Abandoned as a baby in a cardboard box, Sue’s life took an unexpected turn. Left in a store by her mother, Sue’s only mementos were a few photos and a note that read, “I will always love you, Sue.” No details about her family, no clues about her origins, she was a mystery in the world.
Fate, however, intervened in the form of Ruby, a kind-hearted store clerk who found Sue. Ruby couldn’t bear to leave her behind and took her in, becoming her guardian and raising Sue as her own. Sue often heard her say, “I became your guardian shortly after and raised you as my own. You became my little bug.” This gesture changed Sue’s life forever, offering her warmth and a home when she needed it most.
Sue adored Ruby, who nurtured her and gave her a life filled with love and care. Yet, there always lingered a persistent question—why did her mother leave her, and would she ever return?
During one of their many chats over dinner, Ruby once said, “I know it bothers you, darling, but she’s an enigma now. We have nothing that could lead us to her.” This sentiment only fueled Sue’s yearning for answers. “It’s just frustrating when I start thinking about it,” Sue replied.
Urged by Ruby to explore the internet and social media, Sue began sharing her story online. Her videos resonated with many, creating a platform where others could share their experiences. “You’ve created a safe platform for people to share their stories, too,” Ruby acknowledged with pride.
Sue’s online presence blossomed. She became a successful vlogger, able to care for both herself and her beloved guardian. Life seemed to fall into a comforting rhythm until one evening, it was disrupted by a knock at the door.
Opening it, Sue was greeted by an older woman, her eyes shadowed with regret. “Sue, darling,” she began hesitantly. “I am your mother, and I need your help!”
The revelation swept through Sue with a torrent of emotions, disbelief among them. “Do you still have the note I left with you?” her mother asked. “Yes, I have it,” Sue barely managed to utter. The woman standing before her was pleading for her understanding, explaining how danger had compelled her to leave Sue in a store all those years ago.
Overwhelmed by disbelief and hurt, Sue listened as her mother shared a story involving peril and theft—circumstances that led to her abandonment in what she thought a safe place. When asked for help, her mother’s desperation was palpable. “I need a place to stay, just for a little while,” she implored.
Sue’s heart was conflicted. Knowing Ruby would advise her to act with compassion, Sue cautiously agreed. “You can stay. But this doesn’t mean everything is forgiven. We have a lot to talk about.”
The initial days were a delicate peace. Sue’s mother helped around the house, trying to mend their fractured bond. However, this truce was short-lived. One evening, Sue found her mother attempting to steal her cherished jewelry, gifts from Ruby. “What are you doing?” Sue asked, her anger simmering.
Her mother justified it as desperation, pleading for understanding. But Sue was firm; trust broken, she knew she had to make a painful decision. “I gave you a chance. But you need to leave,” she declared, anguish in her voice.
Tears streamed down her mother’s face, yet Sue remained resolute. She couldn’t overlook the betrayal, the breach of trust. Watching her mother leave with a fuller bag than when she arrived, Sue was struck with a mixture of relief and sadness.
Seeking solace, Sue visited Ruby. The comfort of her surrogate mother was unparalleled. “You took a chance on someone who loved you,” Ruby said, wisdom in her words. This reassurance made Sue smile, grateful for the genuine love she had always known.
Even as Sue pondered her actions—questioning if she had sent her birth mother back into peril—the strength of Ruby’s unwavering support reminded her of the family she had chosen: the one who had chosen her.
