Young Woman Gets a Job as a Maid and Notices Mother’s Framed Photo in Boss’s Bedroom

Sarah secured employment as a housekeeper in NYC and headed to her initial client. The residence was an elegant dwelling in Manhattan, but something startled her. She discovered an image of her parent in the study. Suddenly, an individual entered.

"I'll deliver excellent service," Sarah encouraged herself before her first task. Several days prior, she and her companion, Jenny, had relocated to NYC to pursue their aspirations of becoming theater performers.

Initially, they required employment to share living expenses. Fortunately, Jenny secured work at a retail shop, while Sarah found placement with a housekeeping service.

The arrangement was ideal. The schedule remained flexible, and Sarah found peace in cleaning activities. Additionally, when the house was empty, she could practice her vocal exercises.

Before entering her first client's residence, thoughts of her parent, Diana, surfaced. Diana disapproved of such ambitious pursuits, especially in NYC.

Sarah grew up in Philadelphia, relatively close by. She never knew her father, and Diana remained silent about his identity. Diana harbored an unexplained aversion to NYC. She had also overprotected Sarah throughout her youth, prompting Sarah's eventual departure.

During relocation planning with Jenny, Sarah anticipated Diana's resistance. She suspected Diana might even claim illness to prevent her leaving. Yet Sarah remained determined to follow her aspirations. Taking control of her future, she departed secretly, leaving a brief message on Diana's dresser while she slept.

Diana hadn't contacted her in days, which seemed unusual. Sarah assumed anger motivated the silence. She hoped Diana would accept the situation once Sarah achieved theatrical success. For now, her focus remained on her cleaning duties.

The service manager indicated an elderly gentleman occupied the residence alone, suggesting minimal maintenance. Upon entering with the concealed key, Sarah commenced her tasks - beginning in the kitchen, proceeding through the living area, and advancing toward the sleeping quarters.

She paused briefly at the study entrance but noted no restrictions about access. She decided to clean carefully around the desk area.

The space featured an elegant hearth with decorative shelving and extensive bookcases lining the opposite wall. Such sophisticated decor reminded Sarah of cinematic settings.

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She cleaned swiftly and meticulously until she reached the shelf above the fireplace. Multiple photographs decorated the surface, but one specific image captured her focus. The picture showed her mother, appearing nearly two decades younger. "What's my mother's photograph doing here?" she pondered aloud.

Footsteps approached, and an elderly gentleman entered. "Greetings! You're the new housekeeper, I presume. I'm Robert Morris, the homeowner," he said cheerfully. "Have you completed this room?"

"Nearly finished, sir. Could I inquire about something?" She spoke cautiously, hoping her question about the photograph wouldn't offend him. "Could you identify this woman?"

"Which one?" he asked, stepping closer and adjusting his spectacles. "Oh yes, that's Helen. She was my greatest love."

Her instincts heightened instantly. "What became of her?" She inquired tentatively.

"A tragic bus accident claimed her life. She was expecting then. Her mother's hatred prevented me from attending the funeral. It seems unreal... Despite attempting to continue living, I never succeeded. She remains in my heart," Robert explained, removing his glasses and moving to his desk.

"Pardon my intrusion, sir, and thank you for sharing. But this woman bears an incredible resemblance to my mother," she disclosed.

The gentleman regarded her with puzzlement. "Please explain."

"My mother, also named Helen, looks identical to this person. Though she's aged since then, the similarity is remarkable. I'm almost certain it's her," she explained, pointing to the photograph while facing Robert.

"Helen? Your mother is Helen? Where were you raised?"

"Philadelphia," she replied casually. Suddenly, realization struck her - if this was indeed Helen, Robert could be her father.

Robert's hand covered his mouth. "This seems impossible..." he murmured. "Could you share your mother's contact information?"

"Of course," she complied.

"Would you mind staying while I call?" he asked, receiving her agreement.

He immediately dialed using his desk phone. Her mother answered quickly. "Hello? Caroline, is that you?"

Robert glanced at her briefly before speaking. "Am I speaking with Helen Geller?"

"Yes. Who's calling?" Helen responded.

"Helen, it's Robert," his voice trembled slightly.

"Which Robert? Wait... Robert Morris? Why contact me now?" Helen's tone grew stern unexpectedly.

They exchanged bewildered looks, but Robert persisted. "What do you mean 'now'? I believed you were deceased!"

"Excuse me?"

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Robert shared his understanding of the supposed tragedy where he lost his intended wife and unborn child. He described how Helen's mother blocked his attendance at the funeral and withheld all information afterward. Helen listened, bewildered, then shared her version of events.

"My mother claimed you phoned and rejected any involvement with me. Subsequently, I raised my child alone," Helen disclosed, leaving Sarah stunned by this revelation.

"That's false... Helen, I would never desert you. My life remained stagnant. Thoughts of you filled my days. The loss of you and our baby caused endless grief," Robert explained while Helen remained silent.

"My mother's actions shock me, yet align with her character. I feel lost about our next steps," Helen finally spoke. "How did you discover I survived?"

"Mother, I'm present," Sarah interjected. She quickly detailed the circumstances and assured her mother about her safety in NYC.

"This situation seems surreal. We can't question my mother's cruel choices now - she passed away years ago. Sarah, when will you return home?" Helen demanded firmly.

"My return depends on my Broadway success. Besides, I now have additional reasons to stay," Sarah replied, offering Robert a gentle smile.

"Very well, but expect my visit soon," Helen concluded before ending the call. Robert and Sarah exchanged wordless glances before breaking the silence.

"I suppose you're my father," she said brightly. His laughter eased the tension.

Key lessons emerge from this narrative:

Support your children's aspirations. Sarah's escape stemmed from excessive protection. Parents should guide while respecting their children's choices.

Some relatives act against family interests. Helen's mother's harmful actions toward Helen and Robert remained forever unexplained.