinner. Soon after, Nora fell asleep, only to discover a few hours later that she had forgotten to take her evening medication!
Nora swallowed her medications while tiptoeing to the kitchen. She saw the bathroom light was on as she was heading back to bed.
Yes, exactly!In the quiet house, Emily’s quiet voice could be heard clearly. Living with an elderly woman and her oxygen machine is really unsettling. She had the voice of the antagonist from that old science fiction film—yes, that one! Fortunately, Joe is completely smitten with me, so I should be able to get rid of her quickly.
Incredulous, Nora stood in the hallway. That the young woman she had spent such a pleasant evening with should suddenly be saying such terrible things about her seemed unthinkable. And what in hell was Emily going to do with her?
Persuading him to place her in a nursing home shouldn’t be too difficult. This house will be mine after I kick him out as well!”
Nora headed to Joe’s room down the hall. Her son’s fiancée was a cunning gold digger, and she had to tell him so. Then she recalled their previous talk and the way his face lit up as he gazed at Emily.
She would never be believed by Joe. He had been thoroughly ensnared by Emily. She would want a plan—a means of demonstrating Emily’s dishonesty.
As Nora silently withdrew to her bedroom, thoughts raced through her mind. She realized that no matter what she did, Joe would be devastated and that she had to preserve her son.
For days, Nora suffered because of Emily’s deceit. She was waiting for the woman to make a mistake and reveal who she really was, but it never happened. Nora would never have guessed Emily was anything other than a kind woman who loved Joe if she hadn’t seen her conversing with her co-conspirator.
Then one day, looking serious, Joe approached her and told Nora they needed to talk.
It has to do with Emily—” Joe said.
Nora patted Joe’s hand and said, “Oh, honey.” “I’m so sorry that things didn’t work out, but I’m happy that you’ve realized—”
“What are you discussing?Joe scowled. “Emily and I are getting along fine. I’ve never been more content! Is the question of how long we’ve known one another still bothering you?”
Nora promptly retracted her statement, saying, “No, I just thought…I’m sorry, Joey.” “I assumed something had happened between you two because you mentioned Emily, and you know it’s rarely a good thing when people say they need to talk.”
Joe smiled back, “That makes sense.” In fact, I would like to discuss Emily’s work with you. As you are aware, she has been managing her own company while working for the temp agency, and recently, things have been going really well. Emily is actually unable to handle all of the orders that are coming in.
“That’s fantastic news,” Nora answered.
Yes, but it’s also a major issue. Joe swallowed hard. “She needs to buy more machinery and hire help to keep up, but she can’t afford that right now.” “Mom, I want to help her. There is only one method for me to obtain the funds I require in order to invest in her company.
A knot of dread tightened in Nora’s stomach. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Emily was trying to get her way and that whatever Joe said next would spell her downfall.
“Joe, spit it out,” Nora urged. “What are your goals?”
Joe gave her a quick glance but was unable to keep his gaze on her while he was speaking. “I think it’s time you moved into a nursing home, Mom. Your health isn’t getting better, and there’s only so much I can do for you at home.”
Joe went on, “It’s more comfortable there, and if you agree to sell your house, Emily and I can use the money to invest in her business.” As soon as we see a return on our investment, I swear to you that I will buy this place back. Emily’s calculations indicate that it shouldn’t take longer than a few months.
Nora was shocked by what she heard. She rushed for her oxygen mask when she experienced the well-known feeling that her lungs were exploding, but it was too late. As the coughing episode ravaged her body, she sat back in her chair.
She could not hear a word that Joe was saying. She tried to concentrate on her breathing. For Nora, it felt like hours, even though Joe had probably been pressing her oxygen mask to her face for less than a minute.
Nora exclaimed, “I don’t want to leave my home.”
Joe begged, “But this is precisely why it’ll be better for you in a nursing home.” “Mom, I’m just trying to watch out for you.”
Nora gave a headshake. Behind the scenes, Emily was manipulating Joe’s puppet strings, but she was unsure of how to stop it.
Nora said, “I won’t be around for very long.” “The house will be yours.”
“Mom, stop talking like that!Joe gave her a somber expression. “I’d rather not even consider losing you! I wish you would at least think about entering a nursing home since I adore you so much.
Nora let out a sigh. Although she began to feel better physically, she was still conflicted about her son.
She said, “Joey, I’ll give it some thought.” “Please, just give me a little time.”
Joe extended his arm to embrace Nora. “Thank you, Mom. Although I am aware that you adore this location, I firmly believe that you would receive better care at a nursing home. Alright, I’ll grab some pamphlets and we can peruse them together.”
Nora gave a nod. At least she had given herself more time to find a means to expose Emily, even though she had no plans to enter a nursing home.
The following day, Nora heard the front door creak as she was knitting and eating her mid-afternoon snack. Emily was sneaking out of her crafts room when she peeked through the door.
Nora was immediately suspicious because Emily had not disclosed that she was going out. As she rushed to the door, she saw Emily get into her car and leave.
Even though Nora no longer drove frequently, she immediately started out after Emily. Nora followed her all the way to a cafe downtown after spotting her at the crossroads at the bottom of the street.
With a big smile on her face, Emily jogged toward the cafe entrance while Nora parked across the street. An unfamiliar man approached and gave her a hug in greeting. Holding hands, the two went into the cafe together. Nora saw them again at a table by the window shortly after that.
As she saw the strange man lean across the table to kiss Emily, Nora put a hand to her chest and attempted to breathe gently.
Nora was lucky to have her oxygen machine with her. After taking a few big breaths, she dialed Joe.
I apologize for disturbing you at work, Joey, but this is really crucial. I’m standing outside the cafe at the intersection of Third Street. Come see me right here!”
As she approached the cafe, Nora began filming Emily and her partner through the window. They didn’t kiss again, but they did smile as they talked and occasionally brushed their hands on the table.
“Mom? What’s happening?Joe jogged near her and called.
That’s what’s happening!Nora gestured to the cafe’s window. “Joey, I hate to break the news to you, but Emily is cheating on you.”
Joe looked out the window. His bewildered scowl quickly turned to disbelief and then rage. With his fists clenched, he bounded toward the cafe’s door. Nora trailed behind.
“What on earth is happening here?Emily and her lover were sat at the table when Joe pounded his hands on it. Emily, tell me how long you’ve been seeing this chump behind my back.”
When Joe confronted them, both Emily and the man jumped in fear, and Emily started crying.
“What? Do you believe I’m unfaithful to you?She got up and gave Joe’s shoulder a nudge. Joe, how could you?”
“I witnessed you kissing and holding hands!Nora took a step forward.
“He’s my cousin! Emily turned to Joe and said, “God, Nora, that was a kiss on the lips.” “I know that kissing is a big deal here, but that’s how we always greeted family when I was growing up in New York.”
“You mean your cousin?Joe looked over at the man. Furthermore, why am I unaware of this cousin?”
Emily groaned and raised a palm to her forehead, saying, “Because.” “Because, you know, I was embarrassed. Since I’ve worked so hard to succeed, I didn’t want you to know about my family’s financial struggles. I’ll show you evidence of my love for you if you’re not convinced.
After wiping away her tears, Emily went to her bag. Joe was shown a pregnancy test that she had taken out.
“Joe, I hate to break the news to you, but you’re going to be a father. I am carrying our child inside of me, and if you believe that I would cheat on you when I am carrying our child—
Joe grabbed Emily into his arms before she could finish speaking. Nora was shocked by what she was witnessing! As she walked over to her son and tapped him firmly on the shoulder, she hardly noticed Emily’s purported relative slipping away.
Joe, wake up!”Nora said.” “She is lying to you in order to hide her identity! That man is not her relative, and she is most likely lying about being pregnant as well! You must get over your enchantment and recognize this gold digger for what she truly is.
Joe turned to Nora and put his arm around Emily.
“Mom, stop it! Why do you feel the need to assume Emily’s worst? She has only shown you kindness.
“What?Nora, still reeling from the shock of Joe’s comments, leaned on the table. “I’m being honest—I did see her! No one gives their relative that kind of kiss.
Emily touched Joe’s chest and said, “Don’t be so hard on her, baby.” Do you recall what we discussed? She is not to blame for her confusion.
“Pardon me? You shouldn’t be discussing me behind my back; I’m not confused!”
Nora gave Joe a fierce look. What falsehoods did this tiny viper tell you?”
Joe rubbed his fingers through his hair and scowled. We ought to talk about this in a more private setting, in my opinion. Let’s head home.
As Joe gently and carefully explained to Nora that she had just begun exhibiting signs of senility and that Emily had brought it to his attention, she erupted in silence.
Even though it was all nonsense, Nora realized at that moment that she had greatly underestimated Emily’s cunning and will to pressure Joe. She still sat next to her son in a completely convincing show of care and concern.
Joe came to the conclusion, “…part of the reason I pushed so hard to get you into a nursing home.” They can help you cope with this disorientation brought on by your deteriorating mental abilities and provide you with the attention you require, Mom. I simply want the best for you because I love you.
This was all set up by Emily. Now, anything that Nora said or did to protect herself or reveal Emily’s deception would simply be dismissed as a result of her alleged senility. The knowledge that Joe had shown to be such a naive idiot was the saddest aspect of it all.
Though captive, Nora had not yet been vanquished. There was only one thing she could do right now to shield her son from Emily’s cunning plan, even though she hated to do this to Joe. She consented to sell the house and move into the nursing home, but Nora was already devising a strategy to finally outsmart Emily.
Now
Son, I hope you realize that I was always telling the truth and that I only ever wanted the best for you.
As he read the last few lines of Mom’s letter, Joe dried his eyes. He was shocked that he had let Emily to deceive him so completely and for so long. His heart ached when he realized how much his lack of faith in Mom had wounded her.
“I have been such a fool!”
Joe ran to his car after jumping off the porch. He still had time to make amends, and if it meant begging at his mother’s feet, he was prepared to do it in order to get her forgiveness. In record time, he arrived at the elderly home and rushed inside.
He told the receptionist, “Mrs. Brady, I’m here to see my mom.”
“I am so grateful that you are here,” the receptionist said. “I’ve spent the last 30 minutes attempting to get in touch with you. Your mother had to be taken to the hospital after experiencing respiratory failure. We have yet to receive—
Joe left before hearing the rest. He hurried to the hospital after racing back outside.
Joe immediately headed to the ER. After what seemed like an eternity, Mom’s doctor finally showed up and ushered him into a private room for a conversation.
“Doctor, how is she doing?As the doctor closed the door, Joe inquired. “What time can I see her?”
I apologize, Joe, but your mother was unable to attend. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to save her.
However, this isn’t logical! Her health was under control.
The physician gave a headshake. She had long been stable, but more recently, her health began to decline. I assumed you were aware that during her most recent checkup, I suggested a more aggressive course of treatment. She never showed up for the therapies that were scheduled for her.
Joe placed his head in his hands and collapsed into a chair. Too astonished to even know where to start processing his feelings and ideas, he was too shocked to cry. His entire world had collapsed in a matter of hours, leaving him buried beneath the debris of the contented existence he had previously led.
He was startled out of his numb incredulity by the vibration of his phone in his pocket. On his notification bar, he saw a string of missed calls from the nursing home and a text from his bank.
Mom had deposited half a million dollars into his account! Where is the house? It must have been the proceeds from the sale of the house.
Mom had been there for him through all his mistakes and poor decisions. Realizing that he hadn’t done the same for her crushed his heart.