I’m Ingrid. My life has always revolved around my daughter, Anna. I raised her on my own, working double shifts at a diner — and now, decades later, I manage that same place.
My pregnancy wasn’t planned, and when Anna’s father left before she was born, I swore she’d never feel like she missed out. I gave her everything. And in return, we had something beautiful. We were inseparable — a real Lorelai and Rory kind of bond.
When Anna met Jason, I was thrilled. He was kind, dependable, and I thought he was the one. They got married and moved to the city — not too far, just three hours — and I adjusted. At first, she called every day. We laughed about city life, shared stories, and talked like best friends.
But over time, those daily calls became weekly… then barely at all. She always sounded rushed, distracted, different. I tried not to take it personally, but it hurt. I started wondering: was something going on?
Finally, I couldn’t take the silence anymore. Two weeks ago, I baked her favorite cinnamon buns and boarded an early train. I imagined the smile that would light up her face when she opened the door and saw me standing there.
But when she opened the door… there was no smile. Just panic.
“Mom? What are you doing here?” she whispered, stepping outside and shutting the door behind her like she was hiding something.
“I brought cinnamon buns,” I said, holding up the basket, confused. “I just wanted to see you.”
Her eyes flicked nervously down the hallway. “You can’t be here. Please… just go.”
My heart dropped. “Anna, what’s going on? Is Jason—”
“Mom, please. Just go,” she snapped. Then she turned and shut the door in my face.
I stood there frozen. What had just happened? Was Jason hurting her? Was she in trouble?
I couldn’t leave without knowing. So I found a quiet corner in the hallway and waited.
Hours passed before she finally stepped out of her apartment, still looking tense and pale. As soon as the elevator doors closed behind her, I rushed to the door. It was unlocked. I went inside.
The apartment was a mess — clothes strewn everywhere, dirty dishes piled up. But that wasn’t what made me stop cold.
There was a crib in the living room.
I stood frozen, staring. My daughter… had a baby?
Just then, I heard the door open. Anna walked in and froze when she saw me. Her shoulders slumped.
“Mom…”
“You have a baby?” I whispered, trying to steady my voice.
She nodded slowly, tears forming. “I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Tell me you became a mother? The most important thing in the world?” I was stunned. “Where’s Jason? Is he hurting you? Is that why you’re afraid?”
She shook her head. “Jason’s gone. He left when I told him the baby wasn’t his.”
My legs gave a little.
“What?” I asked.
She sighed. “I made a mistake. With my boss. I thought he cared… but he laughed when I asked him to leave his wife. Then he fired me. I found out I was pregnant soon after.”
My heart broke again. “Anna…”
“I hoped the baby was Jason’s. But once she was born… it was obvious.”
I glanced at the crib. The baby’s features were unmistakably different.
“I didn’t want you to see this mess. After everything you gave me, I didn’t want you to feel like it was all for nothing.”
“Oh, honey,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “I didn’t work those double shifts just to have you shut me out. I did it because I love you — and I always will. No matter what.”
She broke down in my arms. “It’s been so hard, Mom. I’m barely holding it together.”
“Well, you’re not alone anymore,” I whispered. “I’m staying for a while.”
She nodded gratefully. “Her name is Stella,” she said.
Stella. My granddaughter.
That was two weeks ago. I’ve been here ever since — helping, cooking, rocking Stella to sleep.
But something still gnawed at me: her boss. A man who used his power to manipulate my daughter, fire her, and vanish. That’s not just a mistake. That’s abuse of power.
I’ve called a lawyer. I’m not letting that man walk away without consequences. I’ve got his wife’s name and email from social media, too. Maybe it’s time someone tells her the truth.
I used to think we were nothing like the “man drama” on Gilmore Girls. Turns out… we’ve got plenty. But this story’s not ending in silence or shame.
We’re just getting started.
