Sheryl, a grieving mother, is already dividing opinions on our editorial team.
Her 34‑year‑old son Daniel died in a car accident three months ago, leaving behind his wife Amanda and their two sons, Ethan (6) and Caleb (2), who’ve lived rent‑free in Sheryl’s home for seven years.
Sheryl had offered them temporary shelter when Daniel and Amanda were struggling financially—but they stayed, never contributed, and took her help for granted.
Sheryl admits she didn’t trust Amanda from the start. After Daniel’s funeral, Sheryl became the primary caregiver—cooking, cleaning, getting Ethan to school—while Amanda simply sobbed.
One morning, Sheryl saw Caleb and felt an instinctive doubt that he wasn’t Daniel’s. That was the breaking point. She ordered Amanda out—and shockingly asked to keep Caleb herself, since he seemed more attached to her.
Amanda fled with both boys. Now Sheryl’s house is quiet; she sees that as honoring Daniel. People remind her—they’re her grandchildren. But with doubts in her heart, she wonders: was she wrong?