That day, I had just gotten back from a work trip and finally had a day off. I spent it catching up on house chores, happy to be home.
Then my 10-year-old son walked in from school, barely glanced at me, muttered a quick “hi,” and went straight to his room.
It stung a little. Did he not care that I was back?
But then… I heard something that made my heart stop.
While cleaning near his room, I overheard him on the phone. His voice was warm and excited — nothing like how he spoke to me earlier.
“Hi, Mom! Yeah, school was good today. I’ll tell you all about my grades tomorrow! I’m coming to see you instead of going to school, okay? See you tomorrow!”
I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs.
Who was he talking to?
I didn’t say anything to my husband. I didn’t confront my son. I needed to see for myself.
So, the next morning, when he left for “school,” I secretly followed him.
And what I saw? I wasn’t ready for it.
He walked past the school, turned onto the next street, and stopped in front of a house I didn’t recognize.
Then, he knocked.
A few seconds later… the door opened.
An older woman stood in the doorway, her face lighting up as she saw my son. “Oh, sweetheart! You came!” she said, pulling him into a warm hug.
I felt my stomach drop.
Who was she? Why was my son calling her ‘Mom’?
I stayed hidden behind a parked car across the street, my heart pounding as I watched them go inside. A dozen thoughts raced through my mind. Was my son keeping secrets from us? Was he meeting someone he shouldn’t be? Had I missed something important in his life?
(continue reading in the 1st comment) See less
