As a working mom without family support, I had found a babysitter to help me. Anna, a calm student, had been highly recommended by several friends. She specialized in early childhood education and was certified in first aid. Everything seemed perfect at first.
But one day, as I returned home an hour earlier than planned, I was shocked. 😯
When I opened the door, an unnatural silence hit me. The living room was frozen in a stillness that was not normal for two young children. The TV was playing an old cartoon, toys were scattered around, but I heard no laughter, no crying, no sounds of play. Just a heavy silence. 😯
Then, I saw the dog’s cage, the one we use for Bruno when he’s too excited during our guests’ visits. But this time, it wasn’t the dog inside.
It was my daughter, Ellie. 😯 Sitting cross-legged, as though the cage was a poorly built fort. Her cheeks were red and swollen, as if she had been crying. Her twin brother, motionless, stood next to her, barefoot.
I stood frozen, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. “What’s going on here?” I screamed.
Anna, her head buried in her phone, looked up and calmly answered as if nothing had happened. 😯 What she said was unbelievable, and I couldn’t find the words to respond. 😯
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Anna looked up and calmly responded: “Oh, they were playing zoo. She wanted to be the tiger.”
I approached Ellie, who was trembling, and she told me: “She closed the door, mommy. I said I didn’t want to play anymore.”
A cold chill swept over me. This wasn’t a game; it was pure negligence. How could she take it so lightly?
I turned toward Anna, my heart pounding. “Do you really think this is acceptable?” I said.
She responded in a nonchalant voice: “It’s just a game, nothing more. Kids love these imaginary games.”
I couldn’t believe it. I looked into her eyes, searching for a trace of guilt, but there was nothing. Just indifference.
I knelt down, holding Ellie tightly. “This isn’t a game, sweetheart. You should never feel like this.”
I stood up and, with a cold stare, told Anna: “You can leave. I never want to see you here again.”
She grabbed her bag, put away her phone, and left without a word.