Chris, don’t worry. I’m paying everything. Olivia promised her son, “Whatever you need, call me,” before leaving home for college. She found a lucrative job.

She had struggled to make ends meet for most of her life. Her skills were secondhand because she raised her son alone and took evening school.

Olivia never went hungry or homeless, but she regretted not being able to give him what his friends had.

Once she got a decent paycheck, she would give him anything.

Chris said, “Thanks, Mom.”

Love changed Chris years later.

Visit me, Mrs. Torres! My belly’s huge! Rosalia, Chris’s fiancee, chatted online.

Chris met her in his junior year, just before graduation. Rosalia became pregnant and they got engaged.

Olivia had yet to meet Rosalia, who was unable to travel due to her condition.

Olivia was too busy to visit. She worked more to pay Chris’s tuition, housing, and other bills, while making a nice wage. She tried to live frugally.

Rosalia, soon! Hope to talk soon. Olivia nodded and Chris appeared. Rosalia left when he said he needed to talk to her mother.

“Mom,” Chris said, scratching his neck. I need a house since Rosalia and I are graduating and having a baby.

We looked at one outside the city because they’re so expensive. Missing home.

Olivia contemplated after glancing at her child. “Well, I…I don’t know,” she said, assessing her efforts and savings. She was finally retiring.

Chris implored, “Please,” and outlined the house’s price and down payment. He also suggested Rosalia was helpless without relatives.

“It’s okay, Chris. Olivia concluded, “I think we can solve it.” She could have to downsize and squander all her funds. It was possible.

“Thank you. Mom, thanks! I’m lost without you. Chris said, “It was worth it,” and Olivia smiled.

Years passed, and the holidays approached.

Olivia often exclaimed, “I wish you could come this Christmas,” in front of her computer.

Santa Fe was her kid’s first visit after seven years away. Video discussion only. She wanted a grandchild visit. His wife and son were busy.

Olivia worked harder than ever since she helped her son with his business and squandered all her funds.

She never asked for anything in return, but she wanted them to visit.

No, Mom. “Not this year,” Chris said. I like Malena’s gifts, though. Loved them. Great grandmother.

Olivia whispered, “Put her on the screen,” as she longed to hold her grandchild.

Olivia had no idea Chris would finally visit her. He was relieved to meet his mother, but he couldn’t secure tickets for Malena and Rosalia.

Chris scowled when his cab arrived at his residence. At nine, all the lights went out. Chris exited and signaled his driver to wait.

Porch furniture disappeared. His mother’s favorite plants were missing. The yard had weeds and no welcome mat.

Ringing the doorbell. No reply. He gazed out the window in wonder. Inside, nothing. Mom moved? He wondered why she didn’t inform me.

“Chris? Are you? asked a woman.

He turned around and saw Mrs. Tovar, a lifelong neighbor. Mrs. Tovar. Hello!”

“Why are you here, boy?”

Visited Mom. Her whereabouts? He asked scowling.

“Oh, no. Mom left two years ago. The new owners moved in after she sold the house. The ex-neighbor said, “I don’t know who’s moving in right now.

Chris answered, “She never told me.” Her whereabouts?

I have her address. Please come.” Mrs. Tovar gave him paper after visiting his home.

Chris scowled at the address. The city’s address was unattractive.

“Do you know why she moved there?” he asked the older woman.

No, honey. Mrs. Tovar’s shrug, “But I know she has a roommate now,” confused Chris even more.

Finally, he handed her the new address in his taxi. He reached a dilapidated apartment complex on a dark street. It sucked.

He ascended upstairs easily because there was no security.

“Chris? Why are you here? Olivia asked, shocked by his entrance.

“Mom! What happened? Chris was questioned, outraged, and confused.

Oh Chris. She groaningly called her son into the cramped living room.

Olivia said she bought them the house the first time he asked for money.

When Chris asked money for his company, she sold her home and gave Chris almost the entire profit.

Chris’s ignorance of this information shocked him. Being careless made him feel like a bad son.

“Mom, why didn’t you say anything! “If I had known,” he muttered.

I wanted you to succeed, honey. Chris interrupted her explanation. I gave you too little when you were younger.

Mom, you met my requirements. I asked because I figured you knew the answer. Shouldn’t have asked. Sorry again.

Sorry for not visiting sooner. I’m sorry you have to live in this neighborhood and have a roommate at your age! Chris apologized, crying resentfully.

Olive cried and hugged her son after Chris made several promises. He told Rosalia everything over the phone that evening, and they agreed to bring Olivia closer.

She quickly found a job in her child’s city.

Olivia’s granddaughter’s life was preserved by building a suite.

Chris eventually repaid his mother for the money she gave him for the house and business, which prospered and allowed them to live well. Chris never let Olivia sacrifice again.