A Mother’s Instinct: What Matteo’s Tears Revealed

Sandra and Andrew met in culinary school and quickly formed a deep bond. Their shared Italian roots and love for traditional cuisine brought them closer, and after graduating, they pursued their dream together. They opened a cozy Italian restaurant, got married, and later welcomed their son, Matteo.

As Matteo started daycare, the restaurant began to thrive thanks to glowing social media reviews. But success came with a cost: juggling a busy business and raising a toddler became overwhelming.

“We need help with Matteo… and the house,” Sandra told Andrew one evening.

They thought of Anthea, their neighbor’s daughter. She seemed responsible and was often home. The plan was simple: Anthea would pick Matteo up from daycare each day and watch him until Sandra and Andrew returned from work.

“He’s calm and well-behaved,” Andrew told her. “Just make sure he’s safe and happy.”

With Anthea helping, the couple could finally focus on the booming restaurant. But since they often returned home around 9 p.m., their time with Matteo was limited to mornings and bedtime. And Matteo, being a sweet and quiet child, never said anything bad about Anthea.

Then came an unexpected call from Mrs. Deborah, Matteo’s daycare teacher.

“I don’t want to alarm you,” she began, “but Matteo cries every time Anthea comes to pick him up. He’s so cheerful all day until she arrives. It’s happened three times this week. Something doesn’t feel right.”

Sandra was stunned. Anthea had only been with them a week. Matteo never cried when his parents were late. This behavior was completely new.

She shared the call with Andrew, and they agreed to stay calm. That night, Sandra gently asked Matteo, “How’s daycare going?”

“It’s great!” he smiled. “Patrick and Freddy are my best friends. And Miss Deborah is really nice!”

Sandra smiled back. “And what about Anthea? Do you like her?”

Matteo nodded—but without his usual joy. Sandra’s instincts kicked in. Something was wrong.

The next morning, Sandra called Anthea.

“Miss Deborah says Matteo’s been crying when you pick him up. Is everything okay?”

Anthea shrugged it off. “He probably just misses you two. He’ll adjust.”

But Sandra’s gut still told her otherwise.

She and Andrew agreed to secretly follow Anthea the next day. They waited near the daycare. When Anthea arrived, Matteo was still happily playing with his friends.

“Five more minutes, please?” Matteo asked.

“No. We’re leaving now,” Anthea snapped.

Andrew frowned. “That was unnecessary. It’s not even late.”

They followed her car back to the house. From a distance, they saw Matteo alone in the front yard. Suspicious, they pulled closer and looked through a window.

Anthea was inside—doing makeup tutorials on her phone and trying on outfits. Matteo had no food, no supervision, no attention.

Sandra gasped. “She doesn’t even know he’s outside. He looks so sad.”

They rushed in, hugged Matteo, and entered the house. Anthea jumped in shock and stammered.

But Andrew didn’t wait—he fired her on the spot.

That evening, Sandra called Miss Deborah to thank her.

“You should’ve asked me first,” the teacher said warmly. “I know a few amazing nannies I could recommend.”

Soon after, they hired Gabriella—a professional with excellent references. Though more expensive, Sandra didn’t mind. Matteo’s safety came first.

Every week, Sandra checked in with Miss Deborah and asked Matteo directly:

“How’s Gabriella?”

“She’s the best!” Matteo beamed. “We played in the sandbox after school. She’s just like Miss Deborah!”

One evening, Gabriella stopped by the restaurant with Matteo before closing time—it was along her route home.

That quick visit became a beloved tradition: the four of them enjoying dinner together after hours.

And in that peaceful moment, Sandra knew everything was finally in the right hands.