My Daughter Started Drawing ‘Two Mommies’ –

When Brielle’s eight-year-old daughter, Brittany, started drawing pictures of “two mommies,” Brielle’s curiosity turned to unease. Brittany’s odd gifts—beaded bracelets, lip balm, snacks—hinted at a secret. One drawing labeled a woman “Mom” who wasn’t Brielle, sparking suspicion. Confronting Brittany, Brielle learned a woman named Ellie visited her after school, sneaking in through the side door. The name hit hard: Ellie, Brielle’s sister, who gave birth to Brittany and vanished eight years ago, leaving her for Brielle and Oliver to adopt after a

traumatic escape from an abusive partner. Thinking Ellie was gone forever, Brielle was stunned to learn she’d been secretly meeting Brittany. Setting a trap, Brielle hid and confronted Ellie when she arrived. Ellie confessed she’d fled danger, spotted Brittany by chance, and only wanted to know her, not take her. Torn by anger and love, Brielle agreed to therapy for all three. Slowly, trust grew. Ellie became “Aunt Ellie,” respecting Brielle’s role as Brittany’s mother. Through baking and therapy, they rebuilt a cautious bond. Brittany’s drawings now included three women, reflecting her bigger heart and the truth of her origins, while Brielle remained her unwavering mom.