My Stepson Didn’t Know I Could Hear Him – His Words about His Mom Broke My Heart

My Stepson Didn’t Know Our Door Camera Had a Mic – What I Heard Him Say about His Bio Mom Left Me in Tears

Olivia becomes more concerned when she observes her stepson acting differently. She asks her husband Patrick to speak with the youngster, but he doesn’t say anything. Olivia just so happens to overhear a conversation between Josh and his biological mother. When all is revealed, she is stunned and feels terrible for the young child.

Every Sunday at 5 p.m., like clockwork, my stepson Josh returned from his mother’s house. And without saying a word, he would come through our front door on Sundays, take off his shoes, and go straight to his room.

Josh’s demeanor seemed to have been switched on, as though someone had changed our talkative, upbeat ten-year-old kid into a stoic stranger.

What was the worse case? He never discussed what transpired at his mother’s house. Although I didn’t want to press the issue, I had always wanted to find out how he was feeling. I was unaware of the extent of my influence on Josh’s life, even though he had embraced me as his stepmother.

“Do you think he’s okay, Patrick?” While we were preparing dinner one evening, I asked my husband.

Josh refused to speak to either of us after being dropped off, and he was really agitated.

While slicing through a handful of potatoes, Patrick added, “Honestly, I think he’s perfectly fine.” “But Linda enjoys pushing him. She definitely gave him a hard time about studying and education in general.”

I replied, “Yeah, I get that.” However, he doesn’t mind that I do the same thing. Even though he might joke around or say something absurd, his attitude remains constant. Thus, this is absurd. However, I am aware that step-mom is not as powerful as bio-mom. I won’t say anything, however.”

“Olivia,” Patrick moaned. “Go ahead and speak with him if that’s how you feel. Simply approach him and pose any questions you may have. But I’ll also speak with him after supper.”

I gave a nod. It was precisely what I desired. All I wanted was for Patrick to check up on Josh. since things hadn’t always been this way. Josh was like a brilliant light when he first moved in with Patrick and me since we were nearer to the school he wanted to attend.

He was really interested in getting to know me, his new stepmother, and he would not stop asking questions and sharing anecdotes about his day. We even bonded over hours of baking together in the kitchen.

But that boy seemed so long gone now. Now, when he came back from seeing Linda, we had to work very hard to bring him out of the hole that he had climbed into. To try to lift his spirits, we’d prepare his favorite foods, play games, and even host lavish movie evenings.

However, nothing was effective.

I was hoping that the talk Patrick had with him after supper would have some effect.

He said, “It was fine, Dad,” when Patrick inquired about the weekend. “Mom was her usual self, I guess.”

Patrick made a small fire in the kitchen so that I could hear their talk outside while making s’mores.

So why are you feeling so depressed? Has anything occurred? “I know your mom is a lot to handle, but your mom is great,” laughed Patrick.

Josh admitted, “It’s tiring being there, Dad.” “But I know how important it is for me to keep spending weekends with Mom.”

“It’s crucial,” Patrick concurred. “But we can always adjust the schedule to happen every other week if it starts to get too much.” Alright?”

Josh seemed to be thinking about it, but then his expression soured.

“I’m going to bed,” he declared. “Good night!”

I thought Josh was going to sprint right by me when he stormed through the kitchen door. But he stopped and gave me a strong hug.

He responded, “Good night, Liv,” and turned to head for his bedroom.

I wanted to interrupt him now, tell him what else I wanted to know. I didn’t want to strive too hard, though. I wished to keep his privacy in mind. I was aware of the complex emotions that result from divided families, but this? This was not like that. Not only was it a typical adjustment to having two residences, but there was also something more eating at my stepson, and it was tearing me apart without understanding what.

Things then took a turn I never saw coming last weekend.

While Patrick went to get the groceries I had a big list of, I waited on the couch for Josh to return from his mother’s house. I heard his mom’s old vehicle arriving into our driveway at around five o’clock.

Our neighborhood had gone through a period of minor criminal activity a few months prior, when rowdy youths were free to take anything they wanted. Patrick had since installed the newest, most opulent security system imaginable.

The door camera records everything that happens, and if there was too much activity on our porch, the feed would instantly come on our television. We could easily monitor the situation with it before launching any swift counterattacks.

Patrick remarked, “It’s going to make us feel safer, Liv,” as he completed the installation. “There’s also an app that we need to download on our phones; it will do the same thing as it does on the TV.”

It was a really cool gizmo, I had to admit.

The live feed of what was happening on the porch abruptly replaced my cooking show as I sipped my tea and waited for Josh to open the door and come inside.

Linda and Josh were there, positioned on the porch.

“This is a container for your cookies,” Linda stated to Josh. “Next week, I’ll see you. You are aware of what needs to be done.”

Josh’s face fell as I watched on TV.

He took a while to reply to his mother.

“I don’t want to, Mom,” he eventually said.

My stomach turned over. In an attempt to hear more, I leaned in closer to the screen.

“You have to tell them the truth, Mom!” Josh’s voice cracked. “They are aware that something is wrong, and I detest lying to my dad. Dad would be furious if he knew that you force me to steal from his home each week.”

“Stealing?” I muttered to myself, still not quite understanding what I had just heard.

“What about Liv, too? She will realize that her belongings are constantly going missing. I can’t do this anymore, mom—all the sanitary towels and lotions.”

I was certain I wasn’t going crazy! I’d observed lately that things were either going missing a lot or being “finished” too rapidly. The reality was starting to emerge now.

What more had Josh taken in honor of his mom?

“So what, Josh?” Linda gave a hiss. “They have an ample amount of money. I told you, the next time I need some of Olivia’s jewelry. I’ll have enough money to pay off my debt if I can pawn one of her elegant necklaces or rings.”

“What the heck?” I inquired aloud to me.

Linda went on, “And try and get some money, honey.” “Usually, your father’s sock drawer contains a wad of cash. He reserves them for emergencies, and supporting your mother is one of those occasions.”

It was unbelievable to me that Linda was coercing her own son into robbing his family while she was merely standing on my porch. Her tone made it clear to me that she wasn’t giving Josh an option. Her desires were met.

I had a sudden wave of emotions, but the one that affected me the most was this crushing weight for Josh.

My darling kid, who has been bearing this weight alone. It was no surprise that he had been acting so strangely lately. I stood up and marched to the front door without thinking.

“Hello, Linda,” I said icily.

Josh leaned down to give me a hug and said, “Hey, Liv.”

Linda did not say anything, but shot me a cold stare.

“I’ve heard everything,” I uttered.

He squeezed me a little more, and I felt his breathing become labored.

“What’s going on, Linda?” I enquired. “I’ll give Patrick a call right now, or tell me. Josh, would you mind taking a short break to go to your room, please?

Linda blurted out her narrative, fearing Patrick would discover the truth. She continued talking about her debt and her rent arrears. Furthermore, that she was finding it difficult to care for Josh and herself, let alone make ends meet. She felt helpless and irritated.

“I’ll give you the money to get you back on your feet,” I said. Josh, though, will stay here until you do. And you won’t make any more requests of that boy. Do you get it?

Brusquely, “He’s my son, Olivia,” she uttered.

Yes, the child you are teaching to rob his family. I will file charges if you do not give this up. Accept the money and return to being Josh’s caregiver. Recognize?”

Linda nodded slowly, knowing that her pride would not be the only casualty of the situation.

Her words, “Thank you,” came out almost shy.

“I’ll transfer the funds to you tonight,” I said. “Send me a breakdown of what you need.”

With a nod, she turned to leave.

Josh surrounded me as I opened the front door, prepared to grab my phone and try to figure out how I was going to hide this from Patrick.

He said, “Thank you,” with tears running down his cheeks. “I had no desire to steal! I truly apologize.”

“Oh, sweet boy,” I said. “Everything will work out OK. I’ll assist Linda, and together we’ll find a solution that works better for everyone. I swear.”

How would you have responded in that situation?