Every Sunday at 5 p.m., my stepson Josh would return from his mom’s house, transforming from a cheerful boy into a quiet stranger. Worried, I asked my husband, Patrick, to talk to him, but he got little response.

Josh used to be so bright and chatty, eager to bond with me. Recently, however, he’d become withdrawn, and I hoped Patrick’s talk would help. After their conversation, Josh merely said he was tired and went to bed, leaving me frustrated and concerned.

One weekend, while waiting for Josh to return, I heard a conversation between him and his mother, Linda, through our new door camera. My heart sank as I listened to him express his frustration about lying to Patrick and stealing from our home to help Linda.

“Mom, I can’t keep doing it,” he said, voice trembling. I was shocked to discover that Linda was manipulating him into stealing my things, even suggesting he take money from Patrick’s sock drawer.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I confronted Linda when Josh arrived home. I demanded answers and told her I’d help her financially but under the condition she stop using Josh as a pawn.

Afterward, Josh hugged me tightly, tears streaming down his face. “I didn’t want to steal!” he cried. I promised him I’d help fix this situation for everyone involved.