One night, as I followed my sleepwalking daughter, Lisa, I uncovered a startling truth.

Lisa, my cheerful little girl, had changed ever since Cynthia, my mother-in-law, moved in with us. The laughter faded, and the light in her eyes dimmed. Then, she began sleepwalking.

One evening, holding a new teddy bear, Lisa quietly moved around the house. I decided to follow her.

What I discovered chilled me to the bone.

Our family life had been simple and happy, just Tony, Lisa, and me. Tony worked long hours as a financial analyst, dreaming of starting his own company. One day, he arrived home, excitement shining in his eyes.

“Amelie, I found partners! I can start my business!” he exclaimed. I embraced him, proud beyond words.

But his expression changed as he added, “There’s one more thing. Mom wants to move in.”

The thought unsettled me. Cynthia and I never saw eye to eye. But Tony insisted, “She’s unwell, and she can help with Lisa since we’re both busy.” Despite my reservations, I agreed, “Alright, but I have a bad feeling about this.”

The day Cynthia arrived, she brought a gift. “A special teddy bear for my favorite granddaughter,” she grinned. Lisa was thrilled. “Thank you, Grandma!”

Cynthia attempted peace between us, saying, “I want to make things right, Amelie.” I smiled, but distrust lingered deep inside.

Initially, everything seemed normal. However, Lisa soon changed. She became tired during the day, cranky, and withdrawn. At night, she spoke in her sleep, and then the sleepwalking began.

One night, I discovered Lisa wandering, clutching the teddy bear. “Lisa?” I whispered, receiving no reply.

She headed quietly down the hall, not towards the kitchen or bathroom but to Cynthia’s room. I followed cautiously.

Inside, I heard Cynthia’s whispered words, “Go to Mommy and Daddy’s room. Get the money from the safe. Remember, this is our little secret.” My heart froze.

The following morning, Tony found money missing. “Amelie, did you take this?” he asked. “No,” I answered, but checking my purse revealed the missing money nestled within.

Determined, I waited up the next night, camera in hand, ready to record Lisa’s sleepwalking journey. Again, she went straight to Cynthia’s room.

“Good girl,” Cynthia murmured. “Now put it in Mommy’s purse, just like last time.” Enraged, I trembled while recording the scene.

Next morning, I confronted Tony, “Your mother is using Lisa to rob us.” He was dismissive until I played him the recording. His demeanor shifted immediately.

Storming into Cynthia’s room, Tony demanded an explanation. “Mom, what is this?!” Cynthia feigned innocence, “Oh, Tony, Amelie’s turning you against me.”

Tony firmly retorted, “You manipulated my daughter.” Cynthia sighed, “I was just… testing her loyalty, a harmless game.”

With a clenched jaw, Tony declared, “You need to leave.” Silently furious, Cynthia packed her belongings and left.

Lisa soon returned to her happy self, as bright as ever. The teddy bear met its fiery end in our fireplace.

Sometimes, not everyone is meant to be family, and some secrets are destined to come to light.