They Thought My Mother Was Faking Her Death

My mother was the true heiress of the Hamilton family, but my grandparents and my father only ever had eyes for my aunt, the fake heiress.

Today, Mother coughed up more than just phlegm. It was clots of deep, rusty red.

I secretly called Dad, but he just scoffed:

Your grandparents and I are celebrating Victorias birthday. We dont have time for your mothers theatrics.

Tell her to stop pretending to be sickif shes going to die, she should just get on with it.

The call ended with a cold click.

I looked back, stunned, and found Mother standing right behind me. She was swaying, her face bone-white.

That night, my mother never woke up again.

Later, I stood in the stark, black-and-white silence of the funeral home, and Dad finally sauntered in.

His eyes narrowed in shock. What game is Caroline playing now?

I clung to the edge of the casket, my voice thick with sobs. Daddy, Mommy turned into a star.

That evening, Mother tucked me in as usual. But in the middle of the night, I woke up to a strange, heavy smell. I rushed to the kitchen.

Oh, Mommy was so clumsy. Shed left the pill bottle scattered all over the floor.

I got up on my little stool and started picking up the pills, just like I saw her do sometimes.

Phew, good thing Maya was here to help.

I tiptoed back to the bedroom, wanting a hug and a word of praise, but I tripped over something else scattered by the bed.

I knew these pills. Mother took them when the coughing fits kept her up all night.

I carefully picked up the tiny white capsules, one by one, and put them back in the bottle. Mommy finally got some sleep, so I shouldn't wake her. Maya doesn't have kindergarten tomorrow, so I have plenty of time to wait for her to wake up.

I snuggled back beside her and played with my fingers. Her phone suddenly lit up.

It was Dad!

I snatched it up.

His voice sounded slurred, a little drunk.

Caroline, Im not coming home tonight, so dont wait up for me.

Then Aunt Victorias voice cut in, sharp and sweet. Oh, Gray, why explain? My sister is pathetic but dutiful. When we were at the Hamiltons, shed nod like a trained puppy to anything our parents said, let alone your request.

I didn't like her one bit. She stole my grandparents, and now she always tried to steal Dad.

Id overheard the grown-ups before. Aunt Victoria was the fake Hamilton heiressher parents were the ones who swapped Mother into a life of poverty. Mother wasnt brought back until she was twelve. Everyone said Mother was obedient, but I knew she was just desperate for a family. Thats why she was so good to Dad; it wasn't about the corporate marriage, it was about finally having a family of her own.

I spoke into the phone screen. Shhh, Daddy. Mommys sleeping. You have to whisper.

Dad must have had bad reception because he only got louder.

Your mother dares to ignore my call? Maya, put the phone to her ear!

I obediently held the phone against Mothers cheek.

A faint, mocking laugh came through the speaker.

Caroline Hamilton. I know youre listening.

Youve gotten smarter, Ill give you that. Trying to use the child as leverage to drag me home? A new low, even for you.

Victorias cooing voice followed: Stop it, Sis. Using the kid to guilt-trip him isnt a good look. Grays staying at my place tonight; just wanted to give you a heads-up.

Mother just lay still, silently sleeping. She didnt answer them.

Dad sounded frustrated by her lack of reaction and shouted even louder.

I hung up the phone.

Dad was too loud. Mother was tired and needed her rest.

Feeling sleepy myself, I burrowed back into her arms. Mother felt cold, like ice. It was a good thing I was warm; I could hug her tight.

The next morning, the front door burst open with a crash.

I quickly tucked the blankets around Mother, then ran out to see.

It was Dad.

I habitually held my arms out. Daddy, hug!

He looked down at me dismissively. No shoes? Dont you know youll catch a cold? Wheres your mother?

I pointed at the bedroom door. Mommys sleeping!

Dad frowned and strode toward the room.

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. Caroline, its noon. Are you going to get up or not?

Mother was still lying on her side, only the dark, glossy back of her head visible.

Dad gave a short, light laugh, trying to keep his temper. He spoke in her direction:

Caroline, are you jealous again?

I looked up. Dad had the faintest smirk on his face. He always seemed to enjoy seeing Mother miserable over him.

I told you, this was just a family merger. Dont take it too personally.

Ill do what I want, and Ill sleep with whomever I choose. You have absolutely no right to question me.

One second. Two seconds. The room remained silent. Mother didn't cry tearfully, didn't beg him to come back, as she usually did.

Dad's frown deepened. He took a few steps closer.

Theres a limit to your dramatics. Im talking to you, didnt you

His phone rang, cutting him off.

It was Aunt Victorias tearful voice: Gray! I drank too much last night, and my head is killing me. Can you come stay with me? Im scared to be alone

Dad's face instantly softened. He spoke to her in a soothing, gentle tonethe kind of tenderness he had never once shown Mother.

The last time Dr. Wells came to see Mother, he said she was sick and gave her a whole drawer full of medicine. Mother hadnt hidden the diagnosis from Dad, but what did he say then?

It was something like: Caroline, you think putting vitamins in a prescription bottle will fool me? Do you think Im blind?

And what about that doctor? Why is he so concerned about you? Answer me!

Mother's face had been as pale then as it was now.

After that, Dad often didn't come home to sleep, and he always smelled of different perfumes. It was right after that when Mothers health rapidly declined.

Dad finished his call and rushed back out to the living room without even glancing at Mother again.

I ran to him, grabbing his leg. Daddy, dont go! Can you stay with Mommy, please

Mother loved Dad more than anything. Maybe if he stayed, she would wake up.

A flicker of conflict crossed his eyes, but he quickly yanked his foot away without mercy.

Before walking out the door, he pointed to a box on the counter. Those are the Raspberry & White Chocolate Truffles she loves. Ive extended an olive branch; she can deal with this herself.

With that, he hurried away.

I stared blankly at the box, my stomach rumbling. I opened the truffles Dad left and ate two of them quickly.

Mother once told me that if you eat fast enough, the tears won't fall.

Mommy, can you wake up, please? Maya is getting scared now

I held a truffle up to her mouth. The powdered sugar dusted her lips, making them look even paler.

But she didn't wake up, not even by evening.

The truffles were gone, and I was still hungry. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I thought it was Dad, so I rushed to open it.

Delivery. Your anniversary cake is here!

It wasn't Dad.

By the time I dragged a stool over and opened the door, the delivery man was gone, leaving only a small, elegant raspberry cake. I remembered! Mother had ordered it a few days ago. It was to celebrate her and Dads three-year wedding anniversary!

Last week, Dad slept at home, and I lay between them, listening to them talk calmly for a rare moment. Mother had been so happy when she woke up that day. She ordered the cake and smiled, whispering to me, Maya, hes starting to treat me well. I might actually have a family I have to try hard to live.

Mother had even started taking her medicine, and she coughed up less of the red stuff.

But now, she was sleeping and wouldnt talk to me.

I lowered my head and rubbed my eyes. It was my fault. I shouldn't have called Dad. I shouldn't have let Mother hear that terrible conversation. It was all my fault.

Mommy must be angry with me, that's why she's sleeping so long.

I opened the cake. Mommy, open up. Maya will feed you.

Cream dribbled onto her face. I hastily reached out to wipe it off.

But it was so strange. When I used to kiss Mothers cheek, it was soft. Now, it was stiff.

A sudden, unfamiliar panic flared in my chest.

Trembling, I picked up the phone and called my grandparents.

Grandma and Grandpa, can you come see Mommy?

When Mother was hurting, she needed her own mommy and daddy to comfort her, right?

Grandpa let out a heavy sigh, his voice stern. Caroline Hamilton, what fit are you throwing now?

Grandma grabbed the phone. Hello, sweet Maya. Tell your mother to stop this nonsense and pick up the phone.

I burst into tears.

Mommy has been sleeping for so long! Can you, can you come see her, please?

Silence hung on the line for a long moment.

Finally, Grandpas voice returned.

Caroline Hamilton, I know youre listening!

I just spoke to Grayson. He says youve now resorted to using the child to gain attention!

When will this stop? You always tried to steal Victorias things growing up, and now you have Gray. What more do we, the Hamiltons, owe you?

I cried uncontrollably.

Mother never stole anything! She was the real heir; Aunt Victoria stole her parents

I wanted to call back, but the phone screen wouldn't turn on.

I ate the whole cake. The sun rose again, and finally, there was a knock on the door.

It was Aunt Victoria, with Grandma and Grandpa.

Caroline Hamilton, open the door! No calls, no texts. Don't think getting into the Sterling family makes you immune to us! Grandpa was rapping urgently on the wood.

In my memory, he was just like Dadalways impatient with Mother, but so kind to Aunt Victoria. Yet, Mother was his own flesh and blood.

I opened the door. Aunt Victoria squeezed in first.

Ugh. Grays been gone for two days and the house is already a mess?

I kicked her leg. Go away, bad woman! Mommy doesnt want to see you!

Grandpa grabbed me, lifted me up, and tossed me aside.

Aunt Victoria covered her nose and cautiously approached the bedroom.

The moment she saw Mother, a short gasp sliced through the room. She bent down and, with a trembling finger, checked Mother's breathing.

Then, she pulled her mouth into an unbelievable, silent smirk. Idiot.

I threw myself in front of Mother, shielding her.

Grandpa heard the noise. He saw Mother on the bed and frowned deeply.

Caroline, your parents are here, and youre still in bed? And the house stinks. You haven't even taken out the trash. Its unacceptable!

He started walking in.

Aunt Victoria blocked him. Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

Dad, Sister isnt feeling well. Lets not disturb her rest.

Grandpa huffed but didn't press forward.

Caroline Hamilton, youre looking for trouble. If only you were half as sensible as Victoria!

Grandma tried to step closer to see Mother, but Aunt Victoria quickly stopped her.

Mom, dont go in. The room might have a virus. Let Sister sleep.

Grandma looked at the back of Mothers head and sighed. Oh, this child. Her temper gets worse every year. Why is she deliberately trying to upset us?

Aunt Victoria chuckled nervously. She even called Dad.

Hello, Gray? Yes, I brought Mom and Dad. We checkedshes fine. Just napping.

The kid? Shes fine too. Dont worry. Ill swing by now and then to check on them.

She shot a spiteful look at me and walked out with my grandparents.

I chased after them, crying out:

Grandma, Grandpa, don't leave! Mommy hasnt woken up yet!

As the elevator doors began to close, I grabbed the corner of Grandmas coat.

Grandma, youre Mothers real mother, her family! Cant you just look at her one time, please?

At that, her fingers twitched, and she paused.

But in the end, her hesitation lasted only a moment, and then she was gone.

I wiped my eyes with my sleeve. I didn't understand why everyone always listened to Aunt Victoria.

My grandparents would transfer Mothers rightful shares to her because of one word from Victoria. Dad would leave Mother and me alone at a restaurant countless times because of one word from Victoria.

What I hated most was that she always came just to argue with Mother.

Mother would accuse her of being an interloper.

Aunt Victoria would sneer that Mother was simply unluckythat her birth parents didn't love her, and her husband was just her leftovers.

After every fight, Mother was sad for a long time.

I remember wiping away her tears once and asking, in my innocent way, Mommy, why dont you go find your mommy? In a childs world, when you're bullied, you go to your mother.

Mother froze. The mist in her eyes grew thicker.

I sat in her lap, dangling my feet.

Grandma and Grandpa are your mommy and daddy. Why do they like that bad aunt better?

Mother was silent for a very long time.

Finally, she said, Because, Maya, they are already her family.

But it was okay. I was Mothers family!

I sniffled and crawled back into bed beside Mother to sing her a lullaby.

The night before last, she had sung to me. And through my sleepy haze, I heard her whisper, choked with tears:

Maya, no one loves Mommy. I truly I dont think I can keep going.

Im in so much pain, darling. That medicine isnt vitaminsits real medicine. But your father wont believe me.

Im scared to leave you alone in this world, Maya. Please dont hate me

I had been too sleepy then. But I wanted to tell her: How could Maya ever hate you? Maya will love you forever!

That night, I finished the last of the cake and curled up in Mothers embrace. She smelled heavy, a sweet, sickly scent, like flowers left too long in water. It must be my fault for not bathing. Mother should always smell fresh.

The next morning, I woke up hungry again. Mother hadn't eaten anything, so she must be even hungrier.

Just as I was thinking about how to get food, the doorbell rang. I ran to open it.

Is that you, Daddy!

It was the maintenance man. Our neighbor, a tired woman, stood behind him, clutching her nose. Its this apartment! Since the middle of the night, theres been this putrid, heavy smell. I nearly threw up!

The maintenance man saw me and knelt down. Little one, where is your mother?

I told him Mother had been sleeping for a few days.

A look of shock crossed his face. He quickly walked into the bedroom and nearly gagged.

Oh my god. Little one, where is your father?

I shook my head. Daddy isnt home.

The maintenance man picked up Mothers phone, plugged it in, and called Dad.

It rang a few times, unanswered.

He slid his trembling finger to the emergency contacts and called my grandparents.

Still no answer.

The man cursed under his breath. What kind of animals are they! Little one, does your mother have any other friends?

I thought for a moment and told him about Dr. Wells, the kind doctor who was very close to Mother.

The call connected in seconds.

Dr. Wells arrived quickly. He was almost shaking as he covered Mother with a white sheet. I held Mothers hand underneath. His tears fell on my face, hotter than any tears Mother ever shed.

After that, Mother was taken away in a car.

I dont know if I cried myself unconscious or fainted from hunger. When I next opened my eyes, I was in a hospital.

My first reaction was to scream: Where is Mommy? I want Mommy!

Dr. Wells eyes were painfully red. He took me to the black-and-white funeral home.

Soon, Dad arrived. My grandparents and that awful Aunt Victoria came, too.

Seeing the scene, Dads steps faltered, but he forced a defiant posture.

Ha. How fascinating. Caroline Hamilton, setting up this grim, theatrical spectacle just to get me to come homeits truly magnificent

Seeing me, he demanded, What game is your mother playing now!

I choked out my words. Daddy, Mommy turned into a star.

He wouldnt believe it. But then he was led inside and saw Mother.

In that instant, all the color drained from his face.