Son Talks to Mom Only on Video Call for 7 Years, Sees Deserted House When He Finally Visits

A woman finally secured a good-paying position after her son left for college and has supported him financially ever since. Seven years passed, with only digital conversations, until one day he returned and was stunned by what he saw.

A woman finally secured a good-paying position after her son left for college and has supported him financially ever since. Seven years passed, with only digital conversations, until one day he returned and was stunned by what he saw.

"Chris, don’t worry about anything. I’m paying for as much as I can. Just let me know if you need anything," Olive told her son at the train station. He was heading to New York for college, and she had recently landed a high-paying job.

However, most of his childhood, she couldn’t afford much. His gifts were often used or second-hand, as she raised him alone and studied at night. He always had food and shelter, but Olive felt guilty for not providing what his friends had.

She eventually earned a decent salary and was ready to give him anything he wanted.

"Thank you, Mom," Chris said, embraced her, and boarded the train.

### He knocked on the door. No answer. He peered through the window and was stunned. The house was empty.

***

"Mrs. Franklin, you should come see! I’ve grown so much!" Chris’ fiancée, Rosalie, told her via screen.

Chris met her in his junior year, and they were both close to graduation. But Rosalie found out she was pregnant, and they became engaged. Olive hadn’t met her in person because they were both busy studying, and Rosalie couldn’t travel much with her pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Olive couldn’t visit either because she worked extra hours. Over the years, she took on more shifts despite earning a good salary, to cover college, housing, and her expenses. Still, she lived tightly.

"Soon, Rosalie! I hope to meet you soon. When I get some time," Olive nodded, and Chris appeared on the screen. He told Rosalie he needed to speak privately with his mother, and she left.

For illustration only | Source: Pexels

***

"Mom, I want to ask you something," Chris began, scratching his head. "Since Rosalie and I will graduate soon and have a baby, I was wondering if you could help me find a house. We already looked at one. It’s in New Jersey because we can’t stay in the city — but it’s beautiful. It looks like home."

Olive looked at her son and hesitated. She thought about her savings and her working hard. She was finally considering retirement.

"Please," Chris pleaded, explaining the house price and the down payment needed. He added that Rosalie had nothing because she had no family able to support her.

"Alright, Chris, alright. Maybe we can manage something," Olive finally said. She would need to use all her savings and cut back even more, but it might be possible.

"Thanks! Thanks so much, Mom! I don’t know what I’d do without you!" Chris almost cried during the video call, and Olive smiled, knowing her effort was worth it.

***

"I wish you guys could come this Christmas," Olive said to her computer, as she often did over the years. Her son had left seven years before and hadn’t visited his hometown in Maryland. They only talked via video. She missed her granddaughter’s presence and disliked the distance. Everyone was busy.

She now worked more hours, partly to help her son, and had to empty her savings again to support his new business venture. She never asked for anything in return but wished for visits. However, they never came.

"We can’t, Mom. Not this year," Chris replied. "But thank you for the gifts you sent Mallory. She loves them. You’re such a wonderful grandma."

"Put her on the screen," Olive requested softly. She watched her granddaughter longing to be close.

***

Olive didn’t realize that Chris had finally decided to visit her. He couldn’t bring Rosalie and Mallory with him, but he was glad to see his mother.

But when his taxi stopped in front of her house, Chris frowned. It was round 9 p.m., and the house was dark. The porch furniture was gone. The plants Olive loved were missing. The garden was overgrown, and even the welcome mat was gone.

For illustration only | Source: Pexels

He knocked. No answer. He looked through the window and was shocked. Inside, everything was gone. Did Mom move? Why didn’t she tell me? he wondered, worried.

"Chris? Is that you?" a woman’s voice asked.

He turned to see Mrs. Torres, an older neighbor who had lived nearby his whole life. "Mrs. Torres. Hello!"

"What are you doing here, kid?" she asked.

"I'm trying to find Mom. Do you know where she is?" he asked, concerned.

"Oh, sweetheart. Your mom moved out about two years ago. She sold this house, but the new owners just moved in a few weeks ago. I don’t know who’ll live there now," Mrs. Torres said, frowning.

"She never told me," Chris muttered. "Do you know her new address?"

"I do. I have it written down. Come with me," Mrs. Torres went inside her house and handed him a paper.

Chris looked at the address and frowned. It pointed to a less nice part of town. "Why did she move there?" he asked the neighbor.

For illustration only | Source: Pexels

***

He got back into a taxi and gave the new address. It was an apartment complex with peeling paint on a poorly lit street. It looked rundown. He quickly entered the building, which was easy because there was no security.

"Chris? What are you doing here?" Olive asked, surprised when she opened the door.

"Mom! What’s going on? Why did you sell the house?" Chris asked, shocked and confused.

"Oh, Chris. Come inside," she sighed and led him into her small living room.

Olive explained that when he first asked for money to buy the house, she had some savings and used them to help him. Later, when he asked for money to start a business, she had nothing left, so she sold her house and kept most of the profit to help him.

Chris was stunned by her words and the realization that he had been so unaware. Such a careless son. "Why didn’t you tell me? Mom, I wouldn’t have taken the money if I’d known," he said breathlessly.

***

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***

"But I wanted you to succeed, dear. I failed to give you enough when you were younger, I didn’t…" she tried to explain, but Chris cut her off.

For illustration only | Source: Pexels

He sharply replied, "Mom, you gave me everything I needed. I only asked because I thought you had it. I should have asked sooner. I’m sorry I never checked on you. I regret not visiting. I hate that you live in this part of town, sharing a house at your age, with a roommate—God, I’m so sorry," he said, tears filling his eyes.

Olive also cried and hugged her son tight. Chris made many promises to her. That night, he called Rosalie and explained everything. They agreed she should move closer. She soon found a new job in New Jersey.

Eventually, they built an addition at her new home so Olive could be near her granddaughter. Over time, Chris repaid all the money she had spent on the house and his business, which grew quickly, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable life. Most importantly, Chris made sure Olive would never have to give up anything again.

What can we learn from this story?

• Visit and talk to your parents often, especially those who give you unconditional love. Not everyone is as fortunate as Olive, and Chris should have checked on her more.
• Don’t feel bad about not providing fancy things. All children really need is love and support. Kids don’t need costly clothes or gadgets, just your care.

Share this story with friends. It might lift their spirits and give them inspiration.

If you like this story, you might enjoy another one about a man who quit his job to bring his mother from a nursing home and finds her missing.

This story is inspired by real-life experiences of ordinary people and written by a professional writer. Any names or places are purely fictional. All images are for illustration only. Share your own story with us—maybe it can change someone’s life. To submit yours, email info@amomama.com._