When My Mother-in-Law Insisted on Babysitting Every Wednesday, I Thought It Was a Kind Favor… Until Things Got Strange

I tried convincing myself it was just stress, that I was imagining things. But deep down, I knew something was wrong—I just didn’t expect this.

I’m Martha. My husband and I work full-time, so our four-year-old, Beverly, goes to daycare. A month ago, my mother-in-law, Cheryl, offered to watch her on Wednesdays. It seemed helpful—Bev was comfortable at home, and it saved us money.

At first, everything seemed normal. But then Bev started talking about a “friend” she saw with Daddy and Grandma. When I asked who it was, she’d just smile. One night, she whispered, “Mommy, why don’t you like our friend?” Then, in a strange tone, added, “She’s part of the family. You just don’t see it yet.”

I asked Cheryl if Bev had an imaginary friend. She brushed it off, but something felt off. So I set up an old nanny cam.

What I saw chilled me.

Cheryl told Bev their “friend” would arrive soon. When the doorbell rang, a pale woman with dripping black hair entered. Bev ran to her like she knew her. Cheryl watched silently, smiling in a way that felt… worshipful.

Then the woman looked straight at the camera—as if she knew I was watching.

I rushed home early. Cheryl acted innocent, but Bev tugged my hand and said, “Don’t be mad. She said you’d understand when it’s time.”

I asked her name. Bev just said, “She had to give it up… when she came through.”