I used to criticise my husband for living in my flat. One weekend, he packed his things and left.
Not long ago, my family and I went on a trip to the countryside, where we heard an interesting local story. Here it is. Theres Victoria, who used to be married to Peter. Their marriage lasted over twenty years. I dont know every single detail, just what the locals told me.
After their wedding, Victorias parents gave the newlyweds a flat. At that time, Peter worked for a furniture manufacturing company and Victoria worked in administration. Their wages were decent, so they managed well. Peter had a knack for practical taskshe did all sorts of jobs around their new home.
They had just one child, a son. He was difficult, not the easiest sort to get along withquite cheeky and self-important. His mother let him do as he pleased, while his father argued he needed discipline. This difference in parenting styles led to endless rows. Peter insisted their son should learn to stand on his own two feet and become responsible.
When Edward was a little boy, his father tried to teach him how to work with his hands. Peter believed everyone should know how to fix things and handle everyday problems. At first, Edward showed interest, but that didnt last long.
Victoria, meanwhile, took a different tack. Shed tell Edward there was no need for him to do things himself, that manual labour wasnt for him. She was always buying him expensive things. As a result, he became lazy and got used to having everything handed to him.
This all put a real strain on the marriage. Peter and Victoria argued constantly. When Edward finished school and went off to university, his parents paid his tuition, but he wasnt keen on studying and his results were poor.
So what are we supposed to do with him? He doesnt want to do anything, just sits back and lets everything be done for him! Why dont you find him a job as well? No, best leave him relying on you forever! Peter scolded me.
Why is it just me? Hes your son too.
Hes no longer a child. Hell be eighteen in a few months, a grown man. Let him make his own choices. I warned you, but you never listened. I couldve made a man of him, but you wouldnt let meand look at what hes become!
Are you happy with your life? Youve been living in my flat for years yet never bought your own place. Clearly, you didnt even try. Nice job youve got, but here you are, going on about your rights! And you really think youre the one to tell me how to raise our son?
Thats exactly the problem! Never thought Id hear you throw the flat in my face. Let me tell you, love, we got those keys as a wedding gift. I always thought it was for the both of usI worked hard to make that place a home. Not many people are so lucky. And now you turn around and say this? Im honestly shocked!
Victoria sighed and left the room. After that argument things truly went downhill. Edward stood by his mother and ignored his fathers requests for help, always busy with some new project or other. Peter began to realise his family didnt need him anymore.
One weekend, Peter packed up and moved out. Turns out, hed been saving up for a house all his life, dreaming of a quiet retirement with Victoria beside a river somewhere. He settled in our village. It took him a few months to finish fixing up his new house. There, he met someone newa widow named Helena. Two years on, they live together as a couple.
What about his ex-wife and Edward? Neither has reached out or even called Peter. Thats just how life goes sometimes.
