The Beginning of the Nightmare
Beatrice Fairman had never been one to question her son, Matthew. They shared a bond built on years of love and mutual respect. So, when Matthew asked if he and his new bride, Rita, could move in with her for a while, Beatrice was more than happy to open her home.
Her house, a sprawling five-bedroom property, had always felt a little too large for just one person. She spent most of her time tending to her garden, reading books, and knitting. Her life, though peaceful, had a lingering loneliness, especially after her husband passed away many years ago. Matthew’s visit, accompanied by his new wife, filled her heart with joy. She never anticipated that this simple act of hospitality would set the stage for a betrayal that would break her spirit.
The first few months were blissful. Beatrice, who had retired early from her work as a nurse, took charge of the cooking, and her home became a place of warmth and comfort for the young couple. Matthew and Rita were both busy with their jobs, but when they came home, the atmosphere was always welcoming. There was laughter, shared meals, and a sense of togetherness that Beatrice had longed for.
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However, things began to change when Matthew received a promotion. The company he worked for, a large international corporation, required him to travel frequently. His new position had him flying all over the world to meet clients, attend meetings, and oversee projects. Beatrice, while proud of her son’s accomplishments, felt a pang of sadness each time he left. But she understood—it was his dream, and she supported him wholeheartedly.
For the first few months of Matthew’s travels, Rita was fine. They stayed in regular contact, and the distance seemed bearable. But as the months dragged on and Matthew’s absences stretched to weeks, the strain began to show. Rita, who had been so eager to live in her new home with her husband, started to feel the weight of being alone. She began to complain more, her frustration becoming palpable.
One day, after a particularly long trip, Matthew called Beatrice and Rita on Skype, apologizing for the distance and promising things would get better soon.
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“I know it’s tough, but this job is important,” Matthew said, his face on the screen. “After this, I’ll be home for good. I just need to make this last push.”
Rita wiped her eyes, looking exhausted. “Matt, I can’t keep doing this,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “We’ve barely spent any time together since we got married! I need you here.”
Beatrice, who had been silently watching the exchange, spoke up. “Matthew, darling, I adore you, but Rita’s right. You know how hard it is for her, don’t you? She needs you more than I do.”
Matthew sighed, his face softening. “I know, Mom, but I’m doing this for us. We’ll be alright. Just a few more months, I promise.”
Two weeks later, Matthew was on a flight to London for the next leg of his journey. Beatrice and Rita were left behind in the quiet house, their only connection to Matthew being his increasingly sparse Skype calls.
Days turned into weeks, and the communication from Matthew grew more infrequent. At first, he called every day, and Rita would look forward to those brief moments, when they would share their day-to-day thoughts and reconnect. But soon, the calls became less frequent. Then it was every three days, then twice a week, then once a week.
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The final week without a call was when Beatrice and Rita started to panic. They tried calling his phone, his hotel, even reaching out to Matthew’s colleagues. But nothing. No word from him. They contacted the airlines, who informed them that Matthew had never boarded his return flight from London.
Rita called Matthew’s boss, but the conversation only left her more shaken. “Matt left London two weeks ago,” the boss told her. “He finished the project early and said he couldn’t wait to return home. He was fine when he left.”
“What do you mean he left?” Rita asked, her voice trembling.
The boss hesitated. “I’m not sure what happened. He was supposed to be back, but he didn’t take the flight. I’ll check into it.”
Rita hung up the phone, pale and shaking. “Beatrice, they don’t know where he is. He’s gone… he’s gone.”
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The two women, now consumed by worry and confusion, tried to process the impossible. Where was Matthew? How could he just disappear without a trace? The once-comfortable home was now filled with unease, and Beatrice, helpless, could only pray that her son would return. But with each passing day, the hope began to fade.
The Descent into Darkness
Days turned into weeks, and the once peaceful household began to change. Rita’s demeanor shifted from sadness to anger. She became more and more frustrated, and with each passing day, she began to lash out at Beatrice. The woman she had once welcomed into her home, the woman she had shared her life with, was now the target of all her pent-up resentment.
“YOUR son!” Rita screamed one evening. “He’s abandoned me! He must’ve told YOU where he is!”
Beatrice, taken aback by Rita’s fury, tried to calm her down. “No, Rita, I swear. I have no idea where Matthew is. He didn’t leave on his own accord. He’s missing, just like you.”
But Rita wasn’t listening. Her anger boiled over, and she began to accuse Beatrice of hiding something from her, of betraying her. The harsh words were a constant reminder of the shift in their relationship.
One night, after another argument, Rita stormed out of the house, dressing herself up in red lipstick and a tight-fitting dress.
“Where are you going?” Beatrice asked, her voice quivering with confusion.
“OUT!” Rita screamed, her voice laced with venom. “Out where there are men who actually want me!”
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And so began Rita’s nights away from home. She’d come home late, always reeking of perfume and alcohol, and sometimes she’d bring men with her—men who spent the night in the house, while Beatrice was left alone, with only her thoughts and the constant fear that Matthew had truly abandoned them.
It was during one of these nights that Beatrice was stunned to find her belongings packed and waiting for her by the front door.
“What’s going on, Rita?” Beatrice asked, panic rising in her chest. “What are you doing with my things?”
Rita turned, her face hard. “You’re moving into the garage,” she said coldly. “Bill’s moving in with me, and we need our privacy.”
Beatrice was stunned. “No, Rita! I’ve lived in this house for years. You can’t just throw me out!”
But Rita was insistent. “You’re old, Beatrice! You’re a burden. You can live in the garage. It’s better than nothing.”
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Beatrice was crushed. The woman she had once treated like family had turned on her, and now, she was being forced into the cold, musty garage. The sense of betrayal was overwhelming. Matthew had been gone for months, and now, her daughter-in-law, who she had once considered a friend, had discarded her like old furniture.
The Confrontation
Matt wasted no time. He didn’t even give Beatrice a chance to explain herself fully before he marched to the front door of the house. Beatrice watched him with wide eyes, her heart pounding. She hadn’t seen her son in months, and yet, here he was—standing tall, determined, and angry. She had no idea what would happen next, but deep down, she was relieved that he was back. Her world had been so dark without him.
When Matt reached the front door, he didn’t knock. He didn’t hesitate. With one firm movement, he swung the door open.
Inside, Rita and Bill were lounging on the couch, sipping wine and chatting casually, completely unaware of the storm that was about to hit them. When the door swung open, Rita’s mouth fell open in shock. She stood up quickly, her eyes darting from Matt to Bill, her face turning pale.
“Matt!” Rita cried, her voice cracking with a mix of disbelief and relief. “Darling, you’re alive!”
Matt didn’t smile, didn’t even flinch at her words. He looked at her coldly, his jaw tightening. “Yes, I’m alive. But I’m not your darling anymore, Rita.” He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room, his posture rigid with anger. “I’m done with you.”
Rita took a step back, her eyes wide with confusion. “What are you talking about? You’ve been gone for months, and I thought—”
“You thought?” Matt interrupted sharply. “I thought you were supposed to be loyal to me. But instead, you’ve treated my mother like trash.”
Rita’s face twisted into a sneer. “What’s going on, Matt? Why are you attacking me? I’ve been waiting for you! And your mother is a burden. She can’t just live here forever!”
Matt’s voice rose. “A burden? My mother? She gave everything to make this house a home for us, and you repaid her by kicking her into the garage! Do you even hear yourself?”
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Bill stood up, his expression tense as he sized up Matt. “Hey, man, relax,” he muttered. “Rita’s been through a lot too. She needed someone.”
Matt’s eyes locked on Bill with disdain. “I don’t care what you think, Bill. You’re not welcome here anymore. You and Rita both need to leave.”
Rita sputtered in disbelief, her face turning a deep shade of red. “What? You’re kicking me out? After everything I’ve done for you?”
“You’ve done nothing but manipulate and mistreat the woman who raised me,” Matt spat. “Pack your things. You’re leaving.”
Rita opened her mouth to argue, but Matt didn’t give her a chance. He turned to Bill, who was still standing there, looking uncomfortable but unwilling to leave. “Get out, Bill,” Matt commanded firmly. “Now.”
Bill hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and grabbed his jacket. “Whatever, man. This is messed up,” he muttered before walking out the door, leaving a stunned Rita standing in the living room.
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Rita, her face flushed with humiliation and anger, turned toward Matt. “I don’t understand, Matt. You’re just going to throw me out after everything?”
Matt’s eyes narrowed, his voice low but firm. “Yes, I am. You’ve broken my trust, and you’ve broken my mother’s heart. I don’t want you in my life anymore.”
Rita’s mouth trembled, and her eyes filled with tears. But it wasn’t a tearful apology—it was desperation. “Please, Matt, you don’t understand. I’m sorry. I’ve been lonely, and I needed someone to be there for me.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Matt asked, his voice rising. “You think I didn’t miss you? But I would never, ever treat my mother the way you’ve treated her. You need to go.”
Rita’s sobs filled the room as she gathered her things, and Matt didn’t move, his face hard as he watched her pack. She didn’t try to explain herself anymore. The damage had already been done, and no amount of excuses could fix the betrayal.
When Rita had finally packed her things and walked out of the door, Matt turned back to Beatrice, who had been watching the entire scene unfold from the living room. Her face was pale, but she had a faint smile on her lips, relief finally washing over her.
“Matt,” Beatrice whispered. “I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you were gone forever.”
Matt walked over to her, his face softening. “I’m so sorry, Mom. I should’ve called sooner. I should’ve done better.” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I didn’t know she’d do this. I didn’t know she’d treat you like that.”
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Beatrice squeezed him tightly, finally feeling the warmth she had missed for so long. “It’s not your fault, darling. I’m just glad you’re here.”
Matt kissed her forehead. “I’m here now, Mom. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. No one will hurt you again.”
The Return and the Aftermath
The house was eerily quiet after Rita left. Beatrice sat in her favorite armchair, staring at the family photographs on the mantle, her mind still reeling from everything that had happened. For the first time in months, she felt a sense of peace beginning to settle in her heart, but it was still tinged with sorrow. The betrayal, the anger, and the cruelty that Rita had shown her—it all hurt more than Beatrice cared to admit.
But then, there was the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Beatrice looked up, a glimmer of hope lighting her tired eyes. When she saw her son Matthew stepping out of the car, her heart leapt into her throat.
“Matt!” she cried out, standing up quickly, her hands trembling as she rushed to him.
He was there, standing at the front door, a tired but relieved look on his face. He opened his arms, and Beatrice fell into his embrace. The tears she had been holding back for so long began to flow freely. She couldn’t believe it. After all these months, after thinking she had lost him forever, here he was, back in her arms.
“Mom,” Matt said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to go through all of this alone.”
Beatrice looked up at him, her voice trembling. “Where have you been? We thought you were gone. We thought something happened to you.”
Matt shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. “I had an accident, Mom. I was in the hospital for a while. They couldn’t get in touch with you. The hospital was supposed to call, but something went wrong. I’ve been recovering, but I’m okay now. I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”
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Beatrice’s heart ached. It wasn’t just the months of silence; it was the realization that Matt had been suffering alone, and she hadn’t known. But now, he was back. And that was all that mattered. She held onto him tightly, not wanting to let go.
“I thought I had lost you, Matt,” she whispered.
Matt pulled away slightly, looking at her with a concerned expression. “I know, Mom. I’m so sorry for everything. But I’m here now, and we’re going to fix everything. Starting with Rita.”
Beatrice looked down, a sad smile tugging at her lips. “Rita,” she repeated, her voice barely audible. “She… she’s gone now.”
Matt’s face darkened with anger. “She what? What did she do, Mom? Where is she?”
Beatrice sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of the truth. “She threw me out. After you left, she changed. She had her boyfriend move in, and she made me move to the garage.”
Matt’s fists clenched at his sides, his face contorting with disbelief. “She did what?” he demanded, his voice rising. “I can’t believe she would do that to you, Mom. After everything you did for her, she treated you like that?”
Beatrice looked down at the floor, ashamed to admit how much she had allowed it to happen. “I didn’t want to cause trouble. I thought maybe it was just temporary. But… she really wanted me out of the house.”
Matt shook his head, the anger in his eyes boiling over. “She has no right. She has no right to treat you that way, Mom. You don’t deserve that.”
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Beatrice reached out and placed a hand on his arm. “It’s okay, Matt. It’s all over now.”
But Matt wasn’t ready to let it go. He stepped back, taking a deep breath, his expression hardening. “No, it’s not. It’s not over. Not until I’ve talked to her.”
Without another word, Matt turned and walked towards the front door. Beatrice followed him, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Matt, please,” she called out, her voice shaky with worry. “Don’t confront her. It won’t change anything.”
But Matt didn’t stop. He opened the door and stepped out into the cold evening air, determined to fix things once and for all. Beatrice hesitated, then followed him, her footsteps faltering behind him.
She watched as he walked up to the door, his face set in determination. He knocked sharply, and after a few moments, the door swung open. Rita stood there, looking startled, her eyes wide with surprise.
“Matt?” Rita whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re alive?”
Matt didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’m alive. But that doesn’t mean you get to treat my mother like that.” His voice was low but full of anger. “You kicked her out of her own house, Rita. You made her live in the garage, while you brought strangers into our home. That’s not how you treat family.”
Rita’s face flushed with shame, but she quickly regained her composure. “Matt, I—”
“No,” Matt cut her off, his voice unwavering. “I don’t want to hear your excuses. I don’t care what happened. You treated her like trash, and that’s unforgivable.”
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Rita’s lip quivered, but she didn’t speak. She didn’t try to defend herself, as though she knew deep down that she had no excuse.
“Pack your things, Rita,” Matt said, his voice calm but firm. “You’re leaving. Now.”
Taking Control
Beatrice watched the scene unfold from a distance, her heart heavy with both relief and sadness. She never wanted it to come to this. She never wanted to see her son turn against his wife, but she also knew that what Rita had done to her was beyond cruel. It wasn’t just about the house. It was about respect, love, and loyalty. And Rita had shown none of those.
Matt stood tall in the doorway, his body stiff with determination. He wasn’t going to let Rita walk all over him or his mother anymore. He wasn’t going to allow her to disrespect the woman who had given him everything.
Rita stood motionless for a moment, then nodded slowly, a tear slipping down her cheek. She grabbed her bag, her hands shaking as she walked past Matt and out the door.
Beatrice watched her go, her heart aching. She had loved Rita like a daughter. She had welcomed her into her home, treated her as family. And now, it was all gone. But there was something freeing about seeing Rita leave. Beatrice felt like the weight she had carried for so long was finally lifting.
Matt turned to her, his face softening. “It’s over, Mom,” he said quietly. “She’s gone.”
Beatrice nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “Thank you, Matt. Thank you for coming back.”
Matt walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her. “I’m always going to protect you, Mom. Always.”
They stood there for a moment, just holding each other, both of them finally able to breathe again. Beatrice had her son back, and for the first time in months, she felt truly safe. They had weathered the storm together, and now, they could rebuild their lives—together.
A Fresh Start
The days that followed Rita’s departure were filled with quiet reflection and new beginnings. The air inside the house had changed; it no longer felt heavy or filled with resentment. It was lighter, fresher, as if a burden had been lifted from Beatrice’s shoulders. It wasn’t just about Rita leaving. It was about regaining control, finding peace again, and, most importantly, realizing that no matter what, Beatrice still had her son—her true source of strength.
The house itself seemed to breathe again, as though it, too, was finally free of the suffocating atmosphere Rita had created. There were no more angry outbursts or cold silences. It was, in many ways, as though the house had been waiting for Matt’s return, just as Beatrice had.
The first few weeks without Rita were a time of healing. Matt and Beatrice spent their days together, rediscovering the simple pleasures of life. Beatrice would make her famous lemon pies, a recipe she had perfected over the years, and they’d sit in the kitchen, laughing about old memories. They’d take long walks through the garden, Matt pushing Beatrice’s wheelchair along the narrow path that wound around the flowerbeds. It was a slow pace, one that gave them the time to talk, to reconnect, to be mother and son again.
For the first time in months, Beatrice felt like she could breathe freely. She didn’t have to hide her feelings or second-guess her actions. She was allowed to be herself again.
One evening, as they sat in front of the fireplace with a warm pot of tea, Matt turned to Beatrice with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Mom, I’ve been thinking,” he began, his voice soft but determined. “I’ve been away for a while, and I don’t want to leave again. I want to be here, with you, for as long as I can.”
Beatrice blinked, surprised by the emotion in his voice. “What do you mean?”
“I’m going to talk to my boss,” Matt said. “I’m not going to take that promotion that requires so much travel. I’ve realized that being here with you is what matters most. You’ve always been there for me, and it’s time I do the same for you.”
Beatrice’s heart swelled with gratitude. She had always known that Matt was a good son, but hearing him say those words made her feel like she had won some kind of victory. She hadn’t just gained back her home—she had gained back the future she thought she had lost.
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“Matt, that means the world to me,” Beatrice whispered, tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t need anything more than you, here, with me.”
Matt smiled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “Then it’s settled. We’ll make this work. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
As they sat together, Beatrice thought about how much had changed in the past few months. It had been a time of upheaval, but it had also been a time of growth. Her relationship with Matt was stronger than ever, and she realized that even when life threw its hardest punches, the love they shared was the one thing that would never break.
The house that had once felt so cold and lonely now felt like home again. Beatrice knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she and Matt would face them together. They had come through the storm, and now they could rebuild their lives, side by side.
The End
In this conclusion, Beatrice and Matt find their way back to each other, stronger than ever. Despite the hardships, their bond endures, and they look forward to a brighter, peaceful future together.
