My 13-Year-Old Son Became Distant and Lied About School, so I Followed Him, and What I Discovered Changed Everything – Story of the Day

“Thank you, Mrs. Harris,” I said, my voice thinner than usual.

As I hung up, my heart beat fast and hard. Caleb had skipped school.

Lied about it. And someone—maybe even Abby—had helped him.

Why would he do that? Where had he gone?

I stood frozen in the kitchen, the sunlight now fading, and for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel like I knew my son at all.

The next morning started quiet, but not peaceful.

The air in the kitchen felt thick, like the silence between us had weight.

I flipped pancakes without saying much, watching Caleb from the corner of my eye.

He sat at the table, chewing without interest, eyes low.

He looked like a boy who wanted to be anywhere else but there.

“Want me to drive you today?” I asked, trying to sound casual, like any other morning.

He glanced up quickly. “No thanks, Mom,” he said, grabbing his backpack with one hand.

“Walking’s good exercise.

You always say so.”

I forced a small smile and nodded. “Right. Have a good day.”

He gave me a quick half-smile and headed out the door.

As soon as it clicked shut behind him, I dropped the dish towel and reached for my keys.

My hands were shaking slightly, but I tried to breathe steadily.

I slid into the car and pulled out slowly, keeping far enough behind that he wouldn’t see me. My heart pounded with every turn he made.

I told myself maybe it was all a misunderstanding. Maybe he just needed space.

Maybe—But then he walked up the familiar stone path to Abby’s house.

My chest tightened.Continue reading…