Crystal found a money cache under her small daughter Daisy’s bed while doing some housework. She confronted Daisy out of intense curiosity and worry, and while doing so, she learned a heartbreaking reality that brought her to tears and made her phone her ex-husband in desperation.
Hi everyone, and a special hello to all the single mothers out there who know how difficult it can be to take care of your own tiny world.
Allow me to welcome you to my world: Daisy, my priceless daughter. She is everything to me, and she turned eight lately. Every morning, I wake up because of her.
It was quite hectic last week. Daisy got off the school bus, and I hurried home to get started on my cleaning schedule.
I anticipated the typical mess when I went to Daisy’s room after doing the wash and tiding up the living area.
Daisy’s room was the usual delightfully chaotic scene. There were small shoes, coloring pages, and dolls all around the place. I started sweeping and put her toys away.
I was ready to get started when I noticed something beneath her bed. I knelt down and felt about with my fingers. I felt my fingertips against a few cartons. At first, I assumed they were toy containers or old shoeboxes.
I pulled them out out of curiosity, not knowing what to anticipate.
As I opened a box, I was taken aback. There was a stack of cash inside, carefully organized into fives and twentys. I shook my hands while I counted.
A few hundred dollars? Where did all this money come from for my little girl? Furthermore, what was she going to do with it?
As I sat on her bed, questions kept racing through my head. How did she manage to amass such wealth? Did she have something to hide from me? My heart was pounding as I got ready to face her.
I quickly finished up in Daisy’s room and set the boxes down on the living room coffee table. I required clarification. All I could do was stare at it.
Daisy was beaming and gushing about her day when she got home that afternoon. “Look what, Mama! At lunch, we split sweets, and I received a star for my artwork!
When she noticed the money boxes, her delight subsided. She froze, her eyes wide with horror as her face went pale.
“WHERE DID YOU FIND THIS CASH?” I made a demand while displaying a $5 note. My voice trembled with rage and terror. Every beat of my heart felt heavier.
Daisy grabbed for the money, tears welling up in her eyes, but I withheld it. “No, Daisy, not until you explain everything to me.”
Her voice broke as she moaned, “Mommy, please.” “Daddy is the recipient.”
“What do you mean, Daddy is the recipient?” I let out a gasp. “Why is this money necessary for Daddy?”
Daisy filled the room with her sobbing. “Please, mom! Return it. Take my money, please. “I must have it for Daddy!” she begged.
I was in disbelief. William, my ex-husband, was a prosperous businessman who resided overseas. Why would he require our daughter’s money?
“Why? Has Dad explained to you why he needs it? Trying to keep my composure, I asked. Daisy was weeping nonstop, so I gave her a hug and dried her tears.
Her tiny frame trembled in my arms, and I was overcome with remorse for bringing her to tears.
“Sweetheart, tell me the truth. What is the purpose of this? I enquired. My heart hurt, but I had to know what was going on.
Daisy’s large, teary eyes were fixed on me. “Daddy said that if I want to see him, I have to pay him,” she trembled in her whisper.
My heart fell. “He stated THAT?” I covered my lips in amazement as I gasped.
“What kept you from telling me sooner?” Holding my kid, my voice shaking, I begged.
I choked back a sob as I attempted to control my tears. William had requested payment from our daughter to see her? How was he able to?
Daisy sniffed and used her sleeve to wipe her nose. “Mommy, I didn’t want you to worry,” she remarked in a scarcely audible voice.
“Please tell me where you got this money, honey.” I asked, trying not to show how nervous I was.
Before I could take it all in, I started to feel scared again. Had Daisy taken off with this cash? I had to make sure. I enquired as to whether she had taken the money from someone.
Daisy’s sparkling eyes shot up at me. “No, mother! I didn’t pilfer. My lunch money, birthday money, and Christmas money were all saved. She sniffled and said, “I even sold some of my Barbie dolls and toys.”
My stunned gaze grew wider. “To see your father, you did all that?”
Tears were running down her face as she nodded. “Mom, all I want to do is see him.” I really do miss him.
My eyes were full of anguish and anger. “My poor baby, you shouldn’t have to go through this to see your father,” I trembledly murmured, throwing my arms around my daughter. “That is incorrect.”
I walked to the balcony and got my phone so I could call William. He had much to clarify.
After two rings, William responded, his voice shocked. “Crystal? Is everything in order?
I did not squander it. Did you let Daisy know that she must pay you to visit her? I insisted.
After a little quiet, he said the words “What? What you’re talking about is beyond me.
William, stop acting like a baby! How could you want money from our daughter? I yelled.
“Whoa, whoa! I get it now,” he groaned. Daisy asked me a few months back why I never went. I informed her that I was working really hard and trying to make money.
My mind raced. William, oh my god. Did you say anything else to her?
When she made a joke about paying me to come see her, I said, “Yes, sweetie, you have to pay Daddy for his time.” Crystal, it was a prank. I overlooked it. Why?” he asked nonchalantly.
My heart raced. William, you are a fool! Are you aware of your actions? Daisy had been saving money solely to see you because she took it seriously. I lost it.
“Oh my God! Really? With real worry in his voice, he inquired.
With barely control over my emotions, I yelled out, “You’ve broken our daughter’s heart.”
A protracted silence ensued. He mutely remarked, “I had no idea she took it seriously.” “I’d never deliberately harm her. You are aware of it, correct?
“I feel like I don’t know what to think anymore,” I said, feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances.
I gave Daisy’s explanation regarding the money under her bed. I cried as I added, “She’s been saving every penny, selling her toys, just to see you.”
William stumbled, obviously uneasy. “I didn’t know,” he said to himself. “I didn’t intend to harm her.”
I cried out incoherently. Are you aware of the damage you’ve caused to her? She has been bearing this load by herself.
“This needs to be fixed,” I firmly stated. “You have to make this right by speaking with her.”
On the other end, nothing was heard. Then he added, “Please give our daughter the phone.” I must speak with her.
I went up to Daisy, wiping away my tears. She was somberly holding her teddy bear. “My dad wants to talk to you, sweetie,” I murmured as I gave her the phone.
Her hands trembled as she picked up the phone, her eyes wide with terror and hope. “Dad?” she muttered.
I turned to go, ready for whatever statement William may make next. All I could do was hope he’d put things right.
Daisy ran up and threw herself into my arms a few moments later. She was sobbing, but happily. “Daddy said he would visit me the next weekend, Mom! He’s on his way! He’s going to get me my candy and my beloved dolls!”
It seemed unbelievable to me. William did confirm when I phoned him. To please Daisy, he was flying hundreds of miles and quitting his job.
“Are you certain?” Still astonished, I questioned.
Indeed, Crystal. I’ll be there. I swear, he murmured, his voice full of earnestness.
I felt a wave of relief and thankfulness as I hung up. “Daddy is coming to see you, Daisy. I turned to face my daughter and said, “You don’t have to worry anymore.”
Her eyes were wide as she glanced up at me. “Hooray!” Mama, I’m so delighted! When she chirped, my heart warmed up.
I told Daisy that night as I put her to bed, “Sweetheart, there’s something you need to know—you can’t buy time with money.” Okay, let’s put this money away for your birthday.
As I placed the money in her piggy bank, she nodded, looking a bit unhappy but understanding. “Daddy isn’t interested in the money,” I grinned. “He wants you to hold onto it and put money aside for a special treat!” Daisy tightened her grip on the piggy bank, mirroring my smile.
I was pleased that everything went smoothly because my daughter was bursting with anticipation to meet her father shortly. In retrospect, perhaps screaming at William wasn’t the greatest course of action, but really, consider yourself in my situation! What action would you have taken?