When Olivia noticed a sudden change in her stepson Josh’s behavior, she grew increasingly concerned. Despite her efforts to get her husband, Patrick, to talk to him, Josh remained silent. One day, Olivia overheard a conversation between Josh and his biological mother that revealed the heartbreaking truth.

Every Sunday at 5 p.m., like clockwork, Josh returned from his mother’s house. He would silently walk through the door, kick off his shoes, and head straight to his room. This ritual had become the norm, but it was accompanied by a drastic shift in Josh’s demeanor. Our once cheerful, talkative ten-year-old had become distant, brooding, and withdrawn. He never shared what happened during his weekends with his mom, Linda, and Olivia didn’t want to pry, unsure of her role as his stepmother.