We had always had faith in our son as parents. Brilliant and destined for greatness, he was the ideal youngster. Therefore, we never questioned his success when we sent him off to college with thousands of dollars for tuition. until we discovered that he had been deceiving us all along.
Jason was our pride and joy from the day he was born. As a child, he was more than just “our son”; he was the neighborhood’s most admired son. He was incredibly good at everything he did.
A perfect score? Simple. The basketball team’s captain? Naturally. What about his charm? It had a magnetic quality. Parents would encourage their children by telling them to “be more like Jason.” He was ambitious, courteous, and attractive. That’s what we believed, anyway.
Jason has always had a thing for animals, at least as far as I can remember.
Jason was the one who would sneak milk to any stray cats that happened to wander into the yard. Even though Jason was only eight, he spent the entire night by our dog Max’s side when he became ill.
He once stated, his eyes shining as he watched Max wag his tail feebly, “Mom, when I grow up, I want to help animals.”
He insisted, “I want to be like Uncle Tom.”
I recall stroking his hair while chuckling quietly. “That’s sweet, honey, but if you become a businessman like your dad, you can help more people.”
Daniel, my spouse, and I had always seen Jason leading our family business in the future. He has every trait that makes someone a leader.
We therefore insisted on management when it came time to select a college. After some hesitation, Jason finally consented. I believed we had a clear plan for his future.
I was completely mistaken.
It began rather casually. Jason was enrolled in a renowned university’s business management program and was two years into his studies. Each month, we wired him money to cover living expenses and tuition.
Daniel and I had a busy life; there isn’t much time for hesitation when you’re running a business. Thus, we never asked any questions.
Then, however, everything fell apart.
I visited the city where Jason’s college was located on a business trip. I couldn’t wait to surprise him. I called Daniel and said, “I’ll stop by his dorm and maybe take him out to dinner.”
The woman behind the counter looked at me bewildered when I went to the admissions office to collect his dorm location. Jason Reed? We don’t have someone with that name enrolled here, I’m sorry.
I froze, certain that something had gone wrong. “Check again,” I demanded in a shaky voice.
She looked. Then she made another check. I apologize, ma’am, but Jason Reed is not included in any records. Are you certain that this university is the correct one?
I felt sick to my stomach. My mind racing, I gave her a stiff thank you and walked out of the office.
I gave Jason a call right away. “Hey, Mom!” he said, as happy as ever.
I forced myself to speak steadily as I said, “Hello, sweetheart.” “I thought I would surprise you while I’m in town for a conference. What about coffee?
A pause occurred. “Yeah, absolutely! Let’s get together at the school café.
I dismissed the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. He seemed easy, self-assured, and exuded the same charisma that had deceived everyone when I saw him in the café.
“How is school going?” I inquired informally.
Fantastic! He said without missing a beat, “Classes are challenging, but I’m learning a lot.” “I have been studying constantly because my midterms are approaching.”
He lied with such ease that I nearly fell for it. But I kept thinking about what the admissions clerk had said. He is not a student here.
I put my fitness bracelet in his jacket pocket as we said our goodbyes. It was GPS-equipped. I had to know where Jason was heading if he was telling the truth.
I heeded the bracelet’s signal that night. It took me to the town’s outskirts, far from campus and the busy downtown. A muddy road bordered by tall trees replaced the smooth pavement. As I got closer to a tiny clearing, the GPS beeped more quickly.
A rusty old trailer was partially concealed by the woods. The entire building appeared as though it may fall in a severe wind, and the roof drooped beneath the weight of mismatched patches.
I waited while holding on to the steering wheel while I parked my automobile. It was ten minutes before Jason showed up, carrying a backpack over his shoulder as he walked up the dusty road.
My heart stopped beating.
He knocked on the door of the trailer, and I watched. Another figure emerged as it creaked open. It was Tom, my brother.
“Tom?” Startled, I muttered to myself. It was more than a year since I last saw him. Tom had been on the go all his life. Tom worked at several different jobs before settling on being a veterinarian, while Daniel and I established a secure existence.
I stepped out of the car without thinking and strode over to the trailer.
“Jason!” With a strong voice, I called.
His eyes widened as he turned around. “Mom? Why are you here?
“That’s what I should be asking you!” I shouted. “What is this location? Why do you not attend school? Why is he here, too?
Tom grinned as he leaned against the doorframe. “Sis, it’s good to see you too.”
“Get out of here, Tom,” I yelled, giving him a fierce look.
Jason raised his hands and stepped forward. “I can explain, Mom.”
“No,” I broke in, my voice shaking. “Believing you were enrolled in college, I have been giving you money—our money—for tuition. Did you enroll at any point?
After a moment of hesitation, Jason shook his head. “No.”
It was a slap of a word. “So where has all the money disappeared to?”
Jason looked from me to Tom and back again. “I’ve been funding something significant with it. I’ve been getting aid from Uncle Tom.
I glanced at Tom, who appeared unconcerned. “Aiding you in what way?”
Jason inhaled deeply. “I’m constructing a vet clinic.”
“What?”
“Mom, I’ve dreamed about this all my life. Uncle Tom had the know-how and contacts to get me going. I’m renovating a nearby building and purchasing equipment with the money. He will be the head veterinarian when it is prepared.
What I was hearing was unbelievable. “You misled us! You’ve been giving him money for this? Tom smirked even more as I pointed at him.
Jason’s voice was firm as he added, “Mom, this is my calling.” “You and Dad wanted me to take over the company, but I’m not that kind of person. I wish to assist animals.
“You deceived us!” With a cracked voice, I yelled. “I will never give you another penny.”
With tears clouding my vision, I turned and hurried back to my car.
I didn’t talk to Jason for three months. Even though I couldn’t stand the solitude, I couldn’t bring myself to phone him. One day, however, an envelope showed up in the mail.
As stated in the letter: “Dear Mrs. Reed, We appreciate you supporting your son’s veterinarian practice and believing in him. Your kid saved my dog’s life when she was hit by a car recently. She wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for him and you.
My hands trembled as I gazed at the letter.
More emails and letters came in throughout the course of the following few weeks. They all related stories of how Jason helped preserve animals, bring families back together, and transform lives.
It was more than I could handle.
I couldn’t sleep one night, so I looked up Jason’s Veterinary Clinic online. The outcome appeared immediately, along with pictures of a modest structure with cheery signage and brilliant green awnings. When I saw Jason grinning next to a family and their golden puppy in the picture, I gasped.
I reached for my keys.
The clinic resembled the photos exactly. The hum of life could be heard in the chatter of pet owners and the barking of dogs in the crowded parking lot. I stepped to the front door feeling like my legs were made of jelly.
The first person I saw inside was Tom. He froze when he looked up from a clipboard.
“Well,” he continued, arching an eyebrow, “if it’s not my sister.” “To whom is the honor due?”
“I received your messages,” I responded, trying not to cry.
“My messages?” He crossed his arms and grinned. “Oh,” you mean the deluge of letters you received from folks who wanted to thank you for stopping something.
He continued even though I winced.
“You dismissed him, but take a look around.” He pointed to the busy clinic full with activity. “This is Jason. What you failed to notice is this. You never took the time to find out what he wanted because you were too busy organizing his life.
“Where is he?” I asked, oblivious to the hurt in his voice.
Tom gestured to a room in the back. “Go see for yourself.”
Conversely, Jason leaned over an examination table and spoke softly to a woman who was crying as he examined a ragged puppy.
He saw me and asked, “Mom?” There was equal parts surprise and terror in his voice.
The lump in my throat was too heavy for me to speak at first. At last, I was able to ask, “You did this?”
Jason gave a slow nod. Indeed. I did.
As he spoke, his confidence faltered. “I am aware that I caused you pain. I am aware that I lied, but—
“Jason,” I broke off, my voice cracking. “I was mistaken.”
He blinked.
A talk between a mother and son | Source: Midjourney
I stepped forward unsteadily. “This is your vocation. It is all that you claimed it was. I was also unable to view it. I attempted to manipulate you and change who you were, but My voice broke. “You’ve created something exquisite. Something that can save lives. I’m really pleased with you.
Jason approached me with sparkling eyes. “Mom, that means everything.”
Tom’s warm, delighted voice echoed behind us. Take a look at that. As it happens, we were correct all along.
With my heart at last at ease, I turned back to Jason.
“Make me a promise,” I said.
“Anything,” was his response.
“Never cease being this individual.”
