For three years, my neighbor kept to herself, and her child was a mystery to everyone. One day, I glimpsed something through her window that shocked me to my core.

There was always something intriguing about my neighbor Nelly. In the entire three years she had lived next door, I had rarely seen her outside, except for quick trips to the mailbox or the store. It was odd because she had moved in visibly pregnant, yet no one had ever seen her child.

I stood over the sink, shaking my head to clear away the unease. “Pull yourself together, Martha,” I told myself.

That evening, my husband Evan and I were on the porch, watching our boys play soccer. The sunset bathed the sky in beautiful shades of orange and pink, but I couldn’t dismiss the lingering discomfort.

“Evan,” I finally said, “Do you notice something odd about our neighbor?”

Evan looked curious, taking a sip of his beer. “Nelly? What’s going on?”

“She’s quite withdrawn. I attempted to chat with her at the grocery store, and she practically fled the scene.”

Evan chuckled, his arm relaxed over the porch swing. “Not everyone wants to mingle or host barbecues, Martha.”

“Maybe. But isn’t it strange there’s been no sight of her baby? It’s been three years now.”

He shrugged, more captivated by the boys’ game. “She might be a very protective mom. Don’t let it bother you, dear. Just focus on our own brood.”

Despite Evan’s assurances, the notion clung to me. “Perhaps you’re right. I might be overanalyzing things.”

He kissed my cheek. “That’s my girl. How about a game with the boys?”

We were about to join our kids when I noticed movement at Nelly’s house. I thought I saw a tiny face peeping out from behind the curtains, but when I blinked, it was gone.

About a week later, Nelly was in her garden. Seeing a chance, I approached the fence. “Lovely day!” I said brightly.

Nelly glanced up, fear widening her eyes. She dashed inside and slammed the door before I could say anything more.

“That was unexpected.”

“Talking to yourself, Martha?” chimed in Mrs. Freddie, my other neighbor. “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure, but something feels off,” I confided.

Mrs. Freddie offered a knowing look. “I’ll take a look.”

“What do you plan on doing?”

“You’ll see. Sometimes a little friendliness is all that’s needed.”

The next day, Mrs. Freddie made her way to Nelly’s door, apple pie in hand. I watched with eager anticipation.

Mrs. Freddie knocked, showing her best smile. Moments later, the door opened slightly. I couldn’t catch much of their conversation, but I heard Nelly’s firm “Go away!” before the door slammed again.

Mrs. Freddie returned heatedly, and I went to meet her.

“Did you see that?” she said, handing me the pie. “What on earth’s going on?”

As we speculated, a feeling grew that we were on the cusp of discovering something significant.

Sorting my mail one day, I found a letter for Nelly. An idea sparked.

“This could be my opportunity,” I thought, glancing around cautiously.

Approaching Nelly’s house with the letter, I was drawn to a movement inside. With curiosity piqued, I peered through her window.

My heart stopped.

A boy, about three, looked at me. His eyes, so familiar. And a distinctive birthmark on his cheek…

I screamed and collapsed on the stairs.

As I came to, neighbors were gathered around, concerned.

I staggered to Nelly’s door. “I know the truth, Nelly!”

The door opened, revealing Nelly with the boy clinging to her.

The birthmark was just like my husband’s.

“How could you?” I sobbed.

Nelly whispered, “I’m so sorry, Martha.”

“Mommy, who’s that lady?” asked the boy, a reminder of betrayal.

“I’m your father’s wife,” I answered softly.

Inside Nelly’s living room, the boy played as Nelly and I sat.

“Explain everything,” I requested.

Nelly spoke of a past entanglement with Evan, a secret pregnancy, and an agreement to remain hidden.

“It was Evan’s idea to live next door, so he could keep things discreet,” confessed Nelly.

I looked at Tommy and asked if he knew about Evan. Nelly shook her head.

The days and nights were tormenting after this revelation.

Upon Evan’s return, I prepared for the confrontation.

“Hey there,” he greeted.

“I have something for you,” I said, pointing to divorce papers.

“Martha, what-” he started, seeing the truth.

Nelly emerged with Tommy, and Evan’s guilt was exposed.

Evan’s despicable actions led to his family’s disapproval. As compensation, I received a stake in their company.

Nelly and Tommy moved away, leaving me to heal from the pain.

Watching my kids play, I made a vow: we would rise above this.

“Promise to always be honest and kind,” I asked of my sons. They agreed, and hope flickered anew.