So, for the first time ever, my son actually asked to spend the summer with my mom — all by himself! This was a big surprise since he usually doesn’t want to go to her place or hang out in her small town.
My mom is disabled, and I pay for someone to help her every day. She won’t live with us or move into a senior home. My son even said he could take care of her himself, suggesting I give the caregiver a break. “Maybe he’s finally becoming responsible?” I thought.
The first week went well, and he was nice on the phone, but I noticed that whenever I wanted to talk with my mom, he’d say she was busy or asleep.
Then came the scary part. I got a call from my son’s number — but it was my mom’s voice whispering, “Please come save me from him!” before the call suddenly cut off. I tried calling back but got no answer.
I rushed over to her town right away. When I arrived at her house, it looked worse than ever; there were no lights on. As soon as I opened the door, my heart sank.
In the living room were strangers laughing and drinking while shouting over loud music. Some looked old enough for college while others seemed barely out of high school. A mix of anger and sadness flooded through me.
“Where is he?” I whispered as I scanned the crowd; disbelief turned into focused rage. Pushing through people, calling his name: “Excuse me! Move!”
A girl lounging on the couch glanced up at me lazily saying “Hey lady chill out we’re just having fun,” waving a bottle in my direction.
“Where’s my mother?” I snapped back at her.
She shrugged without concern saying “Dunno haven’t seen any old lady here.”
I pushed further into the packed room shouting for my son over all that noise.
“Mom!” My voice grew desperate as reached near her bedroom door which was closed with faint scratches on its handle.
I knocked hard feeling panic rise within me: “Mom? Are you in there? It’s me!”
A weak trembling voice replied softly: “I’m here please—just get me out.”
“Oh Mom…” In an instant I’d crossed that room falling beside her wrapping arms around her tightly.
Her frail hand clutched mine firmly: “He started with just a few friends,” she murmured quietly “But when i told him to stop he got mad… said i was getting in his way.” Her voice shook slightly “He locked me in here… said i ruined his fun.”
Anger surged through me; I’d been blind believing his promise about helping out! Taking a shaky breath stroking her hand gently: “I’m going to fix this Mom…I swear.”
She nodded gripping tighter onto mine; fingers cold and trembling: “You have too.”
Walking back into that living room there stood my son leaning against wall laughing with older kids!
When our eyes met his face went pale instantly!
“Mom? What… what are you doing here?”
“What am i doing here?” echoed back steady though inside felt anything but calm “What are you doing here? Look around! Look what you’ve done!”
“It’s just a party,” He replied casually like it didn’t matter at all
“Get everyone out now.” My tone turned sharp cutting through chaos surrounding us like steel blade piercing flesh . The whole place froze instantly . ”If this house isn’t empty within two minutes I’m calling police.”
Once last guest left , turning towards him :”I trusted you , your grandmother trusted you ! And this is how repay ? This is what ‘helping’ looks like?”
“She didn’t need space,” He shot back defensively.” You’re always nagging Mom ! Just wanted some freedom!”
“Freedom?” Voice shaking disbelief coursed through every word spoken next :”You will learn responsibility.” Deep breath taken feeling weight behind each syllable spoken next :”You’re going summer camp strict rules & selling electronics everything valuable pay damages . No more ‘freedom’ until earned.”
“What?” His bravado faltered fear flickering across eyes wide open now realizing seriousness behind words spoken earlier.” You can’t be serious…”
“Oh yes am,” colder than ice heard myself say next.” If don’t change then when turn eighteen you’re gone from house . Done excuses.”
Next day sent him off camp.
That summer repaired mother’s home bit by bit clearing broken glass patching walls holding onto hope he’d return different person .
After summer ended saw changes begin happening slowly ; quieter steadier spending evenings studying instead disappearing friends .
Helping around house apologizing without being prompted became routine daily acts showing awareness respect finally becoming man hoped raised .
Two years later walked up mother’s steps again head bowed down low about graduate school honors enroll nice college bouquet hand gaze sincere soft never seen before .
“I’m sorry Grandma,” thick regret filled voice spoke softly watching boy fought raise offer piece heart once lost long ago .