Elderly lady holding a Christmas ornament | Source: Midjourney
I Helped an Elderly Woman Reunite with Her Family, but Her Hidden Motives Ruined My Thanksgiving— Story of the Day
I thought I was helping an elderly woman reunite with her family for Thanksgiving. But by night’s end, her hidden motives shattered my plans and pulled my demanding, workaholic boss into a night of unexpected truths I never saw coming.
I wandered past it all, feeling the ache of solitude grow stronger. My gaze caught a shop window filled with little glass ornaments painted with winter scenes.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Mom loved those,” I murmured to myself.
Every year, she and I would pick one for our tree, sip hot cocoa, and watch old movies. But this year, it was just me.
A movement caught my eye. An elderly woman was struggling through the snow, dragging a heavy suitcase. Something inside me stirred, and I walked over.
“Ma’am, do you need some help?” I asked.
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She looked up, relief flooding her tired face. “Oh, bless you, dear. I’m Edie. I… came to surprise my daughter, Melody, for Thanksgiving. It’s been years.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said, smiling. “Would you like me to walk with you?”
Her eyes brightened. “Oh, yes. I’d be so grateful.”
We started down the sidewalk together, Edie leaning on my arm. It felt good to have a purpose tonight, even a small one.
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Suddenly, my phone buzzed and the screen flashed “Arthur.” My boss. I sighed.
“You should take that, dear,” Edie said, glancing at my phone.
“It’s just my boss,” I replied, hesitating. “He’s… not usually calling about anything nice.”
Edie chuckled softly. “Bosses rarely are, are they?”“He probably wants me to do something ridiculous. Like… buy a Christmas tree or decorate his home.”
“On Thanksgiving Eve?” Edie’s eyebrows rose. “Goodness, he sounds demanding.”
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“Yeah,” I admitted, muting the call. “But tonight, I think I’d rather help you.”
“Thank you, dear. Melody’s going to be so surprised.”
“Where does she live?” I asked, shifting the suitcase to my other arm.
“Oh, just a few streets down,” she replied, looking around. “I think it’s over there. Or… maybe the other way?”“No worries, Edie. We’ll figure it out together.”
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As we walked, Edie suddenly stopped and put a hand on my arm.
“Oh dear, I almost forgot,” she said. “I can’t show up at Melody’s empty-handed! She’d be so disappointed.”“Of course. Let’s find something special.”
We spotted a small shop ahead, its windows full of twinkling lights and delicate gifts.
Inside, shelves were packed with everything from cozy scarves to tiny figurines. Edie’s eyes lit up, and she slowly made her way through the store, studying each shelf with careful attention.
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Arthur’s name flashed on my phone again, and I sighed, feeling the pressure. His texts were piling up, each one more impatient than the last. Edie asked, glancing at my phone.
“Is that your boss again? He must be lonely tonight. We all are.
I rolled my eyes. “He’s not the most understanding guy. Probably wants me back at the office. But it’s fine. I’ll ignore him for now.”
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Edie smiled gently. “Good. A gift deserves some thought, you know?”
She turned back to the shelves, examining a beautiful ceramic angel, then moving on to a small music box. But nothing seemed to satisfy her.
Finally, she held up a delicate glass ornament painted with a snowy forest. “What about this?” she asked, turning it in her hands. “Do you like it?”
My heart softened as I looked at the tiny forest, reminding me of quiet winter evenings from my childhood.
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“I love it. Especially ornaments with painted landscapes… they remind me of the holidays with my mom. We’d pick out one each year for the tree.”
Edie nodded thoughtfully. “Then let’s get two,” she said, holding out one to me. “One for you and one for Melody.”“Oh, Edie, I couldn’t…”
She waved her hand. “Nonsense. These little things… They keep us warm inside, don’t they?”
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Arthur’s calls buzzed again, breaking the moment.
“We’d better hurry,” I told Edie, gently nudging her toward the counter. “I, uh, have to get to work soon.”
“Of course, dear,” Edie said, giving me a knowing smile.
She moved to the register, still holding her ornament carefully as if it were more than just glass and paint. As we walked out, I felt a strange warmth from that tiny piece of glass.
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We finally arrived at the house Edie had pointed out, her hand shaking as she clutched the small gift bag. A part of me felt happy for her, hoping that this reunion would be as heartwarming as she imagined.
“Here we are,” I said, giving her an encouraging smile. “Ready?”
Edie nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Oh, yes, dear. Melody’s going to be so surprised.”
We made our way up the steps, and I rang the doorbell.
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The door opened, revealing a young woman. She looked at us, her brow furrowing. “Uh, can I help you?”
Edie stepped forward, her voice trembling with excitement. “Melody, dear! It’s a mom! I’ve come to surprise you for Thanksgiving.”
The young woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, but… my mom’s already here. I think you have the wrong house.”
My heart sank as I watched Edie’s face fall. She looked from me to the young woman, her confusion quickly replaced by something like guilt.
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“Oh… I must’ve been mistaken,” Edie mumbled, stepping back.
The young woman gave us a sympathetic look and gently closed the door. I turned to Edie, the realization hitting me hard
“Edie,” I said quietly, “you… you don’t have a daughter named Melody waiting for you here, do you?”
She wouldn’t meet my eyes, her face clouded with embarrassment. Just then, my phone rang, Arthur’s name flashing across the screen once more. That time, I picked up.