I was just five when my mom dropped me off at Grandma Rose’s doorstep, mascara running as she explained her new husband didn’t want kids. “This is best for everyone,” she whispered before kissing my forehead and walking away without looking back. I cried, clutching my stuffed bunny, as Grandma wrapped me in her arms and promised I was safe. Over the years, Grandma became my world—reading me bedtime stories, showing up at every school event, and filling our home with warmth. But late at night, I’d draw pictures of my mom and me, imagining a life where she had stayed.

I kept those drawings in a shoebox under my bed, and even though I built a full life—with college, a job, and my own apartment—I never stopped wondering why she left. Then, after Grandma’s sudden death, I felt completely alone. That’s when my mother suddenly showed up at my door, claiming she regretted everything. She said she wanted to be part of my life again, and despite my hesitation, I let her in. At first, things felt hopeful—lunches together, teary conversations, and photos of old memories. But something felt off. She was always texting, never opened up about her life, and took photos of us that I never saw again.

One night, her phone buzzed with a message from a man named Richard: “Can’t wait to meet your daughter.” I looked at the conversation and saw she’d sent him our dinner photo, pretending we were close. Turns out, he had kids and wanted a family woman. My mom wasn’t here for me—she was using me to impress a new man. When she came out of the bathroom, I gave her that old shoebox of drawings. “I made these after you left,” I said. She cried, hugged me, and promised she’d never disappear again. But I didn’t hug her back—and she didn’t even notice.

The next morning, she left—without the shoebox. That said it all. A few days later, I threw the box away, not out of anger, but freedom. Grandma once told me, “You’re strong and worthy, Alexa. Don’t forget that.” Now I finally believe her. I’m no longer that abandoned little girl. My mom chose someone else once, and she did it again. But this time, I’m choosing me.