Claire tries not to become involved after her teenage son moves in with his father, but eventually his silence becomes more powerful than words. She does what mothers do best when she learns the truth about what’s actually going on in that home: she shows up. This is a silent yet impactful tale of love, resiliency, and rescue.-
I agreed when Mason, my 14-year-old son, begged to go in with his father following the divorce.
It wasn’t because I wanted to; trust me, I would have liked to have him along. But I didn’t want to obstruct a father and son from reestablishing their relationship. Mason was still with me on the weekends and whenever he felt like it. Simply put, I didn’t have him every day.
Eddie had been missed. His silly, good-times father, who wore backward baseball caps to soccer matches and prepared pancakes at midnight. Eddie also appeared ready to take charge. He desired to participate. more realistic.
So, I let Mason go.
I didn’t expect it to break me quietly.
At first, Mason called often. He sent me silly selfies and updates about the pizza-and-movie nights with his dad.
I saved every photo. I rewatched every video time and time again. I missed him but I told myself this was good.
This was what he needed.
He sounded content. Free. And I hoped that meant he was all right.
The calls then decreased in volume. There were less texts. One-word responses replaced conversations.
Then there was quiet.
Then calls began to come in from other locations. Mason’s instructors.
Regarding missed homework, one sent an email.
“He said he forgot, Claire. But it’s not like him.”
“He seems disconnected. Like he’s here but not really… Is everything okay at home?”
And then the worst one, his math teacher.
“We caught him che:ating during a quiz. That’s not typical behavior. I just thought you should know… he looked lost.”
Lost.
Not rebellious. Not difficult. Just… lost.
I tried calling him that night. No answer. I left a voicemail.
