
18/08/2025
My sister-in-law Candace owns a big 6-bedroom home on a 10-acre property, complete with a pool, PlayStation, and trampoline. Her only child Mikayla, 12, often complains about being bored.
Two weeks ago she phoned and offered, "Hey, why not let your kids stay over for a week? They'll have fun, swim, play, and keep my daughter company." I felt so grateful. This sounded like a dream break for my daughter Annie, 10, and my son Dean, 8.
I packed their things, gave each of them $150 to spend on snacks so they wouldn't trouble my SIL, and also provided $150 for her daughter to be fair. I wanted the gesture to show appreciation. My mom always said actions matter most when expressing thanks.
As Annie got out of the car, she hugged me. "Thanks, Mom. This is going to be the best week ever."
For three days, there was silence from my kids. I just imagined they were very happy. I messaged and called, and my SIL assured, "Oh, they're having SUCH a blast. Pool, candy, cartoons, it's a full-on kid paradise here!"
Then, on the fourth day, I received a chilling message from my daughter. "MOM, COME SAVE US FROM AUNT CANDACE. She took away our phones. This is my only chance." ⬇️