{"id":78864,"date":"2024-08-30T09:36:29","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T02:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/?p=78864"},"modified":"2024-08-30T09:36:56","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T02:36:56","slug":"husband-talked-in-his-sleep-i-was-stunned-when-i-uncovered-his-20-year-secret-because-of-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/husband-talked-in-his-sleep-i-was-stunned-when-i-uncovered-his-20-year-secret-because-of-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Husband Talked in His Sleep \u2014 I Was Stunned When I Uncovered His 20-Year Secret Because of It"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>When my husband, Jack, is very tired, he talks in his sleep. After almost 20 years of marriage and raising two kids, I\u2019d gotten used to his sleepy mumblings. They were generally harmless little things, often about work, fishing, or his car.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/glNtYJ5xl30SD_yW_L86z1qZvE3luQd8kGM5tkFBe6w\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2U3OWVhZDQyZDdjMGEyODg4NjUzOWQ5Njc3NmVmMzJkOWFlYjNkMTIzYzQ3ZThmZWNjNzExNzViMWFiMDk0YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7e79ead42d7c0a28886539d96776ef32d9aeb3d123c47e8fecc71175b1ab094a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man sleeping source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man sleeping | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>But last night, something he said made the hair on my arms stand on end.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t go into the basement,\u201d he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I sat up in bed, my heart pounding. A few minutes later, he mumbled again.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/E2GwgSbjv8CTxsgUkxQkRJtTXejq4idoal03Ylv6-d8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2E2MWMyMDkyMWY0ODRkYjY1N2RhNmQ3ZmJhMmFlMGQyYTFhNGI1YTI0ZjUyMGNmNzVhOTI2Mzg3YWQwNjQ5MC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ca61c20921f484db657da6d7fba2ae0d2a1a4b5a24f520cf75a926387ad06490.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' dark bedroom at night source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A dark bedroom at night | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf zf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' cg tf>\n<div id='\"vidazoo\"' data-position='\"in_article_2_2\"' data-code='\"21668216007\/amomama_com_vidazoo\"' data-slot-type='\"11\"'>\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cLiz, don\u2019t open this.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Then, with a final murmur, he sighed deeply.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cThey\u2019ll find out about the suitcase.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>What suitcase? What was this man talking about?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si' ti>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/2EEzC6813iQl6Mu3KO0j5S18OKo-eCyE-9M6ce1xrkY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTNhZDhlOThmNGNkNDY1MWE4MzQ2Y2ExYmVkMTgxODJlODVkNWM0ZDBlZWMzZThjZWY1ZGJkNWNiNjk4NzA0OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/53ad8e98f4cd4651a8346ca1bed18182e85d5c4d0eec3e8cef5dbd5cb6987049.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting on a bed source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting on a bed | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The next morning, I couldn\u2019t shake the eerie feeling that had overcome me. Over breakfast, as I tossed eggs around in a pan, I decided to bring it up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cHey, honey,\u201d I said casually. \u201cYou were talking in your sleep last night. Something about a box in the basement. Isn\u2019t that weird?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>My husband\u2019s face turned pale, and he forced a laugh, but I could see the tension in his eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_3\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_03\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_3\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Ui6ODpAyX6CyKomJ7ZWH2y1SX0w_nKsmRPBqjJ9okyU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGUwOWFkMWY4N2FhOTQ4ZDIxZTZlOWFhMjI5NGZmYzkxMjZhMjA0NzhmNmEyNjE5NDkzYzY0OGJlM2NmNGVlZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0e09ad1f87aa948d21e6e9aa2294ffc9126a20478f6a2619493c648be3cf4eed.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' egg in a pan source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An egg in a pan | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWhat? Really? That must have been some crazy dream!\u201d he said, avoiding my gaze.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I knew my husband well. I mean, we\u2019d been together for over 20 years, and I could easily tell when he was lying or uneasy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>His reaction told me just one thing:\u00a0<strong class='\"Hg\"'>I needed to see what was in the basement.\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/H-kkEAZ_V7jCt8WCo5xzRcfZzGV97iFNdFn6r9iVdo4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2E0ZDllYjc3OTg2NDU1NWI4ZjgwNjNmOTE1ZmExOGE1Nzc2ZDFiZjY5MzRlNjg0YjU1ODdkZTZlOWJlYmY3MS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7a4d9eb779864555b8f8063f915fa18a5776d1bf6934e684b5587de6e9bebf71.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' worried older woman source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A worried older woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_4\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_04\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_4\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cCome on, Liz,\u201d I told myself as I took a flashlight to the basement.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>As far as I could remember, the light in the basement had been burnt out for a long time, and other than to get our Christmas decorations or take out winter coats, we barely went down there.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>But when I went to check, I found the door locked with a padlock.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/UzLu8zZeTU6GbdCO55EY3YLPCiS08cIBtXZ5Lz6TrLM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmFiNDg0MzlhNmM1YTRlMGNmZDNkNTkxZGRkMzdkZjUxMTczODZlYjRiMzIyNzY1Y2EzYjdjNTk4Y2RiZDg3NS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTkzNiZoZWlnaHQ9NjA4.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2ab48439a6c5a4e0cfd3d591ddd37df5117386eb4b322765ca3b7c598cdbd875.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' padlock on a door source: midjourney width='\"1936\"' height='\"608\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A padlock on a door | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cHey, honey,\u201d I called out to my husband, trying to keep my voice steady. What was so secretive in the basement that it needed to be protected by locks?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWhere\u2019s the key to the basement? The door\u2019s locked,\u201d I said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I waited patiently for Jack to respond, but the seconds of silence were deafening. Finally, I heard his heavy footsteps as he appeared in the hallway, his face carefully blank.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_1\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_01\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_1-0\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/tzOwdTIOc2gej9WsLlfzxAIv8N8oN02CUKbdizFnYhk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjM0NjQyNmIzZTE4NTkyOTY0M2M1MGY0YjVhMTBmMjFiZDI4YjNiOGUyMDU2ZTNiMWQzYzg3NzE5ZmE1OGUzOS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f346426b3e185929643c50f4b5a10f21bd28b3b8e2056e3b1d3c87719fa58e39.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man in a hallway source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man in a hallway | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI lost the keys years ago,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you need access, I\u2019ll break down the door this weekend and clean everything up for you. We can replace the door and make something out of the basement. Yeah?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>His response only heightened my suspicion.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Christmas was only three months ago, and Jack had fetched all our Christmas decorations from the basement. So, what was this whole thing about the keys being lost for years?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si' ti>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/OzfUTbtt4yKIsUP8rRIbuu1xQZhpypxk3mYGH9OXqtk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTI3Yzg4ODQzODNlNTdmOTYxOGI0MzJlN2Q2MDEzMmVlZmM0YTI2MTRlNGEwN2Y4MDk0MDk3MzY2NDc4NjcwNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/127c8884383e57f9618b432e7d60132eefc4a2614e4a07f80940973664786706.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' stack of boxes source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A stack of boxes | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_2\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_02\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_2-1\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>As soon as he left for work, I went upstairs to our son\u2019s room. Michael was home from college, having deferred a semester, and I knew that I needed his help to get into the basement.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI need your help, now,\u201d I said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cMom, what\u2019s going on?\u201d Michael asked, pulling his covers back. \u201cIs everything okay?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/BHNVXOi0j5oK4wRwndBwC27z6Ywnp3ghWi6Rgog_KOw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTYzNDFhYzFkNGM4N2E2OTc3NjYyZDE4NThjYmVlOTEwMTI0OWUwZjQwZWM2ZTYxYWU4ZTFlMmI0MTUwZTg5OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/96341ac1d4c87a6977662d1858cbee9101249e0f40ec6e61ae8e1e2b4150e899.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' close-up of a young man source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A close-up of a young man | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI need you to help me get into the basement,\u201d I said. \u201cYour dad\u2019s been acting really strange, and I need to know why.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cAnd you think that there\u2019s something in there?\u201d he asked, frowning.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si' ti>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Bo-h3cxNboVoMxcBqSJrgCk37Ql5We4Bx58OXnpfy-g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGRiMGMwYWRhOWZlYmZjY2E0YjYzNjZkOWI4ZTJhYTRmYTBhMzcyNWFlODUzMDA1YjJkOTA5YzY1ZjllYTEyNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTI4JmhlaWdodD0xMjMy.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0db0c0ada9febfcca4b6366d9b8e2aa4fa0a3725ae853005b2d909c65f9ea125.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' young man sitting on his bed source: midjourney width='\"928\"' height='\"1232\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A young man sitting on his bed | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_3\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_03\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_3-2\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYes!\u201d I replied. \u201cYou get us inside, and I\u2019ll make you anything you want for breakfast.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>My son grinned and nodded his head.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He went outside into the garden shed and got Jack\u2019s angle grinder, and with a mixture of curiosity and concern, we headed to the basement door.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/E7g6aeDtIdfC9OEkzaKFtc7mFPMi7VuegRhIPeSDu0I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZWQwYWJjZjdkYjE3YTE2MjcwOTEwYzdmNGU1ZGNiODg2MzkyODg0M2QwZGIxZDVmNzM1Y2FkMjQ0ZGFmYmY3Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ed0abcf7db17a16270910c7f4e5dcb8863928843d0db1d5f735cad244dafbf7c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' garden shed source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A garden shed | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The sound of the grinder cutting through the padlock was loud, and my heart raced with every second. I knew that whatever we were about to find was about to change our lives forever.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Judging from Jack\u2019s reaction, nothing good could come from this.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Moments later, the lock fell to the ground with a heavy clink.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_4\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_04\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_4-3\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>We swung open the door and walked down the stairs, our eyes adjusting to the dim scene in front of us. The basement looked as it always had, a bit dusty and untidy, with items that we were hoarding for no reason at all.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/m8sdE-R1Ehe3DvlPb7G1ZWJmI8BK0e1iLhEEXHjgpzQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTFlNzM5YzEzNjFhZDk1NzExYTJkZjdmMGY3NmUzZTQyNzQzY2RiMjE3ZGEzMTk4NTRkM2IwYTk3ZWU3NTg3Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a1e739c1361ad95711a2df7f0f76e3e42743cdb217da319854d3b0a97ee75872.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' untidy basement source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An untidy basement | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cMom, really?\u201d Michael said, gently kicking a box of his childhood toys. \u201cYou still have these things? We don\u2019t need this stuff.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s worth holding onto,\u201d I said, glancing around, trying to find something strange and unfamiliar.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cSo, what are we looking for?\u201d Michael asked, looking around. \u201cIt just looks like a regular basement, if anything.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI know,\u201d I replied. \u201cBut there\u2019s something here we need to find. A suitcase of some sort. I don\u2019t think it will be labeled like the others.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si' ti>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/XBH2_T0khWTpkdSbTA2LecyJnyoJMF1w3mjhGQc9-Lc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDMxYTNlYjI0NWY0NjUxZmNmY2E4ODIwM2JlMzRiMzExN2M5ZGM0NzllZjQ1NTRjM2VkNzFkZDU5MTQ0YWJmMy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTYwJmhlaWdodD0xMjAw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d31a3eb245f4651fcfca88203be34b3117c9dc479ef4554c3ed71dd59144abf3.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' frowning woman source: midjourney width='\"960\"' height='\"1200\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A frowning woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cOkay, understood,\u201d Michael said, beginning to part his way through boxes. \u201cAnd just remember, I like my bacon extra crispy when you\u2019re doing my breakfast.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I laughed along with him.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/4njYPnZuazMcjMN5KK6kATvrH9Si9mxHanXefQYImeE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjQ5NjczYWMwZTMzMDliNjBiYzlmZjU2MzhhODIxODJmMTExY2Q1MzVlODdmNDQzYWE4ZDhjYmQ5MzEyYmUwNC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/249673ac0e3309b60bc9ff5638a82182f111cd535e87f443aa8d8cbd9312be04.png%5C%22" alt='\"Crispy' bacon in a pan source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Crispy bacon in a pan | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_2\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_02\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_2-5\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>We began rummaging through the clutter. And after a while, Michael called out.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI think I found something!\u201d he said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He pulled out an old suitcase from behind a stack of paint cans. The suitcase was solid, heavy, and sealed shut with one of those combination locks.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI bet it\u2019s my birthday,\u201d Michael joked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>But it wasn\u2019t. So, with a hammer and a crowbar, my son worked hard against the suitcase and eventually we opened it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/KH0ULBxBQITa_oaQl-Ivzl7Exq3MX_Mlc4WsPUs9gFE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGY3MTRiNWIyN2RkZjkxZWIzZDU0M2M1NDQ3M2JlMWJmNzA4YzZhYjAwMWIzNDZhOGRmZjAzNzc3N2U5YzM4YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0f714b5b27ddf91eb3d543c54473be1bf708c6ab001b346a8dff037777e9c38a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' close-up of an old suitcase source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1345\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A close-up of an old suitcase | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWhat on earth is this stuff?\u201d he asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cLet\u2019s see,\u201d I said. \u201cBring it here.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_3\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_03\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_3-6\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Inside, we found a collection of old documents, a set of keys, and a map. The documents were old property deeds and legal papers, but there was one in particular that stood out.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>It was labeled \u201cInheritance.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/RUhfQ78EYFUN6v-DUdqVXzEhCCNidX6twe72i3nptic\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTk4MTkyYTFlZDQyMDhiMzk4MmJhMGVjYmRiOTBmOTc2OTliMjBkYjM5YzVjMzUwNzY0OWY3Y2QwZmE2NmQwNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/598192a1ed4208b3982ba0ecbdb90f97699b20db39c5c3507649f7cd0fa66d05.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' stack of documents source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A stack of documents | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cInheritance?\u201d Michael said, reading over my shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019re rich?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cShush,\u201d I said. \u201cLet me read this and figure it all out.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The document revealed that Jack had inherited a large estate from his estranged uncle, including a mansion and a significant amount of money.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/fzsqwMmKsQ0gmsViaNfpVcPy-JVLfUYbGk3CsYqHBzY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2MyOWY2Y2NkNjdiZTJhZDYxNmU3ODZlNzI3ZGFiNDY5NWNlYmZmODVkNTM5MTEzNzYwZmQwZTFkOTA5MDE5ZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7c29f6ccd67be2ad616e786e727dab4695cebff85d539113760fd0e1d909019d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' stack of dollars source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A stack of dollars | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_4\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_04\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_4-7\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Judging from the dates on the document, Jack had kept this from me for years.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cSo, what does it all mean?\u201d Michael asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI\u2019m not completely sure yet,\u201d I said, trying to process the information. \u201cBut we need to find out more.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Just as I was absorbing everything, Michael pulled out another item. An old photo album.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/AAs5HMNGCAtKTHymyGdEmX2PHLKCqzHK7pjhl06wh6Q\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjkwYWEyMWMzZjhkOTA5NzQ3MjEyMTg3M2NkMmI2N2U5NTAxZGI5NGQ1MjVmNGExYmZlMzZlNGU4OWQ1NGQ5Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/290aa21c3f8d9097472121873cd2b67e9501db94d525f4a1bfe36e4e89d54d92.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' person looking at an old photo album source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1345\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A person looking at an old photo album | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The pictures showed Jack with another woman who seemed close to my age, and two little children, living in what looked to be the estate from the documents.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>It was clear that they had been a family.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"nh\"'><span class='\"oh\"'>Advertisement\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_1\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_01\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_1-8\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWho are these people?\u201d Michael asked, his voice filled with disbelief.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI have no idea,\u201d I whispered to my son, my mind reeling. \u201cBut we need to talk to your father.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Michael nodded slowly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cCome,\u201d I told him. \u201cLet\u2019s get you some breakfast.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>We went upstairs, and I made Michael some breakfast.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/B_w7K3t0B1Tuf04nzFdtuX_dDEEBHa4WDl2uP-iX6rw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzUzMzAwNzM0MWYzNmRkNWMzNmJhMThmNDU1YWYxODY5YjFlZjMzZjE2OWViNDRkZTliY2NiNGRmMGNlZjM0NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7533007341f36dd5c36ba18f455af1869b1ef33f169eb44de9bccb4df0cef344.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' breakfast plate source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1600\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A breakfast plate | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>My son wasn\u2019t stupid, and I knew that he understood what we had seen. Maybe our version of it was warped because of the disbelief and betrayal that swam through our thoughts.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>But it was clear: Jack had another family stashed somewhere.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si\"'>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/MPGE1t5hmLJ6d9aOng9gTmVogkdhtztTti5LJao6mIo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODYyMjY1YmJmN2NmNTVmZmNjNmY4ZWU2NmRhMWQ1YzAwYmVmNzM1NGFlNzQzZjIxMzQ4NGUwMGYzYzhmZTkzMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/862265bbf7cf55ffcc6f8ee66da1d5c00bef7354ae743f213484e00f3c8fe932.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' family of four source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A family of four | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>When Jack came home that evening, he saw the open suitcase and the look on our faces. Michael and I had been talking about the possibilities the entire day.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cLiz, I can explain,\u201d Jack stammered.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cExplain what, Jack?\u201d I snapped. \u201cThe mansion? The money? The other family? How long were you planning to keep this secret?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI never wanted you to find out like this.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"si' ti>\n<div class='\"ui\"'>\n<div class='\"Sd\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ssn68FIpSHy74rfDzKgt2XLAHOsjPmo4VMu0aL15-50\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmE5NWU5MWViZjEwZmQ0MWJmNTA0NjhkNmFjYzc0ZDVmZWZkY2VmNTI5NGQ3MmFmZTU1ODRiODZmNzVlYzZkYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Od' vi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6a95e91ebf10fd41bf50468d6acc74d5fefdcef5294d72afe5584b86f75ec6dc.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' shocked man source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"ri\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A shocked man | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' yf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ab wf>\n<div class='\"zb\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_3\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_03\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_3-10\"' class='\"wb\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cThen how?\u201d I demanded. \u201cHow were we supposed to find out? Were you going to tell us? Or were you just going to let this secret die with you?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI didn\u2019t want to hurt you. It was just a mistake. And I thought that I could handle it,\u201d he said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cHandle what?\u201d I asked, my voice breaking. \u201cHow long has this been going on?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></strong></p></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div>