When Olivia noticed a sudden shift in her stepson Josh’s behavior, her concern grew. Despite trying to get her husband Patrick to speak with him, Josh remained closed off. Then, one day, Olivia overheard a conversation between Josh and his biological mother that exposed the painful truth.
Every Sunday at 5 p.m., Josh returned from his mother’s house like clockwork. He would silently enter, kick off his shoes, and head straight to his room. This routine had become the norm, but his demeanor had drastically changed.
Once a cheerful, talkative ten-year-old, Josh had become distant and withdrawn. He never shared what happened during weekends with his mom, Linda, and Olivia was unsure if she should pry as his stepmother.
“Do you think Josh is okay, Patrick?” Olivia asked one evening as they prepared dinner, casting a glance at Josh, who had just come home looking unusually irritable.
Patrick shrugged. “He’s probably fine. Linda might have given him a hard time about school again. She can be demanding.”
Olivia nodded but couldn’t shake the feeling that something more serious was troubling Josh. She thought back to when Josh first came to live with them. He had been so full of life, eager to chat about his day and share time together baking or watching movies. But now, that joy felt like a distant memory. Despite their efforts—cooking his favorite meals and organizing fun family nights—Josh’s mood didn’t improve.
Later that night, Patrick tried having a heart-to-heart with Josh, but little came of it. “It’s just tiring at Mom’s,” Josh admitted. “But I know it’s important to spend time with her.”
Patrick suggested cutting down the visits, but Josh quickly dismissed the idea and retreated to his room. He stopped briefly to hug Olivia, a gesture that both reassured and worried her.
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