Sandra and Andrew met during their time in culinary school and quickly developed a deep connection.
Their shared Italian roots and passion for Italian cooking brought them closer. After graduating the same year, they chose to chase their dreams together.
The couple launched a cozy Italian restaurant, got married, and later welcomed their son, Matteo.
As soon as Matteo began attending daycare, the restaurant started to take off, thanks in part to glowing reviews on social media.
But with their growing success came growing challenges. Running a busy restaurant while caring for a toddler proved to be overwhelming.
“We need help with Matteo—and the house,” Sandra told Andrew one evening.
They decided to hire help, and their neighbor’s daughter, Anthea, came to mind. She was often home and seemed responsible.
The plan was simple: Anthea would collect Matteo from daycare each day and care for him until Sandra and Andrew returned from work.
“He’s quiet and well-behaved,” Andrew told her. “Just keep an eye on him and make sure he’s happy.”
With Anthea stepping in, Sandra and Andrew could focus more on the restaurant.
Business was booming, reservations were piling up, and Sandra felt relieved knowing someone was handling Matteo’s pickup.
Things seemed to be working out—on the surface. Since Sandra and Andrew often returned home around 9 p.m., they barely got to spend time with Matteo outside of early mornings and bedtime.
And being a sweet, soft-spoken child, Matteo never said anything negative about Anthea.
But one day, Sandra received an unexpected call from Mrs. Deborah, Matteo’s daycare teacher. Her voice held concern.
“I don’t want to alarm you,” she said, “but Matteo gets so excited when he arrives each morning. Then every time Anthea comes to pick him up, he bursts into tears. It’s happened three times this week. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Sandra was stunned. Anthea had only been working with them for a week.
Matteo never even cried when Sandra or Andrew were late—this behavior was unlike him.
At first, she thought maybe Matteo just missed them, now that they had such little time together.
She shared the call with Andrew, and they decided to stay calm and speak to both Anthea and Matteo before jumping to conclusions.
That night, after reading Matteo a bedtime story, Sandra asked gently, “How’s daycare going?”
Matteo beamed. “It’s great! I have two best friends—Patrick and Freddy—and Mrs. Deborah is super nice!”
Sandra smiled but asked another question. “And what about Anthea? Do you like her?”
Matteo gave a small, hesitant nod, but his face didn’t light up this time.
Sandra’s motherly instincts were instantly on alert. She suspected he wasn’t being honest.
The next morning, Sandra called Anthea before work. “Mrs. Deborah says Matteo cries when you pick him up,” she said. “Is something wrong?”
Anthea responded casually, “Oh, he just misses you guys, I’m sure. He’ll get used to me.”
But something still didn’t feel right to Sandra, and Andrew noticed her unease all day.
They agreed to follow Anthea and Matteo after daycare the next day, just to see for themselves.
So, when the time came, they quietly waited nearby as Anthea arrived at the daycare.
Matteo was still playing with his friends when she picked him up.
“Just five more minutes, please?” Matteo begged.
“No,” Anthea snapped. “We’re leaving now.”
Andrew, watching from a distance, muttered, “That wasn’t necessary. It’s not even late.”
They decided to follow her car back to the house. From two doors away, they spotted Matteo playing alone in the front yard. Curious and concerned, they pulled closer.
Peering into the window, they saw Anthea inside—not with Matteo, but recording herself while doing her makeup and trying on outfits.
She paid no attention to the boy outside. She hadn’t even offered him food.
Sandra gasped. “She doesn’t even know he’s out there. He looks so sad.”
They immediately got out of the car, greeted Matteo with warm hugs, and entered the house.
Anthea was clearly startled to see them. She fumbled for words, but Andrew didn’t let her finish—he fired her on the spot.
That evening, Sandra called Mrs. Deborah to thank her for the heads-up. “You should’ve asked me first,” the teacher said kindly. “I know a few amazing nannies in town. I’d be happy to recommend someone.”
Within days, Sandra and Andrew hired a professional nanny named Gabriella.
Though she came at a higher cost, Sandra didn’t care. Her son’s safety and happiness came first. She even began checking in with Mrs. Deborah weekly, just to be sure.
Sandra also made a habit of asking Matteo directly. “How’s Gabriella?” she asked one evening.
Matteo’s eyes sparkled. “She’s the best! We even played in the sandbox together after school. She’s just like Mrs. Deborah!”
One evening, Gabriella stopped by the restaurant with Matteo just before closing time—it was on her route home.
That spontaneous visit turned into a treasured new tradition: the four of them sharing dinner together after hours.
And just like that, Sandra knew everything was finally in the right hands.
