Son Deceives Mom about Taking Art Classes, but the Truth Leaves Her Stunned

Jenna is a nurse by trade and a single mother of three. The single mother, who feels bad for taking her son away from her, tells him to take up a pastime.

However, her perspective on Devon changes when she learns where he has been spending his free time. Here is her story:

Imagine adding the challenges of being a single mother to the already challenging job of night shift nursing. I am that.

Since the day he was born, Devon, my sixteen-year-old son, and I have been each other’s only family.

My work schedule has changed recently, so I can’t be the involved mother I had hoped to be. Fortunately, Devon has been working on possible pastimes; my intention was for him to do this to pass the time until he discovered something he truly enjoyed.

On the rare occasions that we had dinner together, he said, “Mum.” “I think I’m going to take up art classes.”

“That’s great!” Feeling relieved that he had heeded my counsel, I remarked. “Where are they held?”

“In the classroom. It will take place after school every other day. The remainder should be covered by the school, but I will need some supplies of my own.”

He glanced up at me, attempting to determine our financial capacity.

“I’m off this weekend,” I answered. “We’ll go and get everything you need.”

He grinned and said, “I’ll do it after school, Mum.” “We can do something else together during the weekend.”

It was a comfort to think that Devon would follow his hobbies because it would keep him busy and perhaps make the road he had chosen enjoyable. I felt bad about leaving him at home for extended periods of time, even though I had no choice but to work long hours.

I was expecting to get a look of whatever project Devon was working on, so a few weeks later, I managed to obtain a day off and I wanted to surprise him by picking him up after his art class.

As soon as I got to the school, I texted him to break the habit of him riding the bus.

Mum and an ice cream date? I’ll wait for you outside.

However, the text was not returned. I waited in the car, listening to the radio, thinking he was busy.

I went inside to look for Devon when, after around thirty minutes, he was unable to be found.

“Mrs. Cooper,” I said as I peered through the art studio door.

She exclaimed, “Jenna!” “How can I help you?”

“I want to find Devon,” I declared.

I told her about the small drawings Devon had left for me on the fridge and how he had told me about the art classes.

However, Mrs. Cooper was clueless about what I was discussing. Devon doesn’t attend any of her after-school lessons, according to her.
“I was clueless,” I murmured, bewildered and in need of clarification. “Do you know where he could be?”

She shifted from foot to foot for a minute as she hesitated.
“Usually, he departs with a male after school. He identified himself as his uncle when I inquired.”

A shiver went down my spine. Devon didn’t live in the town, or have an uncle.

“But he doesn’t have an uncle,” I stumbled to say.

Devon told Mrs. Cooper that his uncle was employed at a butcher shop nearby.

With hope, she said, “Maybe you’ll find more answers there?”
As I drove to the stores in the busiest area of the town, panic struck.

I witnessed the truth for myself there, at the butchery. Devon was not taking any art classes. Rather, my adolescent had been working at the butcher in secret. He had been attempting to reduce my shoulder tension.

When I realized Devon had been noticing my absence rather than just brushing it off like a teenager would, tears filled my eyes.

Devon came over to me with a broom in hand and said, “Mum,” his voice trembling. “I only desired assistance. I saw how exhausted you were, and occasionally you overlook getting bread and milk. even cereal.”

His remarks caused my heart to hurt.

“I came here a few weeks ago to get us some burger patties for dinner, and Frank here offered me a part-time job.”

“Oh, honey,” I gave him a strong hug and murmured. This wasn’t necessary for you to do. This shouldn’t be required of you.”

“But I really wanted to,” he said. “I desired to assist. I wanted to work at the hospital so you wouldn’t have to work so many double shifts.”

My heart was filled with pride and agony at that same moment. I was proud of the amazing young man my kid had grown into. He’d grown up to be everything I had imagined he would be in my absence.

Finally, I let Devon work through to the end of his shift while I went grocery shopping. After he finished, we had the ice cream date I had requested and talked about his work.

He shuddered and responded, “I’m going to stick with it, Mum,” taking a big spoonful of ice cream.

“But you don’t have to,” I said once again. “I’ll figure out my shifts, I promise.”

With a “I want to,” he replied. “And it doesn’t take that long—three hours after school and till Saturday at noon. It will also enable me to keep us for myself.”

I considered disciplining him, forcing him to stop, and letting him be a child again. But then I understood that he was no longer a child.

My son became responsible overnight and had faith in his choices, therefore I had to have the same faith in him.

What pleasant surprises have your kids given you?