Long ago, in a quiet corner of England, I lived much of my life alone. Oh, I had been married once, but my husband, Thomas, left barely a year after our weddingjust as Id given birth to our daughter. At least he had the decency to leave us his three-bedroom flat in York before he vanished. I never considered remarrying. What need had I, when my little Alice grew beside me? Raising her was work enough, and though I tried my best, I knew she missed having a fathers steady hand. Perhaps that was why, as she grew older, she clung so fiercely to every young man who paid her mind. Not all of them welcomed such devotion. Many a night, I soothed her tears and mended her heartache. But Providence is kind, and in time, she met a man who seemed worthyDaniel.
He was diligent, courteous, and clearly adored her. What more could a mother ask? I thought him the perfect son-in-law. Yet fairy tales are rarely true. Within half a year of their marriage, Daniel changed.
At the time, I was caring for my own mother. Shed had me young, as Id had Alice, so she still lived to see her granddaughter wed. But age had weakened her, and soon I had no choice but to bring her into my home. The burden was mine aloneI never asked Daniel to lift a finger for her. My mother was no trouble, sharp as a tack till the end. Still, my son-in-law bristled at her presence.
Slowly, things grew worse. Alice, once so dear, began avoiding me too. Where we had once shared meals, now they shut themselves away. When I tried to speak with her, she offered only excuses. They spoke of childrensomeday, but not yet. I pressed at first, then let it be. Their lives were theirs to manage.
But Daniels airs grated on me. He acted master of my house yet contributed nothingno repairs, no furnishings, only nights out with his mates in Leeds. Where was the thoughtful man Id welcomed?
By winter, he was unbearable. That New Years Eve, he refused to celebrate with us, pulling Alice into their room while my mother and I sat alone. At midnight, Alice emerged briefly to wish us well. Daniel never did.
The next morning, he marched in with his demand: Alice and I are selling your mothers house to buy our own flat. I nearly laughed. Had they not lived under my roof these six months, at my expense? Was that not enough?
No, I said coldly. Earn your own way. That house is my mothers. Well not sell it.
His face darkened. By dusk, hed packed their things and taken Alice to his parents home in Sheffield.
My heart ached that she went without protestbut her choices were her own. If she believed this life with Daniel would make her happy, so be it.
Was I right to stand firm? What would you have done in my place?
