When my sister-in-law offered to host my kids at her mansion (with a pool, games, and endless treats), I thought it was a dream come true. But after days of silence and a chilling text from my daughter, I drove over unannounced… and what I saw in her backyard left me absolutely shaken.
When my sister-in-law called to invite my kids to spend a week at her luxury home, I thought it was a great idea.
Candace lives in a huge six-bedroom home on ten acres of land.
I pictured my ten-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son splashing in the resort-style pool, bouncing on the trampoline, and playing with their cousin on her PlayStation 5.
My twelve-year-old niece had everything money could buy, but was bored stiff all summer. This seemed perfect for all our kids.
“That sounds amazing,” I said, already mentally packing their bags. “Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?”
“Not at all!
Mikayla needs friends around. You’d be doing us a favor.”
Something warm bloomed in my chest. My kids deserved this kind of summer magic.
“Great!
I’ll drop them off on Friday.”
So, I packed their swimsuits, their favorite snacks, and handed each of them $150 for treats. I even slipped $150 to Mikayla when I dropped them off, because keeping things equal felt right.
Always say thank you in actions, not just words; that’s what my mom taught me.
My daughter hugged me tightly when she got out of the car. “Thanks, Mom.
This is going to be the best week ever.”
My son was already eyeing the pool through the sliding glass doors. “Can we swim right now?”
“Get unpacked first!” Candace replied with a laugh. She grinned at me.
“Seems like they’re ready for some serious fun. Mikayla? Show your cousins to their rooms, please?”
Mikayla nodded and beckoned to Annie and Dean to follow her inside.
“Text me everything,” I called as they hurried inside.
Annie grinned and showed me a thumbs-up just before she disappeared from my sight.
I said good-bye to Candace and drove off with a smile, thinking about how much fun Annie, Dean, and Mikayla would have over the following week.
I never suspected that I’d just sent my kids off to live out a nightmare.
For three days, I didn’t hear a single thing from Annie or Dean. Not a meme, not a call, not even a blurry pool selfie.
You know how kids are with phones, right? They live on those things.
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
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