Sophie struggled to keep her balance as she carried the Christmas tree down the narrow attic stairs. Her arms ached, and each step reminded her just how much had changed this year.
This would be her first Christmas without Frank. The house, once alive with his hearty laugh and the cozy aroma of his cinnamon coffee, now felt too quiet, too empty.
Placing the tree in the living room, Sophie brushed her forehead and exhaled deeply. She was determined to make this season magical for her seven-year-old son, Matthew, even if her own heart wasn’t in it. His excitement for Christmas, with its sparkling lights and whimsical traditions, had always been contagious. Frank would’ve wanted her to keep that joy alive for him.
Opening a dusty box of decorations, Sophie’s fingers brushed against familiar ornaments. Her breath caught as she lifted the Elf on the Shelf, its mischievous grin staring back at her. Memories of Frank setting up the elf with tiny marshmallow snowmen or dangling it from the bookshelf flooded her mind. Matthew’s laughter at the elf’s antics echoed in her thoughts, bringing a bittersweet smile to her face.
A buzz from her phone broke her reverie.
@Mom:
How are you two holding up?
@Sophie:
It’s hard managing everything on my own, but we’re okay.
As Sophie set the phone down, the doorbell rang. Her heart sank when she opened the door to find Rachel, her mother-in-law, standing there with a suitcase.
“What… what are you doing here?” Sophie asked, her voice edged with surprise.
“I thought I’d keep you company for Christmas,” Rachel said, stepping in uninvited. “It seemed like you could use the help.”
Sophie crossed her arms. “We’re doing fine on our own.”
Rachel placed her suitcase near the door, her gaze sweeping over the room. “Are you really? This house feels so sad without Frank. I can’t imagine Matthew spending Christmas like this.”
Sophie’s jaw tightened. “You don’t get to say that. I’m doing my best.”
“I’m not here to judge,” Rachel said. “I just thought you’d want some support.”
As Rachel wandered into the living room, she admired the decorations before her eyes landed on the elf. She picked it up, turning it in her hands. “This little guy always watches everything, doesn’t he?”
Sophie felt an uneasy twinge at Rachel’s words but dismissed it, focusing instead on Matthew’s arrival home. His delight at the Christmas decorations brought a flicker of relief, but it didn’t last. Rachel immediately took over, commenting on how Matthew hung his coat or washed his hands.
“Your mom lets you do it this way? No wonder it’s a mess,” she sighed.
Sophie clenched her teeth, silently repeating to herself, Just a few more days.
The next morning brought another knock at the door. Sophie groggily opened it to find her own mother, Liz, standing there with a small bag.
“Mom? What are you doing here?” Sophie asked, her voice weary.
“I thought you could use some company,” Liz replied, stepping inside.
“You’re not the only one,” Sophie muttered under her breath.
When Liz learned Rachel was already there, her frown deepened. “Well, it’s a good thing I came. You’ll need someone on your side.”
The following days felt unbearable. Rachel critiqued Sophie’s parenting, while Liz hovered, offering unwelcome pity. The tension weighed heavily on Sophie, their words swirling in her mind like an endless storm.
One evening, desperate for quiet, Sophie tidied the living room. Her gaze fell on the Elf on the Shelf. Something about its eyes seemed off. Picking it up, she noticed a small slit on its back. Her stomach churned as she opened it, revealing a hidden flash drive.
With trembling hands, she plugged the drive into her computer. Footage filled the screen—clips of her crying, struggling to clean, moments with Matthew. Even Rachel and Liz appeared in the videos. Sophie’s breath quickened as realization dawned: someone was spying on her.
Anger surged as she stormed into Rachel’s room, the flash drive clenched in her hand. “What is this?” she demanded.
Rachel looked up, confused. “What are you talking about?”
Sophie held the drive in front of her. “A hidden camera inside the elf? You’ve been trying to prove I’m a bad mother!”
Rachel’s eyes widened. “That’s horrible! We should call the police.”
“Don’t play innocent!” Sophie snapped. “You’ve been trying to take Matthew away!”
Rachel stood, her tone firm. “I haven’t done anything like that. Yes, I thought about it, but I decided it would hurt him. Matthew belongs with you.”
Sophie’s anger flared. “I don’t believe you. Get out of my house!”
Rachel crossed her arms. “I’m not going anywhere. Call the police if you want me gone.”
Furious, Sophie slammed the door as she left. But her frustration only grew when she spotted a receipt peeking out of Liz’s bag. It was for a surveillance camera.
Turning to Liz, Sophie held it up. “Was this you?”
Liz’s face turned pale. “Sophie, let me explain—”
“You did this?” Sophie’s voice cracked. “Why?”
“I thought Matthew might be better off with me,” Liz admitted. “You’re still grieving Frank. I needed proof you couldn’t manage.”
“Better off?” Sophie said, her voice trembling. “You never even asked me!”
Liz sighed. “I was trying to help. When you’re stronger, we’ll talk about him coming back to you.”
Sophie shook her head, tears streaming. “Get out. Now.”
Liz packed quickly, her movements stiff, and left without another word.
“Where’s Grandma going?” Matthew asked, stepping into the room.
“She had to leave,” Sophie said softly.
Matthew hugged her tightly. “Good. I want to stay with you.”
Sophie held him close, her resolve hardening. “No one’s taking you away, sweetheart. I promise.”
From the kitchen, Rachel watched silently, her expression unreadable. Sophie met her gaze, offering a hesitant nod. The fight wasn’t over, but Sophie knew one thing for sure—she would protect her son at all costs.
