The woman’s name was Lena. She had come highly recommended, was always punctual, always polite, and always eager to help. Emma had trusted her around her young son, around her husband Mark, and around every corner of their home.
But once doubt took root, it refused to leave. Over the following days, Emma found herself watching Lena more closely. Every smile felt rehearsed, every compliment strangely weighted. One afternoon, Emma caught her standing silently in the hallway, staring at a family photograph far longer than necessary.
When Lena realized she was being watched, she flinched. “Oh,” she said quickly, forcing a smile, “you have such a beautiful family.” The words sounded innocent enough, yet something in the way she said them made Emma’s stomach twist.
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