Oh, Ive got this story to tell youits a bit of a rollercoaster. So, Ive spent half my life on my own. Well, not entirelyI was married once, but my husband walked out on me a year after we tied the knot. Right after Id given birth to our daughter, Emily. At least he left us with a three-bedroom flat in London. Small mercy, I suppose. I never bothered with marriage again. I wasnt really alone, thoughI had Emily to raise. Had to get her on her feet, you know? Life was already hectic enough.
I knew Id done my best, but Emily still missed having a father figure. That was the one thing I couldnt give her. Over time, she got too attached to every bloke she dated or even just befriended. Not everyone liked how clingy she was. I spent years comforting her, picking up the pieces after heartbreaks. But luck turned eventually, and she met James.
James seemed like a decent chaphardworking, kind. I was all for them getting married. He respected me and adored Emily. What more could I want? I thought he was the perfect son-in-law. But lifes no fairy tale, is it? Six months into their marriage, James changed.
Meanwhile, I was looking after my own mum. She was still aroundhad me young, just like I had Emily, so she got to know her granddaughter. But then Mum fell ill. Got so bad I had to move her in with me. No choice, really. But James? He hated the idea.
No clue why it bothered him so much. Its not like I made *him* care for herthat was all on me. And Mum wasnt even difficult, sharp as a tack till the end. Still, James kept getting worse. Eventually, Emily started avoiding me too. We used to have meals together, but now theyd hide in their room. Tried talking to her, but no luckjust excuses.
They werent in any rush to give me grandkids either. Said they wanted to live for themselves first. I pushed a bit, then gave up. Their life, their rules. But James? He really got on my nerves. Started acting like *he* owned *my* flatnever lifted a finger to fix a thing, but disappeared with his mates to the pub all the time. Where was the lovely bloke Id first met?
Guess hed just shown his true colours.
Every week, he got worse. Then came New YearsJames refused to celebrate with us. Took Emily to their room, left me and Mum alone. At midnight, Emily popped out to wish us happy new year. James? Didnt even show his face.
Next day, he dropped the bomb: *”Were selling your mums house and buying our own place.”* I was speechless. Theyd been living *rent-free* in *my* flat for *six months*, and that wasnt enough?
*”No. Earn your own flat. Thats my mums housewere not selling it. Its her property, her decision.”*
James blew up. That same day, he packed their things, took Emily, and moved back to his parents.
Broke my heart that Emily didnt even argue. But its her life. If she thinks this is better, fine.
Did I do the right thing? What would you have done?
