From the very beginning, when my son Ethan was born, it was clear that my mother-in-law (MIL) had a deep affection for him. Yet, that affection sometimes felt overwhelmingly like an obsession.

She often assured me that she could care for Ethan better than I could, citing my inexperience as a new mother. Initially, I didn’t take it to heart or feel offended; I understood that she adored him and wanted to be around him as much as she could.

However, as time went by, her comments began to unsettle me. She often critiqued my parenting style, especially how I fed Ethan, and repeatedly mentioned that he looked just like her son.

One day, she remarked that Ethan reminded her of someone she’d known for eternity. Her words gave me a shiver, but I chose to brush it aside.

When the time came for me to return to work and I mentioned hiring a babysitter, my husband’s mom stepped in, offering to look after Ethan. Even though I had a sense of discomfort, I agreed, knowing that beneath her odd demeanor, she truly loved him.

One particular day, I managed to finish work early. I bought some cookies on my way back, intending to share them with Margaret, my MIL, and Ethan.

As I neared the nursery, I noticed her rocking Ethan to sleep in the chair. Just as I was about to announce my presence, I overheard her softly speaking, “Don’t worry… She won’t find out who you really are.”

A chill ran down my spine. Who was she talking about?

She continued, “You’ll always be safe with me. I won’t let her spoil this. She doesn’t know, and she never will.”

“Margaret,” I interjected. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, I was speaking to Ethan,” she replied, seeing that I’d overheard her strange words.

“What do you mean I won’t know who he really is? You need to explain right now.”

Margaret seemed taken aback. Realizing I wouldn’t relent, she reached into her purse and handed me a worn-out photograph of two newborns wrapped in identical blankets.

It was at that moment my MIL unveiled that my husband had a twin brother who lived only three days.

The image portrayed my husband, Peter, alongside his late twin brother, James.

“But Peter never mentioned he had a brother,” I responded. “That’s because he’s unaware. I didn’t want him to bear that pain,” Margaret stated.

She believed that Ethan was her son James reincarnated. She implored me not to take that away from her.

“You must understand. I lost James, and now, he’s returned to me,” she insisted.

I pointed out that her bond with Ethan was not a healthy one, but she remained obstinate.

Unsure of the next steps, I requested her to leave and explained everything to Peter that night.

He was astounded. It was the first time he learned about having a twin brother. Together, we decided Margaret required professional counseling.

The following day, we invited her over and explained the necessity for therapy if she hoped to have any further contact with Ethan.

We both realized that Margaret had carried her grief deep within for far too long.

“When I see Ethan, I see James. It’s beyond my control. It’s as if… he’s back,” she expressed, reluctantly agreeing to therapy.

Margaret engaged with the therapy process and gradually confronted her sorrow. Over time, the burden she bore began to ease, and she started to perceive Ethan for who he truly was.

Eventually, I felt comfortable leaving Ethan under her care again.

Margaret thanked me for giving her the opportunity to resolve her grief and heal.

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