When I returned home, Margaret came by to apologize in person. She shared that she had lost her daughter years ago and, hearing Emma cry, her maternal instincts took over. Slowly, we got to know her better. Over the weeks, she became a kind neighbor and even helped care for Emma when Mark worked late.

What began as my worst fear turned into an unexpected bond. Watching Margaret gently rock Emma one afternoon, I realized Emma hadn’t just gained a neighbor—she had gained another grandmother.