When Dorothy reads her daughter’s innocent letter to Santa, she’s blindsided by a request for the same heart-shaped earrings her husband apparently gave their nanny. Suspicion spirals into doubt, leading Dorothy to uncover a heartbreaking truth tied to a long-kept secret…
My name’s Dorothy, and Christmas will always be the best time of the year for me. My husband, Jerry, and I have an eight-year-old daughter named Ruth, and our holiday traditions are what make it all magical.
A smiling little girl | Source: Midjourney
Every December, Ruth writes a letter to Santa, folds it carefully, and places it in the freezer, which is bizarre but, to her, makes perfect sense.
“It’s how mail gets to the North Pole, Mom! I saw it on TV,” she said, her eyes wide.
This year was no different. Ruth had spent the better part of the evening at the dining table, her face scrunched in concentration as she sketched something on her letter while popping little chocolate-covered almonds into her mouth.
A bowl of chocolate covered almonds | Source: Midjourney
“It’s done, Mommy!” she chirped, skipping to the freezer and tucking it in with all the ceremony of a royal decree.
I smiled at her. I figured Ruth was asking for the usual things — you know, a new set of paints, a dollhouse, or maybe even the glittery unicorn toy she’d been eyeing.
Whatever it was, I couldn’t wait to make her little Christmas wishes come true. Ruth wasn’t a difficult child, and Christmas was the only time she asked for things. Even on her birthday, she wouldn’t ask for anything other than a huge chocolate cake.
A little girl with a chocolate cake | Source: Midjourney
That night, after Ruth had gone to bed, with Jerry reading to her, I crept into the kitchen to read her letter.
It had become my own little tradition. I loved peeking into my daughter’s world, seeing what magic she believed Santa could bring her, and all the reasons she gave him for being on the “Nice” list.
But as I unfolded the paper, my breath caught in my throat, almost choking me.
A folded piece of paper | Source: Midjourney
The page was filled with Ruth’s colorful handwriting and a drawing of a pair of heart-shaped earrings. Beneath the picture were the words:
“Dear Santa, please bring me the same heart-shaped earrings Dad gave to my nanny! Thank you!”
I froze.
A letter to Santa | Source: Midjourney
The room suddenly felt too quiet, the air too thick.
What on earth was she talking about? Jerry had given Gloria, our nanny, heart-shaped earrings?
My hands shook as I reread the note, my heart racing. Why would Ruth ask for earrings like Gloria’s? Why would Jerry give our nanny jewelry at all?
My mind replayed moments I hadn’t given much thought to before, like the way Jerry’s face lit up when he joked with Gloria, the casual way he asked her to stay late when I had work functions, the thoughtful gifts he’d given her over the years… small things, sure, but enough to make my stomach churn now.
A pair of heart-shaped earrings | Source: Midjourney
Was I blind to the obvious? Had Jerry been hiding an affair right under my nose?
The next morning, I went about my day as if nothing had happened, but inside, I was unraveling. I kissed Jerry on the cheek as he left for work, pretending everything was fine. Meanwhile, my brain was on overdrive.
“What’s on the agenda today?” I asked Gloria as she poured milk into Ruth’s cereal.
A smiling man | Source: Midjourney
School was closed for the day, and I needed to know that Gloria was going to actually be productive with my child.
“We’re going to work on Ruth’s school projects,” Gloria said, smiling. “And then we’re going to read!”
“Sounds like a plan,” I said. “I have work to do, so I’m going to be in the study for most of the day. But we can grab smoothies later, Ruthie. You can leave early, Gloria.”
A woman holding a bottle of milk | Source: Midjourney
Gloria nodded and picked up Ruth’s breakfast. They had gotten into the habit of eating outside, trying to identify birds as they went along.
After Ruth and Gloria left the kitchen, I grabbed my laptop and ordered a nanny cam. It felt surreal, like something out of a bad soap opera that I had suddenly found myself in. I hated that I couldn’t just confront Jerry outright, but if he denied everything, I’d be no closer to the truth.
A woman using a laptop | Source: Midjourney
Thanks to speedy but ridiculously expensive delivery, the camera arrived a few hours later. I set it up in the living room, hiding it among the Christmas decorations.
As much as I didn’t want to, I had to know.
The next day, Jerry left for work as usual, and I dropped Ruth off at school. Gloria was home tidying up, humming along to Christmas carols on the radio.
A woman standing in a living room | Source: Midjourney
I plastered on a fake smile and told her I’d be home late from work and to lock up when she left.
But by mid-morning, things changed.
My phone buzzed, indicating that the nanny cam app had detected motion. I opened it and saw Jerry standing in the living room. My heart dropped. He wasn’t supposed to be home.
I stared at the screen, watching as Jerry handed Gloria a small, gift-wrapped box. She looked surprised, then smiled as she opened it.
A box on a table | Source: Midjourney
My head spun. I couldn’t sit at my desk for another second. I grabbed my bag, mumbled something about a family emergency to my boss, and drove home.
When I walked through the door, I felt like I’d stepped into a nightmare. Jerry was still there, standing near the couch, and Gloria was sitting with the gift in her lap. This time, it was a heart-shaped pendant.
Something to match those earrings, huh?
An upset woman driving | Source: Midjourney
They both froze when they saw me.
“What’s going on?” I demanded, my voice trembling.
Neither of them answered right away. My eyes darted to Gloria’s ears, which were on display with her braided hair. And there they were.
The earrings. Heart-shaped, just like Ruth had drawn.
A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney
“Nice earrings, Gloria!” I spat, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “It must be nice to get all these things from my husband. Imagine. Jewelry from another woman’s husband.”
Gloria’s face went pale. She opened her mouth to speak, but Jerry stepped forward.
“Dot, stop,” he said, using my nickname to calm me down. “I can explain it all.”
A shocked man | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, I’m sure you can,” I shot back. “And it better be good, because from where I’m standing it looks like you’ve been sneaking around behind my back! With our nanny!”
Jerry sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping.
“You weren’t supposed to find out this way.”
“That’s your explanation, Jerry?” I shouted. “That you weren’t supposed to get caught?”
An angry woman | Source: Midjourney
“No, that’s not what I meant,” he said quickly, running a hand through his hair. “Just listen to me… okay? Those earrings. They’re not from me. Not really.”
“What does that even mean, Jerry?”
My husband hesitated, then took a deep breath.
A man with his hand on his head | Source: Midjourney
“They were from Brian. My… well, we were best friends.”
The anger drained from my body, replaced by thick confusion.
“Brian? Who’s Brian?” I asked.
Gloria spoke up for the first time, her voice soft.
“Brian was Jerry’s best friend, Dorothy. My brother.”
A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney
My mind spun. Jerry sat me down, his voice heavy with guilt as he explained everything.
Fourteen years ago, his best friend Brian had passed away from cancer. Before he died, he asked Jerry to look after Gloria. At least it explained why Jerry had pushed for us to hire her.
She was only 19 at the time and had recently lost her parents too.
“He left me a box of gifts for her,” Jerry said, his voice on edge. “He wanted her to have pieces of him for milestones in her life—like birthdays, special occasions, moments where she needed to feel he was still with her. He planned all of it while he was undergoing chemo.”
An IV drip in a hospital | Source: Midjourney
I glanced at Gloria, whose eyes shimmered with tears.
Jerry continued to explain.
“I’ve been fulfilling that promise ever since. The earrings were in the box. They were meant for her and they were given by Brian. Not from me.”
I stared at him, the weight of his confession sinking in.
A pensive woman | Source: Midjourney
“So you’re telling me all this sneaking around… you were keeping a promise.”
“Yes,” he said softly. “I should have told you sooner, Dot. I just didn’t know how. It’s not exactly the kind of thing that comes up in conversation. And… talking about Brian is a lot for me.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me?” I asked Gloria. “You knew about Brian and Jerry the entire time and just… didn’t? Ruth asked for these earrings, dammit. She asked Santa for them, and that’s why I thought something was going on.”
A woman with folded arms | Source: Midjourney
Gloria shook her head sadly.
“I didn’t know Ruth would notice the earrings, let alone ask for them. If I had, I would’ve explained everything right away. I never wanted to cause trouble for anyone here…”
That Christmas was a mix of heartbreak and healing. Jerry and I had a long talk, and while I wasn’t thrilled about the secrets, I couldn’t deny the beauty of his promise to Brian. And honestly, Gloria was a part of our family. Ruth adored her.
A smiling woman and child | Source: Midjourney
We decided to sit down with Ruth and a platter of waffles, trying to explain the story behind the earrings in a way she could understand. She was fascinated, of course, and still insisted Santa had to bring her a pair.
And Santa delivered.
On Christmas morning, Ruth opened a tiny box to find her very own heart-shaped earrings. Her face lit up brighter than the tree, and for the first time in weeks, I felt my heart swell with joy instead of doubt.
A pair of heart-shaped earrings | Source: Midjourney
Those earrings became more than just jewelry. They became a sort of reminder — of love and strength. Of Brian’s love for his sister. Of Jerry’s loyalty to his friend. And the love that kept our family together, even through misunderstandings. We also taught Ruth the power of promises and unconditional love.
Sometimes, the truth hurts. But sometimes, it heals.
And this Christmas, it did both.
A smiling little girl | Source: Midjourney
Hosting Christmas for my in-laws was supposed to be a joyous affair, but the evening took a shocking turn when my mother-in-law gifted me something that left the entire room speechless. What started as festive cheer quickly spiraled into an unforgettable family showdown.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
A Doctor Turns Away a Poor Girl in Labor at the Entrance of an Upscale Clinic
The doctor gave her a stern glance. “Well, miss, if you want to be admitted, you need to pay. But after seeing your condition, I don’t think you can afford the treatment here!”
“But doctor, please…”
Before Anna could complete her sentence, the doctor cut her off. “Can you please stop shouting! I don’t care whether you die in pain! Remember, no money, no treatment. And if you continue acting like this, I will kick you out of here!”
Anna was about to give birth on the doorstep. She thought of requesting the doctor once again, but before she could say anything, he slammed the clinic door in her face and went inside.
Dejected, Anna decided to go to another hospital. However, the pain was so intense that she couldn’t move a bit. So she just sat there, gripping her stomach and looking for someone to assist her.
Luckily, a kind doctor came out of the clinic and offered her help. “Please come with me, ma’am,” he told Anna as he approached her. “I’ll save your child no matter what!” With that, the doctor escorted her inside, set up a separate ward for her, and ensured that Anna’s delivery went smoothly.
Not long after, Anna delivered a baby boy, but the baby was premature and had to be placed in the NICU immediately.
Poor Anna was so exhausted after the delivery that she didn’t wake up until the next morning when she discovered the obnoxious doctor by her side. “What the hell? Since when did this clinic start admitting beggars like you?!” He looked at her angrily.
“Anyway, It’s not too late to clean the mess. So get up and get out of the hospital!” he added and started “escorting” Anna out of the hospital.
Luckily, at that moment, the kind doctor, Dr. Paul Warner, came in. “Dr. Morgan, what are you doing? She gave birth yesterday, and she’s still weak!” he retorted.
Dr. Morgan gave a fierce glance to Dr. Warner. “Stay out of this, Paul! I’m your senior, and I know what’s best for the clinic. We can’t admit her without the fees! That’s a rule!”
“If that’s the case, I’ll pay her fees,” Dr. Warner said firmly. “But I’m not letting her leave until she and her baby recover completely!”
Dr. Morgan burst out laughing. “You’re such a knucklehead, Paul. I don’t think your bank account will allow it!”
“You don’t need to worry about that doctor,” Dr. Warner continued. “I will pay the bills by tomorrow morning. Mark my words!”
“Alright! But if you’re not able to pay the fees, I’ll kick her out,” Dr. Morgan almost yelled and walked away.
The next day, Anna was on her way to the washroom when she met Dr. Morgan again. “I checked with the accounts department, and the payment hasn’t been made. So pack your bags and get out of this place ASAP!” he ordered her.
“Doctor, just give me until the afternoon. My husband is on his way, and he’ll take care of everything,” Anna assured him.
Dr. Morgan sighed and rolled his eyes. “Do you really want me to believe that? Aren’t you just making up excuses so that you can stay here?”
“Well, doctor, if I’m making excuses, you can throw me out of here in the afternoon!” Anna said firmly and walked away.
To Dr. Morgans’ surprise, Anna’s husband actually showed up at the clinic that afternoon. But when Dr. Morgan saw him, he couldn’t believe his eyes!
“Mr. Carter, you?” he inquired, surprised.
“Yes, David. It’s me. My wife told me everything, and I can’t believe you treated a pregnant woman like that!”
It turned out that Anna was going to give birth in Germany, but her labor began early while her husband was away on a business trip. Anna considered approaching this luxury clinic for assistance because her husband was the primary sponsor there.
Since the pain was severe, she didn’t waste time changing her clothes and went there in her nightgown, forgetting her phone in the process. Dr. Warner kindly offered her his phone, allowing her to contact her husband.
When Dr. Morgan saw her outside the hospital, he mistook her for a poor woman and threatened to kick her out. But now that Dr. Morgan knew Anna wasn’t any random woman asking for help, he realized he had invited huge trouble for himself.
“I had no idea she was your wife, Sir,” Dr. Morgan said quietly. “I apologize for the mistreatment. ”
“How does it matter, David?” Mr. Carter almost yelled at him. “How can you behave like that with any pregnant woman!”
“Well, Sir. I won’t…”
Before Dr. Morgan could finish, Mr. Carter cut him off. “No, David. Nothing can explain what you did. And you should be punished for it. Therefore, I’m firing you! I hope this way you’ll learn your lesson.”
“But Sir, then the maternity ward won’t have a head doctor. Moreover, there aren’t many senior doctors here, and it may take the clinic some time to find one!” Dr. Morgan expressed his thoughts. “So, at the very least, let me stay here till then!”
Mr. Carter smiled at him. “You don’t need to worry about that, doctor! I have appointed someone as the head already,” he said and called Dr. Warner inside. “Let me introduce you to Dr. Warner, the new head.”
Dr. Morgan was shocked. “But Sir, he’s still young, and he’s inexperienced!”
“Well, he deserves to be a doctor and the head, considering how he decided to aid a pregnant woman without considering her status or whether she would have money!”
Dr. Morgan didn’t utter a word. He stood silently with his head bowed down.
Mr. Carter continued. “I don’t think you qualify as a doctor, David. A doctor would always try their best to save a patient! So, please leave and don’t come back here ever again!”
Dr. Morgan walked out of the clinic, embarrassed by what he’d done.
What can we learn from this story?
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Learn to be humble and kind like Dr. Warner.
Good people always get goodness in return.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
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