That night I forced my son and daughterinlaw out of the house and took their keys; the moment had arrived when I thoughtenough.
A week has passed and I still cant believe what I did. I threw my own son and his wife out of my home. And you know what? I feel not a hint of remorse, because it was the limit. They were the ones who pushed me into this choice.
It all started six months ago. I came home from work, as usual, exhausted, just wanting a cup of tea and some quiet. What did I find? In the kitchen sat my son, Rui, and his wife, Beatriz. She was slicing cheese, he was at the table reading the newspaper as if nothing were wrong, and he smiled and said:
Hello, mum! We decided to come visit you!
At first it seemed harmless. Im always glad when Rui shows up. But soon I realized it wasnt a visit; it was a takeover. No warning, no request. They walked into my house and made themselves at home.
I learned they had been evicted from the flat they rentedthey hadnt paid the rent for six months. I had already warned them: dont live beyond your means! Find something smaller, cut back. Yet they wanted a place in central Lisbon, a renovated apartment with a balcony and a view. When everything fell apart, they fled to their mothers house.
Mum, well stay only a week. I swear Im already looking for a place, Rui insisted.
Like a fool I believed them. I thought, One week isnt the end of the world. Were family; I have to help. If only I had known what would follow Family drama.
A week passed. Then another. Then three months. No one looked for a new home. Instead they settled as if the house were theirs. They never asked, never helped, never contributed. And Beatriz My God, how wrong I was about her.
She didnt cook, didnt clean. She spent her days with friends, and when she was home she lounged on the sofa glued to her phone. I came home, made dinner, washed the dishes, and she acted like a hotel guestdidnt even rinse her own glass.
One day, gently, I suggested: maybe you could find a side job? It might ease things. Their reply was immediate:
We know what were doing. Thanks for the concern.
I was footing the billswater, electricity, gas. They contributed nothing. They even started arguments whenever something wasnt to their liking. Every word I said turned into a storm.
Then, a week ago, late at night, I lay awake. In the living room the TV blared, Rui and Beatriz laughed and shouted. I had to get up at six in the morning. I got up and said:
Are you going to sleep or not? I need to get up early!
Mum, dont start Rui replied.
Mrs. Maria, stop the drama Beatriz added, without even looking at me.
That was the last straw.
Pack your things. Youre not staying tomorrow.
What?
You heard me. Get out. Or Ill pack for you myself.
When I turned to leave, Beatriz let out a giggle. That was her mistake. I grabbed three large bags and started stuffing their belongings inside. They tried to stop me, begged, but it was too late.
Either leave now, or Ill call the police.
Half an hour later the bags were in the hallway. I took their keys. No tears, no regretjust irritation and a sense of vindication. I didnt care any longer. I closed the door, locked it, and sat down. For the first time in six months, there was silence.
Where did they go? I dont know. Beatriz has parents, friends, a couch somewhere to crash on. Im sure they didnt end up on the street.
I have no remorse. I did what had to be done. This is my home, my castle, and I wont let anyone tread on it with dirty feetnot even my own son.
Sometimes saying no is the greatest act of love, because only those who respect themselves can truly respect others.
