I Planned to Surprise My Mother with a Visit, but Was Astonished to Find My Ex-husband Asleep in Her Room

I set out to give my mom a birthday surprise, but the tables turned on me in an unexpected way. Walking into her bedroom, I was astonished to find my ex-husband fast asleep in her bed! Were they… together?

I made a plan to surprise my mom for her birthday. It’s the thoughtful gestures that count, right?

Since she adores daisies, I grabbed a fresh bunch from the flower shop where I work.

With my car filled with the delightful scent of flowers, I headed to her house. Knowing she was still at work, I used my own key to let myself in.

But as I opened the door with the flowers in hand, confusion hit me.

Why were there men’s shoes by the entrance?

Mom has been a widow for years, and unease settled in my stomach. Had she started seeing someone new? That would be so awkward!

I eased my way deeper into the house and then heard it: deep, rhythmic snoring coming from her bedroom.

Who could it be?

I couldn’t accept that she might have moved on. Her love for Dad seemed eternal, but maybe things had changed.

Wait. Did that mean she wasn’t at work? Was she spending the day with her new partner?

How luxurious!

With a playful smile, I tiptoed toward the bedroom door and gently pushed it open. I wasn’t looking forward to meeting her new partner.

I was just curious to see if she was also napping in the afternoon. However, as I peeked in, I froze in shock.

On my mom’s bed lay my ex-husband. MY EX-HUSBAND!

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It felt like a cruel, twisted prank. My mom’s secret afternoon companion was my ex!

Had she been seeing him behind my back? Was this why she opposed the idea of me reconciling with him?

The audacity of it all!

I was overwhelmed by feelings of betrayal, anger, and hurt. I couldn’t even scream even though I wanted to.

So, I quietly backed out and closed the door behind me.

I placed the daisies on the kitchen counter, feeling they no longer belonged. For the next several minutes, I paced around, trying to process everything.

Should I wake him up? Should I leave and act as if nothing had happened?

No!

I needed answers.

But I didn’t want to confront him. He was my ex, no ties to my family. He could sleep with whoever he wanted.

My mom, however, was a different story.

The best move was to wait for her to come home from work so I could talk to her first or confront them together.

One thing was certain: I wasn’t going to let this slide. Whatever “this” was.

I couldn’t make sense of the situation. Could I be misinterpreting things?

Time dragged painfully as my impatience grew. I started tapping my foot and biting my nails.

I wasn’t sure I could wait longer.

But just when I was about to lose my cool, I heard Mom’s car pulling into the driveway.

My heart rate spiked. It was time for the confrontation. Was I even ready?

Mom walked in with a bright, cheerful face.

Seeing her reminded me that I was here to celebrate her birthday, but my expression was full of accusations.

“Honey, you’re here to surprise me? You should’ve hidden your car,” she chuckled, but her smile faded quickly as she noticed my face. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?!” I nearly shrieked. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong! Why is my ex-husband asleep in your bed?”

Mom’s eyes widened. “Oh my goodness,” she gasped. “It’s not what it seems!”

“Then what’s going on?!” I was losing my composure.

Thankfully, Mom quickly got to the point.

She explained that my ex-husband had shown up drunk at her door the previous night, confessing how much he missed me.

What?

Apparently, he thought I still lived with her, as I had moved in temporarily after our divorce.

His mistake made sense.

Mom couldn’t turn him away and let him crash on the couch. In his drunken state, he must have wandered into her room.

He had been sleeping there the entire day!

“Why did you even let him in?” I asked, outraged. “You’ve been telling me not to reconcile with him despite my doubts.”

“He was heartbroken, sweetie,” Mom explained, biting her lip. “He said letting you go was his biggest mistake. I had no idea he was this conflicted.”

I was stunned, but Mom’s sincere words calmed me. I felt exhausted.

The situation was absurd and ridiculous that I chuckled nervously after reflecting for a few moments.

“I can’t believe he actually came here,” I mumbled, collapsing on the couch.

“Well, if both of you are having second thoughts, maybe you should talk,” Mom suggested gently.

Hear him out? After everything? I wasn’t sure.

Our divorce was complicated. His career stood in our way, and we disagreed on starting a family.

At the time, separating seemed smart to prevent resentment.

Maybe Mom was right. I owed it to myself and him to listen. First, I had to wake him up.

“Mom, I’m going to wake him,” I said and walked into the kitchen.

I tiptoed to Mom’s bedroom with a glass of ice water.

He was still sprawled out, snoring softly. I took a deep breath and poured the water on his face.

He woke up flailing and yelling. “What the—?” he shouted, looking bewildered.

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead,” I said sarcastically, crossing my arms.

He blinked, recognized me, and groaned. “Oh my god,” he said, wiping his face.

He looked around and realized where he was.

I gathered myself and sat on the bed’s edge. “Care to explain why you’re in my mom’s bed?”

“I’m so sorry,” he said, straightening up.

He took a deep breath and recounted the events of the previous night, matching Mom’s story.

Then he poured his heart out, admitting his regret over our divorce and wanting another chance.

“I know I failed to prioritize you,” he said, clearing his throat.

I was emotional too.

“I was a fool, and I hurt you,” he continued, grabbing my hands. “But I never stopped loving you. I needed time to realize my mistake.”

His remorse softened my heart. We might have divorced too hastily.

“Can we try again?” he pleaded, with tear-filled eyes.

“Thanks for saying that,” I said. “But it takes more than words to make up for what happened.”

He nodded. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Okay,” I sighed, standing. “We can talk later. Tonight is Mom’s birthday, and we have dinner plans.”

He smiled at me, and I felt my old feelings resurface.

So, the three of us went to a dinner to celebrate Mom. It was awkward initially, but we relaxed over time.

My ex had been a central part of my life, and this felt natural. Maybe we could make it work.

And we did.

We attended therapy, dated again, and relearned how to communicate and trust. It wasn’t always easy, but we were committed.

A year later, we remarried in a small ceremony with close friends and family. It wasn’t as grand as our first, but it was perfect.

Now, years later, we are happier than ever with two kids.