When my daughter-in-law asked me to babysit for the weekend, I expected cuddles, cookie crumbs, and maybe a thank-you. Instead, I found a handwritten bill on the counter — for items I used while staying there! Shocked and furious, I plotted the perfect payback.
The text from Brittany, my DIL, buzzed in just as I was refilling the hummingbird feeder, my fingers sticky with sugar water.
A hummingbird feeder | Source: Pexels
“Hey, would you mind staying with Noah for the weekend? Ethan has a work retreat and I have a spa trip planned with my sister.”
I was a little surprised.
Brittany and I had never clicked, and she’d taken to complaining about “over-involved” grandparents since Noah was born.
A woman looking at someone | Source: Pexels
Her concept of boundaries reminded me unnervingly of the Berlin Wall.
But I didn’t hesitate. I love every second I get to spend with my grandson: his sticky fingers, the way he says “grahma” with a little squeal at the end that makes my heart squeeze.
“Of course,” I texted back.
A woman using her phone in a garden | Source: Pexels
“Everything you need will be ready. Just relax and enjoy time with him!” she replied.
I smiled, already mentally planning which cookies we’d bake together. Noah had recently discovered the joy of sprinkles — everywhere but on the cookies.
But when I arrived Friday afternoon, the house looked like the morning after a toddler hurricane.
A messy living room | Source: Pexels
Toys scattered across the living room floor created an obstacle course. The kitchen sink overflowed with dishes, and a crusty pan soaked in cold water on the stove.
“Grahma!” Noah squealed, running toward me with open arms, his diaper sagging.
I scooped him up, my irritation melting as he planted a wet kiss on my cheek.
A toddler boy | Source: Pexels
“Hey, Abby! Thanks so much for coming.” Brittany marched up the hallway, suitcase wheeling behind her. “There’s food in the fridge, Noah’s stuff is in his room, and, well, I’m sure I don’t need to map everything out for you.”
She leaned over to kiss Noah and was heading out the door before I could reply.
“Be good for Grandma, sweetie!” She called over her shoulder. “Mommy will be back soon.”
A well-dressed woman | Source: Pexels
“Mommy go bye-bye?” he asked, his big blue eyes — so much like his father’s — watching over my shoulder.
“She’s going on a trip, sweetie. We get to have a special weekend together.”
He nodded solemnly before wiggling out of my arms to show me his latest toy car.
A toy car | Source: Pexels
After he settled with his blocks, I went to the kitchen to make coffee.
That’s when I discovered that Brittany’s idea of “everything you need will be ready” differed vastly from mine.
There was half a carton of eggs in the fridge, no bread, and no full meals to speak of. I sniffed the milk: borderline.
An open fridge | Source: Pexels
“What on earth?” I muttered to myself.
It was bad enough that she invited me to stay in a house that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned all week, but to leave me with only a half-stocked fridge?
As I stepped back into the living room, where Noah was still playing with his blocks, I noted his sagging diaper once more and a horrifying thought struck me.
A child playing with toys | Source: Pexels
I took Noah to his room to change his diaper and discovered my worst fears were true.
Brittany had left me with only five diapers and not a single wipe. I’d been frustrated before, but now I was downright mad!
So, I did what any resourceful woman would do.
A thoughtful woman | Source: Midjourney
I gave Noah a toy to keep him busy and told him to wait right there.
Then I scurried into the main bathroom, took the lavender-colored washcloth I assumed belonged to Brittany, and used it as a wipe instead.
“Looks like we’ll have to do a load of laundry,” I remarked to Noah as I put on his fresh diaper. “But first, you and me are going to the store!”
A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney
“Store!” he agreed enthusiastically.
I grabbed my purse, strapped Noah into his car seat, and headed to the store.
$68 later, Noah and I had everything we needed: snacks, wipes, diapers, groceries, and a little stuffed elephant that Noah had hugged with such conviction I couldn’t say no.
“We make cookies?” Noah asked as we unpacked our treasures.
A young boy | Source: Pexels
“Tomorrow, sweetheart. First, let’s make some dinner and get this place in order.”
The weekend unfolded in a blur of small joys. We played in the park until our cheeks were pink from the wind, Noah shrieking with laughter as I pushed him on the swing.
“Higher, Grahma!”
“Not too high,” I cautioned, though I gave an extra push that sent him squealing.
A play area in a park | Source: Pexels
We baked sugar cookies, and I let Noah crack the eggs. He missed the bowl by a mile, giggling as yolk dripped onto the counter.
“Oopsie,” he said, his eyes wide.
“That’s why we bought extra eggs,” I winked. “Try again, sweetie. Practice makes perfect.”
Cookies on a baking sheet | Source: Pexels
We watched Finding Nemo under a cozy blanket, with Noah mouthing the words to parts he knew by heart.
And every night, I tucked him into bed, kissed him good night, and read him a story.
After he fell asleep, I tackled the house.
A determined woman | Source: Midjourney
I’d made it my mission to get the house in order, so I spent the rest of my evenings doing dishes and laundry.
My back ached, but it felt good to create order from chaos. Noah deserved a clean, peaceful home.
I even made a casserole for Brittany to have when she returned.
A baked casserole | Source: Pexels
Sunday night, after tucking Noah in with three stories and five goodnight kisses, I collapsed on the couch.
My feet throbbed, but my heart was full.
These moments with Noah were precious, fleeting gifts I treasured. Ethan had grown so quickly; Noah would too.
A thoughtful woman on a sofa | Source: Midjourney
Monday morning, sunlight was just warming the kitchen windows when I noticed the piece of paper pinned under a mug on the counter.
A handwritten note with my name on it; pink pen, loopy handwriting.
I smiled as I unfolded the page, expecting a thank-you, but instead got the shock of my life.
A piece of paper | Source: Pexels
It was a bill with an itemized list for “living expenses” that read like a joke:
Eggs: $8
Water (3 bottles): $3
Electricity: $12
Toilet paper: $3
Laundry detergent: $5
Toothpaste: $4
TOTAL: $40
And the kicker?
“Please Venmo by Friday. Thanks!! ❤️”
A woman looking down at something | Source: Pexels
I blinked.
Then I laughed. Then I got mad.
And that’s when I heard the front door open.
“Abby? I’m home.” Brittany’s voice carried down the hall.
A home hallway | Source: Pexels
I could’ve confronted her then, but I was so angry that I knew any conversation I had about her bill would end disastrously.
So, I scrunched the note in my fist and forced myself to smile as I stepped out into the hall.
“Hi, Brittany. I didn’t expect you so early.”
Brittany just shrugged. “How was everything?”
A woman speaking to someone | Source: Pexels
“Wonderful,” I answered truthfully. “Noah is a delight.”
“Thanks for helping out,” she said, her attention already on her phone. “Ethan should be home around noon.”
I gathered my things, kissed Noah goodbye, and left. By the time I arrived home, I knew exactly how I was going to pay Brittany’s bill.
A suburban house | Source: Pexels
I went straight to my laptop after entering my home, and let decades of parenting receipts flow from my fingertips. The more I typed, the more cathartic it felt.
This wasn’t just about $40.
This was about respect, about family, about what it means to care for each other.
A laptop on a table | Source: Pexels
A few hours later, I had a professional-looking invoice:
Grandmother Services, Est. 1993
Raising One Fine Husband for You Since Day One
SERVICES RENDERED:
18 years of feeding your husband: 19,710 meals @ average $5 each = $98,550
18 years of laundry services: 3 loads/week x 52 weeks x 18 years @ $5/load = $14,040
Medical copays for childhood illnesses: 12 years of pediatric visits @ $25 each = $3,600
A person typing on a laptop | Source: Pexels
Transportation services: 16 years of rides to school, sports, and friends’ houses: 9,000 miles @ $0.58/mile = $5,220
Counseling services post-high school breakup: 15 hours @ $75/hour = $1,125
Tutoring services (math, science, life advice): 500 hours @ $30/hour = $15,000
Emotional support (priceless, but let’s say): 18 years @ $10/day = $65,700
Subtotal: $203,235
Family Discount (because I’m feeling generous): -$203,195
Total Amount Due: $40
A woman with a satisfied smile | Source: Midjourney
Beneath that, I added a note: “Please deduct your original ‘invoice’ from this amount. ❤️ Thanks for understanding!!”
I printed it on fancy linen paper and slid it into a gold-trimmed envelope like it was a wedding invitation.
The next morning, I dropped it in her mailbox.
A mailbox | Source: Pexels
Not an hour passed before my phone rang.
“Mom?” Ethan’s voice cracked with what sounded like suppressed laughter.
“Yes, dear?”
“What did you do?”
A woman speaking on her phone | Source: Pexels
I feigned innocence. “What do you mean?”
“Brittany is… upset.”
“Oh?” I stirred my tea. “About what?”
“She says you’re attacking her, mocking her boundaries, and crossing the line. She showed me the invoice you sent.”
A concerned woman | Source: Midjourney
I waited, heart pounding.
Then he continued, his voice softer. “I told her she deserved it. I had no idea she intended to leave you a bill for using our stuff while you were staying here, Mom.”
Relief washed over me.
“I’m sorry if I caused problems between you two,” I said.
A close up of a woman’s face | Source: Pexels
“Don’t be,” he sighed. “We’ve been having… discussions about family expectations. This just brought things to a head. But Mom?”
“Yes?”
“That was some invoice. I didn’t know you had it in you.”
A man speaking on his phone | Source: Pexels
I laughed. “I raised you, didn’t I? I know a thing or two about standing my ground.”
A week passed. The incident faded from my immediate thoughts as life went on. I was out gardening, up to my elbows in soil, when my phone buzzed with a Venmo alert.
$40 from Brittany.
Caption: To settle my debt. Please don’t charge me interest 😂
A cell phone on a table | Source: Pexels
I let out a laugh so loud the neighbor’s cat jumped from the fence.
That evening, I did what a real grandma would: donated it to the local children’s hospital in Noah’s name.
Because you never beat pettiness with more pettiness — you do it with grace, glitter, and a spreadsheet.
A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney
I Caught My Husband with His Affair Partner at the Airport and Decided to Follow Them to Paris — Story of the Day
My world was shattered in an airport terminal when I discovered my husband with another woman. But a chance encounter with a handsome and charming airline pilot led me on a whirlwind romance to Paris. And yet, my heart wasn’t sure if something like that could last.
Brian and I were at a crossroads in our marriage, though I hadn’t fully realized it. But I was still hopeful for us, so clutching my ticket to Paris, I navigated the crowded local international airport, trying to stifle the nerves churning within me.
I planned to surprise Brian on his business trip to France, so we could reignite our romance in the city of love. However, I saw his silhouette at the airport and quickly realized he had a young woman on his arm, and they were intimately linked.
My heart sank as I realized his deceit. “Brian!” I exclaimed, shocked.
He turned, his face cycling from surprise to detachment. He let go of the strange woman and walked over to me. “Ava, why are you here?” he asked, frowning.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“I wanted to surprise you, to spend time together in Paris,” I said, my voice trembling as my romantic fantasy shattered.
Brian pulled me farther away from the others with his pursed lips in annoyance. “This isn’t a good time, Ava. It’s a business trip,” he dismissed, snatching and tearing up my ticket. “And before you get any ideas, she’s just a colleague. Go home.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “I thought we were trying to fix things,” I murmured, heartbroken.
“This was a mistake. Leave,” Brian said coldly, walking away, grabbing the woman’s hand, and leaving me crushed. I sank to the floor, sobbing heavily as I leaned on my suitcase. That’s where Jack found me.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his tone imbued with genuine concern. I looked up into the kindest eyes I had ever seen and noticed his pilot uniform, which made him so handsome.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
After telling him what I had gone through, Jack offered me a first-class seat to Paris, no strings attached.
“Why would you help me?” I asked, touched but shocked.
“Everyone deserves a fresh start,” he replied, smiling warmly.
Grinning back slightly, I accepted, hoping Paris might help mend my shattered heart.
***
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
In the comfort of my first-class seat, I felt a sense of peace, which distanced me from my recent situation. The luxury was perfect for my shattered heart. Yet, the tranquility was short-lived because my Brian appeared out of seemingly nowhere, his face contorted with indignation.
“What are you doing here?” he sneered.
I mentioned Jack’s invitation, only to be met with Brian’s scorn. I saw my husband get angrier and more red-faced as he kept talking, but Jack appeared out of nowhere and intervened, his authority undisputed.
He firmly told Brian, “She’s here at my invitation,” and directed him back to economy class. I thanked him, relieved that someone had stood up for me.
“You’re welcome. Enjoy the flight, and remember, you deserve to be treated with respect, here and everywhere else,” he said, smiling as usual, and retired back to the cockpit.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
Just as I was settling back against my seat, ready to sleep the entire flight, Brian showed up in my face. His breath smelled of cheap vodka, but his words were even more surprising.
“You think you’ve won, don’t you? Enjoying your little victory lap up here? Well, listen closely. The first thing I’ll do when we land in Paris is cut off all your credit cards. Let’s see how far you get without a penny to your name,” he threatened.
Was this truly my husband?
Before I could succumb to the fear his threats inspired, a hostess interrupted and asked him to return to his seat. A few minutes later, Jack was back at my side, and he proposed something I couldn’t refuse.
“I’ll ensure you’re not alone in Paris. You can stay in my hotel suite, all expenses covered,” he offered with his bright, beautiful eyes.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“But why would you do this for me?” I asked in disbelief. Of course, I was grateful, but the world wasn’t kind, and this man had treated me better in the last hour than my husband had during our entire relationship.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Jack replied. “Besides, I have a feeling that Paris might just be the beginning of a new chapter for you, one filled with hope and healing. Let me be part of that journey, even just as a friend offering support.”
Finally smiling back, I accepted his generosity and felt a spark of hope.
***
In Paris, the vibrant streets became my healing ground. Jack, acting as my unexpected guardian, guided me through the city, each day mending my heart a little more. As we explored this wonderful place, from the serene Seine to the bustling Montmartre, I shared my innermost thoughts with him, feeling an unexpected bond forming.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
One evening, under the Eiffel Tower’s glow, I realized my feelings for Jack had evolved into something deeper. This change was both exciting and daunting, especially because I had just met him. Perhaps, it was this city. Maybe it wasn’t real, but it felt genuine.
And the magic of this place wasn’t over. An unexpected turn came one crisp morning when I received an email that would once again alter the course of my journey.
On a flight of fancy, before I had decided to chase my husband on his “business trip” to Paris, I had applied for a job advertised on LinkedIn at a prestigious fashion house.
This opportunity promised a stable, independent life in this new city. But there was uncertainty, too. Accepting the position meant anchoring myself to Paris, to a life that was still foreign and new.
It also posed a question that tugged at my heart — what would this mean for my budding relationship with Jack? Conflicted, I discussed the job with him during a rain-soaked walk.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“I’m so proud of you,” Jack said when I finished explaining, his voice warm and encouraging. “This is an incredible opportunity. You’ve come so far, and you deserve every bit of success and happiness that comes your way.”
“But what about us?” I asked.
Jack reached out and took both my hands in his. “What we have is special, and I won’t pretend that this doesn’t complicate things. But I also know that love isn’t about holding each other back. It’s about supporting each other’s dreams, even when it’s hard.”
Tears glistened in my eyes as the truth of his words sank in. Here was a man who truly wanted what was best for me, who understood the importance of finding my own way.
“You have a chance to start anew, to build a life that’s entirely your own,” Jack continued, squeezing my hand. “No matter what you decide, I’ll be here for you. We’ll figure out the rest together.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
As we kissed under the twinkling lights and tumbling rain, the sounds of the city around us, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Paris had offered me a chance at redemption, and in Jack, I had found not just a lover but a true partner.
***
While we prepared to leave, Jack offered me a choice: return with him to New York or stay in Paris for the job. He would try to make it work, either way. Touched by his support, I realized what I truly wanted.
“I’ve found strength and love here, Jack, but you have changed everything for me,” I shared. “I want to give us a chance.”
So, during our last walk along the Seine, we decided to return to New York together, committed to each other.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
***
However, the reality of our situation set in once we landed at JFK. I met him at baggage claim, and as we walked outside, Jack expressed his concerns about the practicalities of our relationship given his career and lifestyle.
“My job is not just a job to me. Flying, exploring new cities — it’s a part of who I am. I’m away a lot, and I worry about what that means for us,” he said carefully.
“I love you and while I’m scared, I believe we can navigate this together,” I assured him.
“It might not work,” Jack continued, the words hanging heavy between us. “Let’s take a few days to think about this. To think about us. I want you to be sure.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
I nodded, swallowing thickly and feeling like our Parisian love bubble was bursting.
Then, Jack handed me a voucher for a hotel stay in New York. “I don’t want you to feel unsupported,” he said. “Take your time to decide what you want, especially about Brian. I’ll be in touch.”
“I swear I want to make this work, Jack,” I said, desperately.
“I still think we both should take some time. Traveling can muddle your brain, especially about love,” he admitted, and we said goodbye with just a small peck.
I remained alone at the terminal long after Jack left. While I was contemplating my future, Brian’s mocking voice interrupted my solitude. “How’s life after your escapade with the pilot?” he taunted, with his mistress by his side.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“Go away, Brian,” I said, grabbing my bag and starting to roll away.
“Wait, dear wife. How’s life treating you after your little affair with the pilot? Didn’t take long for that to fall apart, did it? Are you all alone here, waiting for me to rescue you?” my husband asked, mocking me.
“Wife?” the woman at his side finally asked.
“Nina, not now,” Brian said dismissively.
Watching her face, I realized she had no idea Brian was married. Suddenly, her hand moved and a sharp sound echoed through the terminal — the unmistakable crack of a slap. Nina had struck him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“You lied to me!” she exclaimed. Brian, stunned, had no defense. Then, she turned to me full of apologies.
I gave her an understanding nod. “It’s not your fault,” I said, crossing my arms as I stared at my husband.
With a firm stance, Nina declared to Brian, “We’re done,” and walked away.
I faced my husband, wanting to laugh, but noting that I didn’t feel an ounce of love for him anymore. “Goodbye, Brian,” I said and walked away from him, just like Nina.
It was liberating.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
***
The vibrancy of New York mirrored my own transformation. I had evolved from my sad, lonely marriage. Reflecting on my journey with Jack, I realized our shared experiences had ignited a deep desire for adventure and growth.
Therefore, I decided to become an air hostess, blending my newfound independence with my love for Jack and the skies. With his support, I navigated the application process and training, and our relationship matured into a fantastic partnership.
At last, I was assigned to my first flight, coincidentally on one of Jack’s routes. Dressed in my air hostess uniform, I met his proud gaze as I walked down the airplane aisle.
His embrace and the kiss we shared were filled with the promise of the brightest future together.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a stewardess who banned an Arab man from boarding a plane, unaware he was the airline’s new owner.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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