A week after Karen’s life savings were stolen, she couldn’t believe her eyes when she spotted her son, Jake, pulling into the driveway in a shiny red sports car.
“Where did you get that car?” Karen demanded as she walked into the kitchen.
Jake leaned casually against the counter, spinning the keys on his finger. “I got a new job.”
“A job?” Karen crossed her arms. “Doing what? You’ve never held down a job in your life.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “It’s legit, Mom. Don’t worry.”
But Karen couldn’t stop worrying. After years of single-handedly raising Jake and scraping by, she knew things didn’t just magically work out. The robbery had left her broke and desperate, and now her son was flaunting a luxury car?
“You didn’t take my money, did you?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Jake’s face darkened. “How could you even think that? I’m trying to fix things for us, and this is the thanks I get?”
He stormed out, leaving Karen to stew in her suspicions. She grabbed her keys and followed him, her heart pounding. Jake’s new car led her across town to an upscale salon, where she watched him greet an elegant woman.
“Who is she?” Karen muttered to herself as the woman wrapped her arms around Jake and kissed him. They drove to a sprawling mansion, and Karen couldn’t hold back.
At the door, she confronted them.
“Mom?” Jake’s voice was tight as the woman stepped forward.
“I’m Lydia,” she said, smiling politely. “Jake’s girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” Karen’s voice cracked. “Jake, what is going on? My house was broken into, you’re driving a sports car, and now this?”
“It’s not what you think,” Jake said. “I love Lydia.”
Karen’s skepticism deepened, but Jake refused to explain further.
That night, Jake returned home. “Mom, I should’ve told you sooner,” he said, sitting across from her. “Lydia’s been helping me. She believed in my art and got me an exhibition. I sold enough to pay your debts, and the car was a gift to thank you for everything.”
Two days later, Karen stood in a gallery filled with Jake’s paintings. During his speech, Jake said, “This night is for my mom. None of this would’ve happened without her.”
He held out the car keys. “This is yours, Mom. Thank you.”
Tears filled Karen’s eyes. After years of struggle, they were finally going to be okay.