My son-in-law told me I wouldnt see my daughter again unless I sold my mothers house.
Ive spent half my life alone. Not that I never marriedI did, but my husband walked out a year after the wedding, just after our daughter, Emily, was born. At least he left us something: a three-bedroom flat. A small mercy, I suppose. I never planned to remarry. I wasnt truly alone, anywayI had Emily to raise. That kept me busy enough.
I did my best, but I knew she missed having a father. That was one thing I couldnt give her. Over time, she grew too attached to every boy she befriended or dated. Not all of them appreciated that. More than once, I had to comfort her over a broken heart. But fate was kindeventually, she met Daniel.
He was responsible, kindthe sort of man Id always hoped shed marry. He respected both of us. What more could I want? For a while, I thought him the perfect son-in-law. But nothing stays perfect forever. Six months after the wedding, he changed.
Around that time, I was caring for my own mother. Shed had me young, just as Id had Emily, so shed lived to see her granddaughter. But age had caught up with her, and soon, she needed constant care. I took her inwhat else could I do? But Daniel wasnt happy about it.
I dont know why it bothered him so much. It wasnt as if he had to lift a fingerall the work fell on me. And Mum wasnt difficult; she was sharp as a tack. Still, he resented her presence.
Things only got worse. Soon, Emily started avoiding me too. We used to share mealsnow, they shut themselves away in their room. I tried talking to her, but she brushed me off with excuses.
They werent in any rush to give me grandchildren, either. “Were living for ourselves right now,” they said. At first, I pressed the matter, but then I let it gotheir life, their choice. Still, Daniels behaviour grated on me. He acted like he owned my home, though hed never lifted a finger to improve it. Instead, he spent his nights out with mates. Where was the man Id once admired?
Maybe this was who hed been all along.
With each week, he grew more unbearable. Then came New Years EveDaniel refused to celebrate with us. He dragged Emily into their room, leaving Mum and me alone. At midnight, Emily briefly stepped out to wish us a happy new year. Daniel didnt even bother.
The next day, he said, “Emily and I are selling your mothers house to buy our own place.”
I was speechless. After living under my roof for half a year, spending my moneynow he wanted to sell my mothers home?
“No,” I snapped. “Earn your own flat. Thats my mothers house. Were not selling it. Its her property, and shell decide what happens to it.”
Daniel didnt take it well. That same day, he packed his things, took Emily, and left for his parents house.
It hurt that she didnt even argue. But its her life. If she thinks this is whats best for her, so be it.
Did I do the right thing?
What would you have done?
