A young bride was changing her sheets daily. When her mother-in-law entered her room, she discovered a shocking secret that would break any mother’s heart. My son, Lucas, had been married to Elena for only a few days. Their wedding in Batangas was simple, yet full of laughter, tears, and passionate promises. Elena seemed like the ideal daughter-in-law: polite, respectful, always smiling, and attentive to every member of the family.

Even our neighbors and family were captivated by her. “We are truly lucky to have such a lovely daughter-in-law,” I told my friends at the market. A few days after the wedding, I noticed something peculiar. Mystery of the Sheets Elena would hang the sheets and blankets outdoors each morning to dry in the sun. Sometimes she changed them twice a day.

One day, I asked her why she changed the bedding every day. She replied with a sweet smile, “I’m sensitive to dust, Mom.” “I sleep better when everything is fresh and clean.” However, something seemed strange. All of the sheets were fresh, specifically chosen for the event, and beautifully scented. Nobody in our family had allergies. Gradually, a suspicion grew: there must be something more.

A shocking discovery. As I was getting ready for the market one morning, I noticed a weird odor coming from her room. When I opened the door, my heart raced. I approached the bed and gradually lifted the sheets. My legs nearly gave way. The sheet had scary, thick, dark stains. Panicking, I opened the drawers to see rolls of bandages, a container of disinfectant, and neatly folded garments discreetly concealed.

Elena’s truth. I seized Elena’s wrist and demanded an explanation. What is happening? Why is this happening? “Why hide it from me?” Her body trembled, her eyes filled with tears, and she was first mute. Then she fell into my arms, crying violently. — “Mom… Lucas has advanced leukemia. Doctors say he only has a few months left. We rushed through the wedding because I couldn’t leave him alone. “I wanted to stay with him, even though the time was short.”

My world crumbled. My kid, the boy I reared and loved, had kept this secret to protect me. Elena had decided to suffer in silence so that I did not break down. That night, I did not sleep a wink. Lying there, I thought about Lucas’s anguish and Elena’s gentle devotion by his side. The next day, I went to buy new sheets and assisted Elena in washing the old ones. Every morning, I got up early to be with them, to support them, and to remain by their side.

During a morning sheet change, I hugged Elena and expressed gratitude for her affection for my baby. For staying. For your decision, even knowing you would lose him.” Three months later, Lucas died quietly in his sleep. Elena clutched his hand and whispered “I love you” till his last breath. No agony, no struggle. Just peace. He had a nice smile on his face. Elena has not left since that day.

She never returned to her parents. She never got remarried. She stayed with me and discreetly helped run our tiny grocery store. She became like my own daughter. Today, two years later, they ask: — “Why does Elena still live with you?” I smile and respond: — “She not only became my son’s wife, but also my daughter.” And this home will always be hers.