A Sister’s Justice
Joan was excited for a cozy movie night with her eight-year-old sister, Beverly. They snuggled together, Beverly wrapped in her favorite blanket, singing along to Let It Go from Frozen. It was a rare quiet moment since Joan had come home for Christmas break.
“Still love this movie?” Joan asked, tousling Beverly’s soft brown hair.
“Always!” Beverly giggled, eyes shining.
Their bond was strong, but Joan worried about how much Beverly had been through. Their mom passed away two years ago, and their dad remarried Sophia, who was polite but distant. Joan left for college soon after, leaving Beverly behind, a decision that weighed on her.
During a break from the movie, Joan asked, “Did you have a good Christmas?”
Beverly nodded happily. “Daddy got me a doll, and Sophia gave me pencils.”
“Pencils?” Joan frowned. “What about Grandma, Grandpa, or Aunt Liz? Didn’t they give you anything?”
“They gave me money,” Beverly said quietly.
“That’s great!” Joan exclaimed. “What were you going to buy?”
Beverly hesitated, fingers twisting her blanket. “I don’t have it anymore.”
Joan’s heart sank. “What do you mean? Where is it?”
“Sophia took it,” Beverly whispered. “She said I had too many presents and used it for groceries.”
Joan was furious. How could Sophia steal from a child and lie about it? “Don’t worry, Bev,” she said, hugging her sister. “I’ll fix this.”
The next day, Joan arranged a family dinner. Everyone gathered, Sophia chatting about her holiday bargains. Joan waited until dessert to speak up.
“Hey, everyone,” she began, drawing all eyes to her. “I have something to say.”
Beverly looked at her curiously, while Sophia’s smile froze.
“Did you all know how much Beverly loves her scooter?” Joan started with a smile. “She saved money for a bike, thanks to Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Liz. But somehow, Beverly doesn’t have that money anymore.”
Sophia’s grip tightened on her cup. “What’s going on?” their dad asked, concerned.
“Sophia took Beverly’s Christmas money,” Joan said firmly.
Silence filled the room. Sophia tried to laugh it off. “Joan, that’s not how it happened—”
“Beverly told me everything,” Joan interrupted. “You said she had too many gifts and used the money for groceries.”
Sophia blushed. “I was going to give it back. She wouldn’t have spent it wisely.”
Grandma’s voice was stern. “That money wasn’t yours to take.”
Their dad’s voice was firm. “You’ll return every cent tonight.”
Sophia tried to argue, but their dad’s tone brooked no disagreement. “And understand,” he added, “if anything like this happens again, there will be consequences.”
Later, Joan handed Beverly an envelope with $300, all returned by their dad. “Tomorrow, we’ll buy that bike,” she said with a smile.
Beverly’s face lit up. The next day, she chose a pink bike with tassels and a bell. With the extra money, she bought a doll and an art kit.
As they packed up the car, Beverly asked, “Do you think Sophia’s mad?”
Joan grinned. “Maybe. But she knows not to mess with you again.”
Back home, Beverly rode her new bike with joy, her laughter echoing through the neighborhood. Joan watched, knowing she had made things right—and seeing Beverly happy made it all worthwhile.
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