The icy wind stung Emily Carter’s face as she gently set her four-year-old daughter, Ava, on the snowy sidewalk in Maplewood, Vermont, just a block from the town’s annual Winter Maple Festival. Ava, wrapped in a puffy blue jacket and a knit beanie with a bright red pom-pom, looked like a tiny snowman toddling through the drifts.
- Come on, sweetie, let’s use those legs, Emily said, her voice soft but worn. You’re getting so big, and Mommy’s wicked tired from carrying you, okay?
Ava let out a big, dramatic sigh, her breath forming a frosty cloud, but she nodded and shuffled along, her boots crunching in the snow.
- That’s my girl, Emily said, exhaling with relief.
Ava often whined about her legs hurting, and Emily would end up hauling her around, despite the ache in her own shoulders. The pediatrician had checked Ava out and said it was just growing pains—her bones were stretching faster than her little body could handle. She’d recommended some gentle stretches and a warm bath to ease the discomfort, but it didn’t stop Ava’s complaints.
- Hey, what if we get you a sled? Emily said suddenly, her eyes sparkling. We could race down the hill by the park, maybe even at the festival. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
The idea hit her like a snowflake on a warm cheek. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? Probably because her life was a nonstop circus—work, Ava, and endless requests from her mom and sister. There was no time to think about fun.
Emily, 28, was the eldest daughter in her family. She’d married young, had Ava at 24, and then her world shattered when her husband, Jake, a sheriff’s deputy, was killed on duty when Ava was just a baby. Since then, it was just Emily and Ava, scraping by in their small apartment.
Being a single mom in Maplewood wasn’t a walk in the park. There was no one to lean on when things got rough—no one to watch Ava so Emily could grab a latte at the corner café or just catch her breath. She’d begged her mom, Linda Thompson, to babysit a few times, but it was like asking for a miracle.
- Why are you always whining? Linda would snap. You get survivor benefits, don’t you? Hire a sitter! You know I’ve got high blood pressure and arthritis. My shifts at the diner wipe me out. Kids are too much.
- Mom, what about Sarah? Could she watch Ava for an hour? I just need to pick up a form at the clinic, Emily would plead.
- Sarah’s got her own life! Linda would shoot back, always defending her younger daughter. She’ll have her own kids to deal with someday.
- She doesn’t have kids, Mom! Emily would argue, her voice tight with frustration.
- Well, she will! Linda would end the conversation, leaving Emily to drag Ava along to every errand, from the pharmacy to the grocery store.
Things eased up a bit when Emily started working again at the local insurance office and enrolled Ava in Maplewood’s preschool program. But even with a steady paycheck, the costs piled up—preschool fees, winter boots, Ava’s swim lessons. Emily felt like she was running on empty, looking more like a frazzled aunt than the vibrant young mom she used to be.
To top it off, Linda was always pestering Emily to order gadgets she saw on QVC.
- I need that back brace with the healing magnets for my sciatica! Linda would insist.
Or:
- Betty from down the street got one of those fancy foot massagers, and she swears she looks ten years younger. I need one for my health!
Emily tried to explain that those things were overpriced scams, but Linda wouldn’t listen.
- You can’t spare a few bucks for your own mother? Linda would guilt-trip her. I raised you, stayed up nights, and this is the thanks I get?
So Emily would dip into her tight budget, skipping her own haircut or new jeans to buy her mom’s latest whim. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Sarah, was living it up—newly married, no kids for a while, and free to do whatever she wanted. That is, until Sarah had her daughter, Lily, a year ago. Suddenly, Linda’s health problems seemed to vanish when it came to helping Sarah. She’d babysit Lily, cook dinners, and dote on her “sweet grandbaby.”
One cold afternoon, Emily worked up the nerve to ask for a break.
- Mom, can I drop Ava off for a couple of hours? I just want to hit the salon for a trim. I haven’t had a second to myself in years, she said, her voice hopeful.
- A salon? Linda laughed. Who are you dressing up for? You’ve got a kid to raise, Emily. Focus on that. Besides, Sarah’s coming over with her family later. Why don’t you come too? You can help me cook dinner, and Ava can play with Lily. Perfect plan!
- Mom… Emily started, but Linda cut her off.
- Be here by three!
With no choice, Emily and Ava trudged to Linda’s house on her day off to prep for Sarah’s family. As they chopped veggies and set the table, Linda kept at it.
- Why are you always acting so hard-done-by? she said, stirring a pot of chili. You’ve only got one kid! No husband to cook for, no piles of his laundry. And that office job? Sitting at a desk, clicking away on a computer. Try being Sarah—she’s got it tough when Mike’s out on his trucking routes.
- Tough? Emily snapped. She’s got one kid, just like me. And you’re always at her place helping! What’s she doing that’s so hard? Ironing his flannel shirts every day?
- Don’t you compare! Linda barked. She worries about Mike on the road. You don’t have anyone to worry about. I told you not to marry Jake—it’d end in tears. And I was right!
- Mom! Emily’s voice cracked as she dropped the knife she was using to slice cheese. Jake died! How can you say that? She sank into a chair, tears welling up as she covered her face.
- Oh, stop the drama! Linda said, rolling her eyes. Sarah’s coming soon, and I don’t need your grumpy face ruining the vibe.
- Ava, honey, put the cheese back, Linda snapped, spotting Ava sneak a piece from the platter.
- Mom, seriously? Emily said, shocked. It’s one piece of cheese!
- I just meant she’ll ruin her appetite, Linda mumbled, backtracking.
- Mommy, I’m bored, Ava whined, tugging at Emily’s jeans.
- Can’t she entertain herself? Linda grumbled. Wait till Lily gets here—you’ll have fun then.
Sarah, Mike, and Lily rolled in two hours late, just as Ava was getting drowsy. Emily fed her daughter and was about to head out when Sarah swept in.
- Hey, Emily! Sarah beamed. Can you loan me some cash? I’m dying for a spa day at that new place downtown.
- A spa day? Emily stared, floored. Your husband’s hauling freight to make good money, and you’re asking me—a single mom—for cash?
- Don’t count our money! Sarah shot back. We’re saving for a cabin by Lake Champlain. What, you want one too?
- Exactly! Linda jumped in. Mike works hard for that money. You get government checks and still act stingy!
- Government checks? Emily’s voice shook with anger. You think I’m rich? Ava needs new clothes, boots, a sled, swim lessons. I can’t afford a manicure, let alone a spa day! And neither of you ever watches Ava so I can have a moment to myself!
Grabbing Ava’s hand, Emily stormed out, her face hot with fury. At home, as she tucked Ava into bed, she muttered to herself, They can talk about me all they want. I’m done caring.
- Are we gonna be rich, Mommy? Ava mumbled, half-asleep.
- Someday, baby, Emily said, brushing a curl from her daughter’s face. We’ll go on a big adventure, just us.
- To see Santa? Ava smiled, her eyes fluttering shut.
- Yep, straight to the North Pole, Emily promised,ientras su corazón se hinchaba.