Lori’s ordinary day as a nanny took an extraordinary turn when she stumbled upon a pair of shoes that belonged to her daughter, Olive, who vanished 22 years ago.
As she sat on the living room floor, surrounded by dusty boxes, Lori’s hands trembled. Her mind flooded with memories of the past. Marissa, the three-year-old in her care, watched with curious eyes.
Lori’s tears flowed as she clutched the tiny shoe. Emily, Marissa’s mother, entered the room, concern etched on her face.
“Lori, are you okay?” Emily asked.
Lori’s voice cracked, “Where did you get these shoes?” Emily’s pulse quickened.
Twenty-two years earlier, Lori had packed Olive’s suitcase for a trip to Scotland with her father, Chris. Olive was four. Lori remembered the tiny shoes she had stitched herself.
The trip was supposed to be a special bonding experience, but Chris called Lori, saying Olive had disappeared. Lori’s world shattered.
She spent years searching, posting flyers, and talking to anyone who might have seen Olive. The police eventually gave up.
Years later, Lori received a call from the police, saying a body found in the river might be Olive’s. Lori’s hope dwindled.
Now, as Lori confronted Emily, she struggled to process her emotions.
Emily revealed that her family had found her as a lost child, and she was adopted. Lori’s heart skipped a beat.
“Is Emily your real name?” Lori asked.
Emily hesitated, “No, I was given a new name when I was adopted.”
Lori’s voice trembled, “Was your name Olive?”
Emily’s eyes widened, “How do you know that name?”
Lori’s tears flowed anew, “These shoes belonged to my daughter, Olive. She vanished in Scotland, wearing them.”
Emily’s face mirrored Lori’s shock.
As the truth sunk in, Emily whispered, “You’re my mother.”
Lori’s voice cracked, “Yes.”
Emily flung her arms around Lori, reuniting after decades.
Marissa, sensing the emotional moment, wrapped her arms around them.
Emily smiled, “You’ve already met your granddaughter.”
Lori’s face lit up, “I had no idea I’ve been her nanny for two years.”
As they hugged, Lori stroked Emily’s hair.
Emily laughed, “I started dyeing my hair in high school.”
Lori reminisced, “You had beautiful, fiery red hair, just like Marissa’s.”
Emily’s tears returned.
Lori whispered, “If you hadn’t asked me to sort these boxes, I might never have found you.”
Emily smiled, “Does that mean I don’t have to pay you extra?”
Lori’s voice trembled, “I’ll give you everything I have, just promise me you’ll never disappear again.”
“I promise,” Emily replied.
Lori held her daughter close, cherishing the reunion.
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