When Sarah’s mom passed away, she was just 11. This experience left her deeply devastated. Her dad was lost as his own sea of grief. However, he eventually found love with someone else and remarried.

Sarah’s stepmom was an incredible woman who never tried to substitute Sarah’s mother, but was always there for her. What’s most, Sara felt love and appreciated and she was lucky this woman became part of her and her dad’s lives.

Life felt good again, but then another tragedy struck. Sarah’s dad lost his life.

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A day after his funeral, Sarah and her stepmom stood in complete silence in the dimly lit living room as uncertainty could be felt in the air.

Then, the silence was broken by the stepmom’s words, “I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. But I want you to know, I’m here for you. We’re family, no matter what.”

At that moment, Sarah felt relieved. “But everyone’s saying you’ll leave… go back to your family,” she mumbled, struggling to hold back tears. “Will I…will I go to an orphanage?”

“No, sweetie. You’re not going anywhere and neither am I. Look at me,” she said, her hand finding Sarah’s in the darkness. “She then cupped my face, planting a tender kiss on my forehead. “We’ll get through this together.”

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Fast forward to Sarah’s 18th birthday, she and her stepmom still lived together and were as close as ever. On the morning on the day which marked a milestone in Sarah’s life, her stepmom greeted her with a gift wrapped in a bow. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” she said as she handed Sarah the gift.

“Thank you,” Sarah replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for this woman who had chosen to stand by her through everything. “I have a surprise for you too, but… you’ll need to pack your things.”

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The stepmom went from smiling to making a serious facial expression. What could be wrong and why would Sarah ask from her to pack her things, were the first thoughts that came to her mind. “Pack my things? Are you… Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Sarah answered. “I want you to pack your things in the next hour. You’re leaving this house.”

“But why, dear? I thought we were a family…”

“It’s time,” Sarah said, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. “I’ve been planning this since the day Dad died. You are going to another city.”