7 Years of Video Calls: Son’s Heartbreaking Discovery When He Finally Visits Mom’s Empty House

When her son left for college, the woman finally secured a good job and has been providing for all of his needs ever since. After seven years of solely communicating via a screen, he returned one day and was shocked by what had happened.

“Chris, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m making the most of my payments. At the train station, Olive urged her son, “Call me for anything you need.” She had finally secured a well-paying job, and he was headed to New York for college.

Up until that stage in her life, she couldn’t afford much. She raised him by herself, studied during the nights, and could only give him secondhand items. Olive often felt guilty for not being able to offer him the same things his peers enjoyed, even though he always had a roof over his head and food on the table.

She was willing to offer him anything he asked for, having at last secured a respectable salary.

Chris said, “Thank you, Mom,” gave her a hug, and boarded the train.

He gave the door a knock. Not a reply. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing through the window. Nothing was within.

“Mrs. Franklin, you ought to stop by! I’ve grown so much since then.” Rosalie, Chris’ fiancée, informed her via the computer screen.

Both were approaching graduation when Chris met her during his junior year. However, Rosalie got engaged after discovering she was pregnant. Sadly, Olive hadn’t had the chance to meet her face-to-face yet, as Rosalie had been too unwell to travel, and they were both deeply focused on their studies.

Olive was working particularly hard and was unable to visit either. She paid for Chris’s education, housing, and other expenditures, so over the years, she put in an increasing number of hours at work even though she was paid well. She did, however, try to live as simply as possible.

“Realie, soon! Hopefully, we can meet soon. Olive nodded, and eventually Chris showed up on the screen. “When I get a free moment,” Olive said. Rosalie exited the room when he informed her he had to speak with his mother.

Scratching the back of his head, Chris said, “Mom, I wanted to ask you something.” Given that Rosalie and I will shortly graduate and welcome a child, I was wondering if you could provide me with housing assistance. We’ve previously examined one. Although it’s gorgeous, it’s in New Jersey since we couldn’t live in the city. It makes me miss home.”

Olive gave her kid a long, serious look while she considered. She muttered, “Well, I… don’t know,” as she considered her labors and savings. At last, she was making plans for her retirement.

Chris begged, saying, “Please,” and went on to explain the price of the house and how much they needed for the down payment. He mentioned that Rosalie had nothing to contribute, as she didn’t have any family to help her financially.

“All right, Chris, all right. “I believe we can resolve this,” Olive at last remarked. She would have to live even more frugal and spend all of her savings. However, it was conceivable.

“I’m grateful. I’m grateful, Mom. Without you, I don’t know what I would do!” Olive grinned, realizing that it had all been worthwhile, as Chris mentioned, shedding tears during the video chat.

Olive spoke to her computer, “I wish you guys could come this Christmas,” as she had done countless times before. Seven years ago, her son moved out of the house and never went back to his birthplace in Maryland. They only engaged in video chats. She hated that she was missing her granddaughter’s life. However, everyone was preoccupied.

Olive was putting in more effort than ever, continuing to provide substantial support to her son. She had already exhausted her savings twice while helping him launch his business ventures. Though she couldn’t bring herself to ask for anything in return, she longed for them to at least be able to visit each other.

“Mom, we are unable. Chris shook his head and stated, “Not this year.” “However, I appreciate the presents you have already given Mallory. She adores them. You’re a wonderful grandmother.”

“Could I see her on the screen?” Olive asked softly, her eyes filled with longing as she watched her granddaughter, wishing she could hold her close.

Meanwhile, Chris was secretly planning a visit to surprise her. Although he couldn’t afford to bring Rosalie and Mallory along, he was eager to finally see his mother in person.

When Chris’s cab pulled up to the house, he frowned. It was 9 p.m., and all the lights were off. He stepped out, asking the driver to wait a moment. The porch furniture was missing, the cherished plants his mother had cared for were gone, and even the welcome mat had disappeared. The once-tidy garden was now completely overgrown.

He knocked on the door. No answer. Peering through the window, he was shocked to see the house empty. Has Mom moved? Why didn’t she tell me? he wondered, feeling a growing sense of worry.

“Chris? Is that you?” a familiar female voice inquired.

Turning around, he saw Mrs. Torres, the elderly neighbor who had been a constant presence throughout his life. “Mrs. Torres! Hello there!” he responded warmly.

She questioned, “What are you doing here, kid?”

“Mom is the reason I’m here. With a grimace, “Do you know where she is?” he questioned.

“Oh no, sweetie. About two years ago, your mother went away. The new owners of the house she sold moved in just a few weeks ago. With a furrowed brow, Mrs. Torres continued, “I’m not sure who’ll be moving in next.”

“She never told me,” Chris whispered. “Do you know where she is?”

“Yes, I have her address written down. Come with me,” Mrs. Torres said after visiting her home, handing him a slip of paper.

Chris frowned as he looked at the address. It pointed to a less favorable part of town. He turned to the elderly woman and asked, “Do you know why she moved there?”

“No, sweetie. Chris was even more perplexed when Mrs. Torres shrugged and said, “But I know she has a roommate now.”

At last, he returned to his driver and gave him the updated address. He arrived at a dilapidated apartment building on a dimly lit street. It was awful. In addition, he moved swiftly inside the building and had no trouble climbing because there was no security.

“Chris? Why are you in this place?” When Olive answered the door, she was taken aback.

“Mum! What is happening? You sold the house, but why?” Chris asked, shocked and perplexed.

“Oh, Chris. She let out a sigh and led her kid inside her small living area.

Olive clarified that she had some savings and had spent them all when he first sought for money for the house. But she had not saved any money, so she sold her house and gave Chris practically all of the proceeds when he asked her for money for his business.

Chris was taken aback by this information and realized how unaware he had been. So thoughtless. What a bad son. “Why did you remain silent? Mom! Breathless, he mumbled, “I wouldn’t have taken that money if I’d known.”

“But, dear, I really wanted you to succeed. I just didn’t give you everything I should have when you were growing up,” she tried to explain. Before she could continue, Chris cut her off.

“You provided me with all I could ever need, Mom. I asked solely because I believed you to be the owner. I should have requested not to. I really apologize. I apologize for not inquiring about you sooner. I apologize for not stopping by. For heaven’s sake, I’m so sad you have to live in this area of town and share a room with someone your age.” With tears of frustration welling up in his eyes, Chris apologized.

While Chris was making her a lot of promises, Olive started crying too and gave her kid a big embrace. That evening, he gave Rosalie a call and told her everything. After that, they decided it was time to bring Olive closer to them. Fortunately, she was able to find work immediately in New Jersey.

In due course, they constructed an in-law suite for Olive, ensuring she would never again miss a moment of her granddaughter’s life. Chris also gradually but steadily paid back his mother for all the money she had given him for the house and business, which flourished and made their comfortable living possible. Above all, though, Chris never again permitted Olive to make any other sacrifices.

What lessons may we draw from this tale?

Make every effort to see and communicate with your parents, especially the ones who provide for you without reservation. Chris ought to have checked on Olive more frequently because not everyone is fortunate enough to have a mother like Olive.

If, like other parents, you are unable to provide for your children, don’t feel bad about it. They only require your affection. Kids don’t require the newest video games or expensive sneakers. All they require is your love and support.

Talk about this tale with your companions. It could motivate them and make their day better.