Because of a mild illness, Lili stayed at home. She actually felt a bit unwell: she was dizzy and weak. Lara’s mother decided to leave her daughter at home so she could rest.
Online psychological counseling
— Lili, it’s better if you stay in bed — Lara said, checking her daughter’s temperature. — I’m going to work, and you rest, okay?
— Okay, Mom — Lili replied in a weak voice, trying to smile. — I’ll lie down and watch my series.
When her mother left, Lili carefully put the thermometer away and turned on her favorite show. The day promised to be calm and quiet. She sat on the couch with a blanket and a cup of tea, enjoying the rare chance to spend a day alone.
But exactly at noon, the sound of a door opening was heard. Lili quickly hid behind the couch. Her heart started beating faster: it was definitely not her mom, who always rang the doorbell if she came back early.
In the doorway appeared Aunt Claire — a strict, cold woman with whom Lili had never gotten along very well. Now Claire looked tense and nervous, as if she were hiding something. She slowly looked around the apartment, checking the rooms, but did not notice the hidden Lili.
— She must be at work…? — Claire muttered, looking around. — It seems there’s no one here…
Lili breathed a little easier and quietly moved her fingers. She saw her aunt take Lara’s coat off the hanger and put something into the inner pocket. Then Claire took out her phone and quietly said:
— Hello… yes, it’s me. I did everything exactly as you said. Come with the police this evening… Yes, yes. I’m leaving now. I understand. Everything is ready. She won’t understand anything.
Lili clenched her fists in fear. What could it be? Why were the police supposed to come? The girl was trembling, but she knew she had to act carefully.
When Claire left, Lili came out of her hiding place. She walked over to the coat and took a small sealed pouch out of the pocket. Holding it tightly in her hands, she whispered to herself:
— I hope nothing happens to Mom…
Without wasting any time, Lili put on her shoes and ran out of the apartment. After a few minutes, she hid the pouch in a trash bin far from home so that no one would find it.
That evening, the police really did arrive. Lili stood next to Lara’s mother, trying not to tremble. One of the officers asked:
— Was anyone here today?
— Only me and my daughter — Lara replied calmly, trying to hide her anxiety. — There were no strangers in the apartment.
The officers carefully checked everything but found nothing suspicious. When the police left, Lili finally told her mother everything: about her aunt, the phone call, and the pouch.
— Mom… Aunt Claire wanted to frame us — Lili whispered, trying not to cry.
Lara was silent for a long time, then tightly hugged her daughter.
— Thank you for acting quickly and bravely, Lili. I’m proud of you. We’ll fix everything.
The next day, Lara filed a report with the police against Aunt Claire and her ex-husband so that no one would ever try to hurt their family again. Everything became clear: they wanted to take Lili away. Lili clenched her fists and felt that now nothing and no one threatened her family.
And one happy coincidence — the fact that she stayed at home — saved their fate.
