The morning had already started off hectic before I even stepped out the door.
Balancing two jobs, keeping up with bills, and barely getting enough sleep left me feeling completely drained. That morning, I had been up before the sun, kneading dough in the bakery, when a sudden realization hit me.
I forgot to leave lunch money for my son, Caleb.
Just as I reached for my phone, a text popped up:
Mom, no lunch money?
Guilt hit me hard. Caleb was only twelve—he shouldn’t have to worry about things like this.
I immediately called him.
“Hey, Mom,” he answered, his voice soft. “I texted you… there’s no money for lunch today.”
I sighed, already feeling overwhelmed.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” I said. “I just got caught up with laundry before I left. I’ll figure something out.”
But before I could suggest anything, Caleb said something that made my heart stop.
“It’s okay! I’ll just grab some from the cereal box where Dad keeps money.”
I froze.
“What?”
“You know, the Cheerios box. Dad puts money in there sometimes. Sometimes inside, sometimes underneath.”
I tried to keep my voice steady.
“Oh… right. That’s a good idea, honey. I’ll see you later. Love you!”
After he hung up, my mind raced.
A secret stash? In the cereal box?
Why?
A Shocking Discovery
I spent the rest of my shift in a fog, my hands moving on autopilot as I pulled loaves from the oven. My husband, Marcus, and I had been carefully budgeting every dollar, making sacrifices to keep up with expenses.
We were behind on bills. The car needed repairs. I had to buy Caleb’s sneakers from a discount store because Marcus insisted money was tight.
And yet… he had cash hidden away?
By the time I got home that evening, I didn’t even bother taking off my shoes. I walked straight to the pantry.
And there it was.
An envelope, tucked beneath the Cheerios box.
With trembling hands, I pulled it out and peeked inside.
It wasn’t just a few dollars for lunch.
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