Chris, don\u2019t worry. I’m paying everything. Olivia promised her son, “Whatever you need, call me,” before leaving home for college. She found a lucrative job.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Olivia never went hungry or homeless, but she regretted not being able to give him what his friends had.<\/p>\n
Once she got a decent paycheck, she would give him anything.<\/p>\n
Chris said, \u201cThanks, Mom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Love changed Chris years later.<\/p>\n
Visit me, Mrs. Torres! My belly’s huge! Rosalia, Chris’s fiancee, chatted online.<\/p>\n
Chris met her in his junior year, just before graduation. Rosalia became pregnant and they got engaged.<\/p>\n
Olivia had yet to meet Rosalia, who was unable to travel due to her condition.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Rosalia, soon! Hope to talk soon. Olivia nodded and Chris appeared. Rosalia left when he said he needed to talk to her mother.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom,\u201d Chris said, scratching his neck. I need a house since Rosalia and I are graduating and having a baby.<\/p>\n
We looked at one outside the city because they’re so expensive. Missing home.<\/p>\n
Olivia contemplated after glancing at her child. \u201cWell, I…I don\u2019t know,\u201d she said, assessing her efforts and savings. She was finally retiring.<\/p>\n
Chris implored, “Please,” and outlined the house’s price and down payment. He also suggested Rosalia was helpless without relatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Chris. Olivia concluded, “I think we can solve it.” She could have to downsize and squander all her funds. It was possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you. Mom, thanks! I’m lost without you. Chris said, \u201cIt was worth it,\u201d and Olivia smiled.<\/p>\n
Years passed, and the holidays approached.<\/p>\n
Olivia often exclaimed, \u201cI wish you could come this Christmas,\u201d in front of her computer.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Olivia worked harder than ever since she helped her son with his business and squandered all her funds.<\/p>\n
She never asked for anything in return, but she wanted them to visit.<\/p>\n
No, Mom. “Not this year,” Chris said. I like Malena’s gifts, though. Loved them. Great grandmother.<\/p>\n
Olivia whispered, “Put her on the screen,” as she longed to hold her grandchild.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Chris scowled when his cab arrived at his residence. At nine, all the lights went out. Chris exited and signaled his driver to wait.<\/p>\n
Porch furniture disappeared. His mother’s favorite plants were missing. The yard had weeds and no welcome mat.<\/p>\n
Ringing the doorbell. No reply. He gazed out the window in wonder. Inside, nothing. Mom moved? He wondered why she didn’t inform me.<\/p>\n
\u201cChris? Are you? asked a woman.<\/p>\n
He turned around and saw Mrs. Tovar, a lifelong neighbor. Mrs. Tovar. Hello!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you here, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Visited Mom. Her whereabouts? He asked scowling.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, no. Mom left two years ago. The new owners moved in after she sold the house. The ex-neighbor said, \u201cI don\u2019t know who\u2019s moving in right now.<\/p>\n
Chris answered, \u201cShe never told me.\u201d Her whereabouts?<\/p>\n
I have her address. Please come.\u201d Mrs. Tovar gave him paper after visiting his home.<\/p>\n
Chris scowled at the address. The city’s address was unattractive.<\/p>\n
“Do you know why she moved there?” he asked the older woman.<\/p>\n
No, honey. Mrs. Tovar’s shrug, “But I know she has a roommate now,” confused Chris even more.<\/p>\n
Finally, he handed her the new address in his taxi. He reached a dilapidated apartment complex on a dark street. It sucked.<\/p>\n
He ascended upstairs easily because there was no security.<\/p>\n
\u201cChris? Why are you here? Olivia asked, shocked by his entrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom! What happened? Chris was questioned, outraged, and confused.<\/p>\n
Oh Chris. She groaningly called her son into the cramped living room.<\/p>\n
Olivia said she bought them the house the first time he asked for money.<\/p>\n
When Chris asked money for his company, she sold her home and gave Chris almost the entire profit.<\/p>\n
Chris’s ignorance of this information shocked him. Being careless made him feel like a bad son.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, why didn\u2019t you say anything! \u201cIf I had known,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n
I wanted you to succeed, honey. Chris interrupted her explanation. I gave you too little when you were younger.<\/p>\n
Mom, you met my requirements. I asked because I figured you knew the answer. Shouldn’t have asked. Sorry again.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She quickly found a job in her child’s city.<\/p>\n
Olivia’s granddaughter’s life was preserved by building a suite.<\/p>\n