I went on a road trip with my daughter, Emma. About 30 minutes into our drive on the highway, 7-year-old Emma suddenly said, “Mom, there’s a weird smell coming from the air conditioner. My head hurts.” I immediately pulled the car over to the shoulder and checked the air conditioning. The moment I opened the filter, I gasped.

There were several small capsules attached that I’d never seen before. With trembling hands, I called the police and one question floated through my mind. Who? Why? The story goes back three weeks. Back then, my life seemed perfect on the surface. I worked from home as a freelance graphic designer and my husband David had a fulfilling career as an architect.

And most of all, we had our treasure of a daughter, Emma. Emma was popular at school, got excellent grades, and was a child who never stopped smiling. However, small cracks had begun to form in our seemingly perfect home. David had become strange ever since he was assigned a big project recently.

 He came home later and later, and when I asked how work was going, he’d just reply curtly, “Fine.” It happened one night while David was in the shower. His smartphone on the table lit up. The screen displayed a woman’s name, Amanda, and a message saying they could meet again tomorrow. My heart pounded violently and anxiety squeezed my chest. At that time, the one who became my emotional support was my mom friend Christine.

 I met Christine two years ago when her daughter Olivia transferred to the same school as Emma. I quickly became close friends with her. She was cheerful and kind. When my relationship with my husband began to get rocky, I consulted with Christine many times over the phone.

 She always listened kindly and encouraged me, saying, “I’m sure everything will be fine.” Christine’s husband, Robert, was an auto mechanic, and she always offered, “My husband can fix anything with cars, so let me know if you ever have any trouble.” Those words became reality on a hot, humid afternoon. When I got in the car to go shopping, the air conditioning wouldn’t work at all.

 As I was thinking about taking it in for repairs, Christine called. When I told her what was going on, she immediately said, “Have my husband look at it. He’ll do it cheap.” I expressed my gratitude, saying, “Thank you. That really helps.” And decided to leave the car with them. The next day, Robert brought the car back.

 “I replaced the air conditioning filter, so it should be fine now,” he said with a smile. As I thanked him, I felt a strange sense of unease. His hands were trembling slightly. He wouldn’t look me straight in the eye, but I dismissed that feeling of unease. It must be my imagination. Christine is my best friend.

 There’s no way she or her family would do anything bad to me. About 2 weeks after the car repair, David’s attitude became even colder. When I talked to him, he was distracted and dinnertime had lost its former family atmosphere. Even when Emma talked excitedly about things that happened at school, David just gave prefuncter responses. One night, I was working on a design project in the living room.

 David was holed up in his study, but I could hear his voice through the door. Got it. Let’s meet tomorrow. I’ll leave the place up to you. His words were low in a tone as if he didn’t want anyone to hear. My hands trembled and the strength left my grip on the mouse. The next morning, David left the house earlier than usual.

 I watched from the window until his car disappeared from view and then I called Christine. Hello, Jennifer. What’s wrong calling so early? Christine, listen. David might be having an affair. What should I do? My voice was shaking. I confided everything. The conversation I’d overheard last night, the woman’s name, Amanda, all of it.

 Christine answered in a gentle voice, “It’s okay, Jennifer. I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding. David loves you, but his attitude. I know it must be hard, but you know, you could hire a private detective just in case if you want to know the truth. I said I wouldn’t go that far, but in my heart, I felt my doubts about my husband growing day by day.

 Even after hanging up, I sat frozen on the sofa for a while, unable to move. A few days later, I got a call from Emma’s home room teacher, Miss Parker. Mrs. Jennifer, there’s something I’d like to discuss about Emma. There was tension in her voice. Surprised, I decided to go to the school right away.

 When I arrived at Miss Parker’s classroom, she greeted me with a gentle smile. However, there was worry in her eyes. Actually, Olivia has been complaining recently that Emma is bullying her. The moment I heard those words, my heart nearly stopped. Emma bullying someone. That couldn’t possibly be true. Teacher, is that really true? Emma doing something like that. Ms.

 Parker continued carefully choosing her words. However, as far as I can see, I don’t think Emma is that kind of child. I’m also concerned that Olivia’s complaints aren’t specific, but I thought I should let you know as her parent. I thanked her in confusion and left the school. Even after getting in the car, my head kept spinning.

 There’s no way Emma would bully anyone. But why would Olivia tell such a lie? When I got home, Emma was doing her homework in the living room. I sat down next to my daughter and asked in as gentle a voice as possible. Emma, did you do something to Olivia at school? Emma looked up at me with a surprised face. Mom, I didn’t do anything. Olivia’s lying. Tears welled up in Emma’s eyes.

 She continued, “I heard that Olivia’s mom says Emma is a bad girl. Olivia told me. When I heard those words, I froze. Christine, but why wasn’t she my best friend? Emma, it’s okay. Mommy will take care of it. That night, I couldn’t sleep. My husband suspected affair, the false accusation of bullying against my daughter and Christine’s name.

 Everything was tangled up messily, tormenting my heart. The next day, Christine called. Hey, Jennifer, you seem tired lately, so why don’t you take Emma on a drive to refresh yourself? I was a bit confused, but she continued, “It’ll also be a good chance to check if the air conditioning I had fixed is working properly.

 I think it would be good to get some distance from David and cool your head, too.” You’re right. I probably do need to refresh. I agreed. Christine’s suggestion seemed like a lifeline to me at the time. I wanted time away from everything, my relationship with David, Emma’s problems at school, to think things through.

 That night, when I told David I was going on a drive, he suddenly objected in a strong tone. You shouldn’t go now. Why not? It’s none of your business. I shot back emotionally. David started to say something but swallowed his words. fine, but be careful. In his eyes was a complex emotion I couldn’t understand.

 But at that moment, I couldn’t even tell if it was worry or if he was hiding something. On the morning of departure, David came to the front door to see us off. “Are you really going?” he confirmed once more. “Yes, I’m going. I want some time alone with Emma.” David let out a deep sigh. and he started to say something but ended up closing his mouth.

 His expression showed resignation and deep worry. A message arrived from Christine. Have fun. Send me pictures. Thanks. I’ll talk to you later. I replied and got in the car with Emma. When I started the engine, the air conditioning sent a comfortable stream of cold air. Robert’s repair seemed perfect. As Emma fastened her seat belt, she asked, “Mom, are you fighting with dad? It’s okay.

 Adults will solve adult problems.” But dad seems really worried lately. Emma’s words made my chest ache a little. But then I remembered the woman named Amanda, and that pain turned to anger. We entered the highway and continued driving smoothly. The sky outside the window was blue and Emma was happily humming a song. Everything seemed peaceful. Mom, this air conditioner smells weird.

Emma’s voice suddenly broke the silence. What? A smell? Something’s wrong. My head hurts. I feel sick. Emma’s complexion visibly worsened. I hurriedly pulled the car over to the shoulder. My heart pounded violently and my hands trembled. It’s okay. I’ll open the window right away. I opened all the windows and got Emma outside.

 While she breathed fresh air, I tried to check the car’s air conditioning and opened the hood. However, there was no visible abnormality, but there was definitely a strange smell. It was a pungent, irritating smell like chemicals. I decided to open the filter area. The moment I removed the cover, my hands froze. There were five small capsules attached. They were clearly not car parts.

 They had been artificially intentionally installed. Mom, what’s wrong? Emma, get away from the car right now. I pulled out my smartphone with trembling hands and dialed 911. Hello. Is this the police? There’s some kind of device in my car’s air conditioner. Please help. The operator asked for my location in a calm voice and said they would immediately dispatch a patrol car and ambulance.

After hanging up, I stood there in a days. Who? Why would they do such a thing? What came to mind was David’s cold attitude. The woman’s name, Amanda. his complex expression this morning. Could it be? Could David have done this to be with his mistress? He would get rid of Emma and me.

 The moment that thought crossed my mind, all the strength drained from my body. I could hear the sirens of the patrol car and ambulance in the distance. I held Emma close as we sat on the grass by the roadside. My daughter’s body was trembling. Mom, I’m scared. It’s okay, Emma. Everything’s okay now. Even as I said this, I myself was shaking with fear.

 What was that device? Who installed it and why? The patrol car arrived first. Two police officers got out and rushed over to us. Are you all right? How is your daughter feeling? Emma says her head hurts. There was a strange smell from the air conditioner. And when I opened the filter, I pointed at the car.

 One of the officers carefully approached the car and looked under the hood. His expression changed in an instant. Contact headquarters. We need specialists. The ambulance arrived and the paramedics began examining Emma. They took her blood pressure, checked her pupil response, and put an oxygen mask on her. Emma’s color gradually improved, but she was still complaining of a headache.

Let’s get her examined at the hospital just in case. There’s a possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. The paramedic’s words made my blood run cold. Carbon monoxide? That’s a deadly poison. After a while, a black car arrived. A woman in a suit got out and approached me.

 Hello, I’m Detective Lisa Morgan from the child crimes unit. Are you and your daughter all right? Her voice was calm and warm. I felt a little reassured. My daughter has mild symptoms, but they say her life isn’t in danger. But that device. Detective Morgan looked toward the car, then looked straight into my eyes.

 Could you tell me the details? When did the car start having problems and who was the last person to touch it? I began telling her about what happened 3 weeks ago. About the air conditioning breaking down. About my mom friend Christine recommending that her husband Robert fix it. About Robert taking the car and returning it the next day.

 And about that sense of unease. Robert’s hands were shaking. He wouldn’t look me in the eye, but at the time I thought it was just my imagination. Detective Morgan nodded as she took notes. Is there anything else that concerns you? Have you had any conflicts with anyone recently? I hesitated, but I knew I had to tell her.

 Actually, my husband has been cold lately. He seems to be meeting with a woman named Amanda. I think he might be having an affair. Detective Morgan’s expression didn’t change. What’s your husband’s name? David. David Johnson. He’s an architect. I understand. We’ll need to speak with your husband as well.

 Could you contact him? I pulled out my smartphone with trembling hands. When I called David, he answered after one ring. Jennifer, what’s wrong? Are you safe? There was urgency in his voice as if he had anticipated something would happen. Come to the hospital right now. We need to talk. Okay, I’ll be right there. I told him I was at Central General Hospital and hung up.

 On the way to the hospital in the ambulance with Emma, my head was in chaos. The urgency in David’s voice. Had he known something? or had he himself? No, I didn’t want to think about it. But if David had tried to kill Emma and me to start a new life with a woman named Amanda. When we arrived at the hospital, Emma was immediately taken to the examination room. I had to wait in the waiting room.

 Detective Morgan waited with me. The analysis results of the device are in, she said quietly. That was a device designed to generate carbon monoxide. It was designed to be sent into the car interior through the car’s air conditioning. Carbon monoxide? Yes, it’s colorless and odorless, and you lose consciousness without realizing it. And then she cut off her words.

 If you had driven for another 30 minutes, you wouldn’t have been saved. I leaned back in my chair. Someone had seriously tried to kill us. 30 minutes later, David came running into the hospital. His face was pale and his eyes showed deep worry. Jennifer, is Emma all right? He tried to rush over to me, but I took a step back.

 Did you try to kill us? David stood there with a stunned expression. What are you talking about? Detective Morgan stepped in. Mr. David, I have some questions for you. Please come this way. Wait, please listen to me. David looked at me. In his eyes was despair and something like an appeal. Actually, I hired a private detective.

A detective? Yes. I felt you and Emma were in danger. So, I was investigating. I was confused. What are you talking about? At that moment, the waiting room door opened and a woman entered. Long black hair, an intelligent atmosphere, and a familiar face. Hello, Mrs. Jennifer. I’m Amanda Carter, a private detective.

Amanda, you’re Amanda? She smiled gently. Yes. I was hired by Mr. David to investigate your surroundings. Starting about 3 weeks ago, I sank into a chair. David hadn’t been having an affair. He had been trying to protect us. But why? Why didn’t you tell me? David sat next to me. I didn’t want to worry you, and I didn’t have proof.

 I didn’t know who was targeting you. Amanda continued. As a result of the investigation, a certain person emerged. That person is Christine Williams. Christine? My voice trembled. But she’s my best friend. Why would she? Amanda opened a file containing documents. 5 years ago, Christine was involved in a similar incident in another state.

 At that time, the daughter of her best friend was seriously injured in a suspicious accident. Christine was suspected but wasn’t arrested due to insufficient evidence. Detective Morgan joined in. When we investigated the school, a shocking fact came to light. Ms. Parker contacted us saying Olivia herself had confessed. Olivia did? Yes. She said, “Mommy told me to say bad things about Emma.” I couldn’t believe it.

 Why would Christine do such a thing? Amanda continued her explanation. In the past, Christine was jealous of mothers with perfect children. Her own daughter Olivia was isolated at school, and she apparently couldn’t bear it. Emma’s popularity, her grades, her many friends. It was all unforgivable to her.

 Tears fell from my eyes. I had thought she was my best friend. I had trusted her. I had confided in her. Was all of that a lie? David took my hand. I’m sorry for acting in ways that made you suspect me, but I wanted to protect you. I squeezed his hand back. I’m sorry too for suspecting you. At that moment, Emma came out of the examination room.

 Her color had improved. Mom, Dad, we embraced our daughter. The three of us, a family, were so grateful to be safe together. Detective Morgan said, “We’ll now search Christine’s home. We’ll definitely find evidence and arrest her. Detective Morgan immediately obtained a warrant and began searching Christine’s home.

 We stayed at the hospital and continued monitoring Emma’s condition. David kept holding my hand. The warmth of his hand was now incredibly reassuring. Several hours later, we got a call from Detective Morgan. We’ve seized evidence. I’m heading to the hospital now. When she arrived at the hospital, she was holding several clear evidence bags.

Inside were small capsules, containers of chemicals, and a notebook. We found the remaining chemicals in the garage. And this, Detective Morgan opened the notebook. Inside, written in Christine’s neat handwriting, was her plan. June 15th, suggest trip to Jennifer. June 20th device to activate. Make it look like an accident. Perfect. I felt nauseous.

She had called killing us. Perfect. My best friend had. Furthermore, your husband Robert has confessed. Detective Morgan continued. He’s being interrogated at the police station now. According to his testimony, his wife threatened him into installing the device. A recording of Robert’s testimony was played.

 His voice was shaking, full of regret. My wife threatened me into installing the device. She said that if Emma was gone, Olivia would be happy. She was serious. I couldn’t stop her. I was afraid of my wife. She’s a psychopath. If I opposed her, both my daughter and I would be in danger. So, I had no choice but to do what she said. I’m sorry, Mrs.

Jennifer. Emma, I’m truly, truly sorry. The recording ended. I was speechless. Robert had been a victim, too. He had been under Christine’s control. Amanda spread out documents. We investigated Christine’s past further. We were able to contact the victim’s family from the incident 5 years ago. She showed me photos on a tablet.

 There was a screenshot of a newspaper article. Best friend’s daughter hospitalized with unexplained poisoning symptoms. Mother suspects Christine Williams, but no evidence. This is testimony from the victim’s mother at that time, Mary Thompson. Amanda played another audio file. Christine is dangerous. She was jealous of my daughter Sophia.

Sophia was popular at school and got good grades. Christine’s daughter was shy and had few friends and Christine couldn’t accept that. One day, Sophia suddenly collapsed. When we had her examined at the hospital, trace amounts of poison were detected, but we couldn’t figure out where she ingested it from, and the police couldn’t act because the evidence was insufficient.

 But I know Christine did it because I saw her eyes. Those cold eyes that felt nothing. I wanted to warn you all. When I heard Christine had moved, I worried she would do the same thing in a new place, but no one believed me. The audio ended. I trembled. Christine had been targeting mothers with perfect children since 5 years ago. Detective Morgan continued. There’s another shocking fact.

 We have a report from Olivia’s therapist. Olivia has been placed under child protective services and is receiving counseling. This is what she confessed. She was taught by her mother that if she spoke badly of Emma, her mother would love her. In reality, Olivia wanted to become friends with Emma, but her mother wouldn’t allow it. My chest tightened.

Olivia had been a victim, too. A victim of her mother’s twisted love. Detective Morgan stood up. I’m going to arrest Christine now. Several hours later, we got a call from Detective Morgan. Christine had been arrested at her home. Apparently, she didn’t resist and just had a cold smile on her face.

 The next day, we were called to the police station. We could watch Christine’s interrogation through a one-way mirror. I hesitated, but David said he would accompany me. I wanted to know the truth. Why she had done such a thing. In the interrogation room, Christine was sitting in a chair.

 She didn’t have her usual bright smile, but was expressionless. Her eyes were cold like a dolls. Detective Morgan asked, “Why did you try to kill Jennifer and Emma?” Christine shrugged. “What’s wrong with that?” “I was just protecting my daughter.” “Protecting? You try to kill people to protect your daughter?” “That’s right.” Olivia was unhappy. She had no friends at school and her grades were bad.

 It was all Emma’s fault. There was no emotion in Christine’s voice. as if she were talking about the weather. Emma was too perfect, cute, smart, popular. Every time everyone praised Emma, Olivia was hurt. So I thought if Emma was gone, Olivia could shine. And Jennifer, too. That woman always looked so happy. She had a husband, a perfect daughter. She had everything. I couldn’t forgive her.

I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Christine couldn’t forgive my happiness. Detective Morgan continued, “Let’s also talk about the incident from 5 years ago. The Sophia Thompson case.” Christine’s eyes moved just for an instant. There was no evidence in that case, was there? But you did it, didn’t you? Christine fell silent. But that silence was her answer.

 You’ll be investigated for attempted murder, child abuse, and past crimes. Christine suddenly burst out laughing. A cold laugh tinged with madness. How funny. Everyone wants perfect mothers, perfect children. But no one understands the feelings of mothers with imperfect children. I just loved Olivia. That’s not love. That’s control. Detective Morgan said calmly.

Several weeks later, the trial began. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence. The chemicals seized from the garage, Christine’s planning notebook, Robert’s testimony, Olivia’s testimony, and the results of the reinvestigation of the incident from 5 years ago. Christine was expressionless even in court.

 Her lawyer argued mental illness, but the psychiatric evaluation determined she had criminal responsibility. The jury unanimously reached a guilty verdict. The judge pronounced the sentence. Christine Williams for attempted murder, child abuse, and involvement in past assault cases. You are sentenced to 25 years in prison. The courtroom fell silent. Christine said nothing, just stared at me with cold eyes.

 In those eyes, there was no regret or remorse. As I watched her being led away, I felt deep relief and at the same time, deep sadness. To think that someone I had trusted so much had been such a monster. David put his arm around my shoulders. It’s over now. Yes, it was over. The long nightmare was finally over. A year has passed. Christine is serving her sentence at a state prison.

 Her appeal was dismissed and Detective Morgan told me she’s playing the model prisoner, but is avoided by other inmates. The only visitor she gets is her lawyer. Olivia has started a new life with foster parents. Her father, Robert, lost custody for his involvement in the incident, but received a suspended sentence and now has regular visits with his daughter.

 Olivia is receiving therapy and is gradually healing from her emotional wounds. Last month, I received a letter from her. Aunt Jennifer, Emma, I’m sorry. I was scared of Mom, but I’m okay now. My new family is kind to me. I hope we can meet again someday. Reading that letter, I cried. The bond between David and me is stronger than ever. After the incident, we spent a long time talking.

He apologized many times for acting in ways that made me suspect him, but he didn’t want to worry me, didn’t want to make me anxious without proof. I also apologized for suspecting him. We went to couple’s therapy and were able to understand each other more deeply. David adjusted his work projects and decided to always spend weekends with the family.

Now, every Sunday, the three of us go to the park or watch movies. Emma suffered from nightmares for a while after the incident. Sometimes she woke up crying in the middle of the night, but thanks to the support of a child psychologist, she gradually regained her smile. Now, she’s doing well at school, too. The other day, Emma said, “Mom, it’s good.

 I noticed the smell. Yes, you saved us.” As I hugged my daughter, I felt truly grateful. I can no longer be as defenseless about mom friendships as I used to be. I learned firsthand the danger of trusting people too easily. But I also found true friendship. I still keep in touch with Miss Parker and she watches Emma grow with me.

 I also occasionally meet with Detective Morgan and we talk about how things are going over coffee. They were there for us during difficult times. Today is Sunday. We went on a family picnic in our newly purchased car. When Emma got in the car, she joked, “Mom, is the air conditioning okay?” The three of us laughed.

 We can now laugh off that terror. We spread out a sheet on the park grass and ate sandwiches. Emma ran around with her friends and David and I sat holding hands. If Emma hadn’t noticed the smell that time when I murmured, David answered. But she did notice. We’re alive. That’s what matters most. At that moment, Emma shouted, “Mom, Dad, look, a rainbow.

” Looking up at the sky, there was a large rainbow arcing across the sky after the rain. The seven colored light seemed to be blessing our future. That day I learned something important. Family isn’t just about blood ties. It’s the people who are there for you during difficult times. The people who support you.

 David, Emma, and Detective Morgan, Ms. Parker. They are my true family. I thought Christine was my best friend. But through that incident, I came to understand what true friendship is, what true trust is. Trust shouldn’t be given easily, but when you find someone truly trustworthy, it becomes a stronger bond than anything. We survived. That’s what matters most.

 As I looked up at the rainbow, I held my family’s hands. Whatever difficulties await us in the future, we can overcome them together because we are a family.