A heart-wrenching story unfolded in southwestern France, where a 9-year-old boy was abandoned by his mother and left to fend for himself in their apartment for two long years. Despite the challenges he faced, this resilient young boy showed incredible resourcefulness and determination.

During this time, kindhearted neighbors occasionally brought him food, unaware of the difficult circumstances he was facing. He survived on canned food, cake, and even tomatoes he picked from a neighbor’s balcony. Nights were particularly harsh, as he relied on multiple layers of comforters to keep warm without proper heating. Cold water became a regular part of his daily routine.

Months passed before the observant neighbors realized the boy’s solitary existence and contacted the authorities. Even the mayor of the community confessed that it would have been challenging for anyone to detect the situation. The boy’s appearance and academic performance created a protective shield, giving the impression that everything was normal.

One neighbor reported that the mother was verbally abusive to her son, with regular bouts of swearing. It was during the court hearing that the truth came to light. Phone records were presented, revealing that the mother was not living with her son and that he managed his own schooling and studies. Despite her denial, the neighbors confirmed that the boy was indeed living alone. Read more below