When Olivia noticed a big change in her stepson Josh’s behavior, she grew worried. Despite trying to get her husband, Patrick, to talk to Josh, the boy stayed silent. Then, one day, Olivia overheard a conversation between Josh and his biological mother, Linda, that revealed a heartbreaking truth.
Every Sunday at exactly 5 p.m., Josh came home from his mom’s house. He would walk in quietly, take off his shoes, and head straight to his room. This routine had become normal, but Josh’s mood had changed dramatically. The once cheerful and talkative ten-year-old was now distant, gloomy, and quiet.
He never talked about what happened on his weekends with Linda, and Olivia wasn’t sure how to ask, feeling unsure of her role as a stepmother.
One evening, while Olivia was cooking dinner, she asked Patrick, “Do you think he’s okay? He seems off after coming home from his mom’s.”
Patrick shrugged and replied, “I’m sure he’s fine. Linda probably gave him a hard time about school again. She can be a lot.”
Olivia wasn’t convinced. She remembered how Josh used to be excited and chatty when he first moved in. They used to bake together and share stories, but now that joy seemed like a thing of the past. Despite their efforts—cooking his favorite meals and planning movie nights—nothing seemed to cheer Josh up.
Later that night, Patrick tried to have a serious talk with Josh. “It’s just exhausting being at Mom’s,” Josh said. “But I know it’s important to spend time with her.”
Patrick suggested they could cut back on the visits if it was too much for Josh, but Josh quickly dismissed the idea and went to his room. On his way, he gave Olivia a quick hug, which made her feel both comforted and more worried.
Olivia’s concern grew until one Sunday when everything became clear. As she waited for Josh to return from Linda’s, she saw their porch security camera feed on the TV. She watched as Linda handed Josh a container of cookies and said, “You know what you have to do.”
Olivia’s heart pounded as she watched the scene. Josh hesitated and said, “Mom, I don’t want to lie anymore. They know something’s wrong. If Dad found out you’ve been making me steal from his house every week, he’d be furious!”
Olivia was stunned. Stealing from his own family? She couldn’t believe it as Linda coldly told Josh to keep taking things from their house—Olivia’s toiletries, Patrick’s emergency cash, and even some of Olivia’s jewelry to help pay off Linda’s debts.
Furious and heartbroken for Josh, Olivia marched to the front door and said, “Linda, I heard everything.” Josh hugged Olivia tightly, his face showing his guilt and shame.
Linda tried to explain, but Olivia cut her off. “I’ll help you get back on your feet, but Josh is staying with us until you can take proper care of him. And you will never ask him to steal again. Understood?”
Linda, realizing how serious the situation was, reluctantly agreed. After she left, Josh broke down in tears. “I didn’t want to do it. I’m so sorry, Liv.”
Olivia hugged him tightly. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’ll fix this, and everything will be better.”
Even though Olivia was shocked and hurt, her main concern was Josh. She promised to protect him from being used again and to make sure he felt safe and loved in their home.