My 5-Year-Old Daughter Stayed with My MIL for the Weekend — Then Told Me, ‘My Brother Lives at Grandma’s, but It’s a Secret’

Sophie adores her. And Helen adores Sophie right back.

So when my MIL asked if Sophie could spend the weekend with her, I didn’t hesitate. Friday afternoon, I packed Sophie’s overnight bag with her favorite pajamas, her stuffed rabbit, and enough snacks.

“Be good to Grandma,” I said, kissing her forehead.

“I’m always good, Mommy!” Sophie replied, grinning.

I watched her run up Helen’s front steps, waving goodbye without looking back.

The weekend passed quietly.

I did laundry, cleaned out the fridge, and caught up on shows Evan and I never finish because Sophie always interrupts. It was peaceful.

But the peace didn’t last long.

Sunday evening, I picked Sophie up. She was cheerful, chattering about cookies and board games and how Grandma let her stay up late watching cartoons.

Everything felt normal.

That night, after we got home, Sophie disappeared into her room while I folded laundry in the hallway.

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