My son returned home after 13 years of suffering, but was it too late?
Thirteen years ago, my son left me all alone, sick and broke. He Knocked on My Door Yesterday
My son vanished thirteen years ago, leaving me alone with a debilitating debt and a chronic illness. I couldn’t shake the bad feeling I felt as I went to sleep, even though he arrived at my door last night with two luggage and a smile.
Like any other morning, I had to drag myself out of bed because my joints hurt. The place was far too quiet. I went to Daniel’s room last night after our argument, hoping he would finally come home.
The door creaked open to reveal an empty bed and a folded piece of paper on the pillow.
My hands shook as I opened it. Mom, I’m leaving. Stay away from looking for me. I’m not coming back. My eyes grew watery, making it difficult for me to read. How could he accomplish this? How could my eighteen-year-old child just up and go?
I collapsed onto his bed, clutching the paper to my chest. Six months had passed since Robert’s departure, and now Daniel was gone as well. In the house, there was an eerie quiet.
I couldn’t help but think about what Dr. Chen had mentioned at our previous week’s appointment. “Evelyn, the test results are not positive. You’ll need ongoing medical attention, which will be expensive.
I’ve been working two jobs since Robert passed away in an effort to pay off the massive debt he left behind. I felt completely helpless now that Daniel was gone and I had to take care of my illness.
My mind kept playing back the funeral. Daniel stood beside me, his face plastered on a mask of teenage apathy, as they lowered Robert’s casket to the ground. I remembered the hushed whispers from loved ones.
“Blessed Evelyn, abandoned by herself with a teenager.”
“It’s said that Robert left not much behind.”
“What will she do?
I still don’t have the answers that I did then. But I felt like I had to keep going for Daniel’s sake. I was unaware that he would go before the end of the week.
The next few days were vague. I called Daniel’s friends, his school, and the local police. He had gone unnoticed. He just seemed to have vanished from view.
“Ma’am,” a police officer remarked gently, “He’s eighteen.” An adult according to the law. If he doesn’t want to be found, there isn’t much we can do.
I hung up, thanked him, and gave him a numb nod. The reality of my situation started to sink in. I was depressed, lonely, and heavily indebted.
That evening, I sat at the kitchen table with bills spread out in front of me. Credit card statements, mortgage payments, and medical bills flashed before my eyes. How on earth could Robert have let things get so out of hand?
“Oh, Robert,” I whispered to the empty air. Why didn’t you tell me? We could have handled this together.
But Robert had also gone, and so had Daniel. It was my time now.
I called the office of Dr. Chen this morning.
As soon as she answered the phone, she said, “Evelyn.” “How are you feeling?”
My answer was, “I’m… managing.” But I need to know more about this therapy. How often? How much so?
Dr. Chen sighed. It’s not going to be easy, Evelyn. Weekly treatments are being explored for the first few months, minimum. About the cost…
My stomach turned when she mentioned a certain amount. Still, I steeled myself. “I’ll figure it out, Dr. Chen. I have no choice but to.
“Evelyn, there are support groups and financial aid programs,” she stated in a more gentle manner. Permit me to provide you some information.
I thanked her, took a note of the details, and hung up. I picked up the phone and dialed my supervisor back at the diner.
“Hi Evelyn,” Jerry murmured. “Is everything alright?”
I answered, trying to sound more collected than I actually was: “Jerry, I need more hours.” “Please give me as many as you can.”
There was a silence. Evelyn, you already put in six days a week at work. Are you positive?
Indeed, Jerry. I need the money.
Just one more moment of silence. “All right. I’ll look into my possibilities.
And thus my new life began. Five in the morning, and by six at the diner. I work until 2:00 p.m. and then go to the office of my second job, where I handle paperwork and answer phones until 8:00 p.m. Quick meal and straight to bed after returning home. Repeat.
Weekends were devoted to doing home tasks and getting treatments. There was no time for friends, no energy for hobbies. Just work, counseling, and downtime.
Days turned became weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. I kept working, paying off debt, and going to counseling. Daniel’s room remained the same, a shrine to my hope that he would return.
Dr. Chen has developed into more than simply my doctor. She was often the only person I spoke to about things other than work or bills.
During one of our visits, Evelyn told us, “You’re making progress, but you need to take care of yourself.” For your health, you shouldn’t be under this much stress.
I strained a weak smile. “Dr. Chen, I’m doing everything I can.”
She looked at me, her spectacles on. “Have you thought of getting in touch with a support group? If you can, try to talk to people who are experiencing similar things.
I shook my head. “I can’t spend any time on that. There are always shifts to pick up and expenses to pay.
Dr. Chen sighed and gave me a small smile without pressing. She knew I was a stubborn person.
As the years passed, I started to slowly dig myself out of the financial hole. As the debts began to decline, the constant fear of becoming bankrupt began to subside. There was still nothing.
I used to find myself looking at the phone, waiting for it to call, every Christmas and birthday. hoping Daniel would show up. But that never took place.
I tried dating a few times, but it never felt right. In what way might I sum up my life to an outsider? How could I have allowed myself to be vulnerable after all that disappointment?
Thirteen years passed in a blur of exhaustion and loneliness. Then one evening there was a knock at the door.
I opened it, and there he was. Daniel, thirty-one, was standing on my porch, lugging two luggage and smiling hesitantly. “Hey, Mom. I want to go back home.”
My mind was racing. I wanted to slam the door in his face and shout at him for abandoning me. Instead, I became aware that I was stepping aside to give him space.
Daniel got started, “Mum, I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice cracking. He went into the living room and knelt down. “I encountered… problems. serious ones. I didn’t want to get you involved with them.
I stood with my arms folded. “What kinds of issues are these?”
Daniel looked up at me, tears gathering in his eyes. “I had some unpleasant folks in my life. Drugs and gambling… I had pushed myself too far. I thought you would be safe if I left.
My anger eased a little. “You had the choice to inform me. We could have handled it together.
With a hanging head, he continued, “I know that now.” I was naive and inexperienced. Can I ever get your forgiveness?
I sighed, feeling the weight of thirteen years of hurt and loneliness. “I need time, Daniel. But feel free to stay for the time being.
We ate dinner together in silence, but for the sound of forks clinking on plates. I could no longer look away from how much he had changed. The skinny young man was gone, replaced by a man with broad shoulders and sunken eyes.
In the end, I broke the silence by saying, “So.” What have you been up to during the past several years?
Daniel rearranged the food on his plate. It’s a long story, mom. I’ve been all over the place. Making an effort to arrange myself.”
“Have you also?” I asked in a louder voice than I intended to. “You organized yourself?”
He nodded. “I think so. I’ve finished cleaning. had been for a while. I have a job appointment in the city. I just had to make sure I saw you first. to convey regret.
I wanted to put my trust in him. God would have things just how I wanted it. But after thirteen years of loneliness and disappointment, I’d learned to be cautious.
Daniel That’s wonderful to hear. I’m glad to see you getting well.
I walked Daniel to his old room and he murmured, “I missed you every day, Mom.”
Despite not thinking I could speak, I nodded. When I closed my bedroom door, there was a glimmer of hope. We might make another attempt to patch things up.
That hope was dashed when I awoke at around two in the morning to strange noises. I tiptoed down the hallway, my bare feet silent on the cold floor.
Under the moonlight, Daniel was there, going through the closet where I kept my savings. The money I’d saved and pinched over years of working through illness and exhaustion.
“What are you doing?” Daniel jerked as if I had shot him, even though my voice was barely audible.
He turned, holding a bundle of cash in his hand. “Mom! I can provide clarification.
“Leave.” The words were cold. “Leave immediately, or I’ll call the police.”
Daniel’s face contorted. I saw a hint of the young boy he once was. Then his expression hardened. He remained silent, but gathered up his bags that were still at the front entrance and left.
The door behind him slammed, and I hit the floor. I was crying all the time, but I felt strangely at ease. Thirteen years had passed since I lost him. I had overcome a debilitating illness, crippling debt, and Robert’s passing.
I could get through this too. As dawn broke, I had a decision to make. It was time to prioritize my needs and surround myself with sincere kind individuals. Daniel had had enough of making choices. It was my time to take action.
I grabbed the phone and called Dr. Chen. When her answering service picked up, I left a message.
Dr. Chen, it’s Evelyn. I think I’m ready to sign up for the support group you mentioned. Additionally… I think I ought to talk to someone. A therapist, maybe. Please give me a call back when you can.
In the scenario, how would you have handled things?
