When my neighbor Thomas died, I tried to support his grieving family, especially his young daughter, Riley. Thomas’s new wife, Carmen, seemed kind at first, but I grew suspicious of her treatment of Riley. I had to protect the little girl. I was a teacher in a friendly neighborhood where everyone looked out for each other. Thomas had been raising Riley alone after his first wife, Martha, passed away. After marrying Carmen, he hoped things would improve,

but tragedy struck again when Thomas died in a car accident. Carmen, though devastated, seemed more focused on her own life than on Riley.One afternoon, Riley, now silent and distant, told me Carmen often sent her outside to play while Carmen entertained a man named Roger. Riley seemed neglected, missing the love and attention she once had. I started looking out for Riley, offering her a safe space to play, and giving her the warmth and care she needed. Soon, Riley came to me every day,

her smile returning as we spent time together, playing and laughing.One night, I overheard a conversation between Carmen and Roger. They were discussing how they could take everything from Riley by finding a loophole in Thomas’s will. Carmen didn’t care about Riley—she only wanted the inheritance.I turned to a local lawyer, Mr. Davis, who confirmed that the will was solid and that Riley would inherit everything. He promised to handle the matter and make sure Carmen understood that Riley’s safety was paramount. Riley continued to come to me,

and I grew more determined to protect her. Eventually, Carmen’s true feelings came to light when she lashed out at Mr. Davis, screaming about how much she resented Riley. The breaking point came when Riley, hearing Carmen’s cruel words, asked me if I would be her mom. I said yes, and with Mr. Davis’s help, I began the process to adopt her. It was a long, challenging journey, but in the end, the court agreed. Riley chose to live with me, and I became her mom. Carmen had to leave, and Riley finally found the safe, loving home she deserved.