My daughter-in-law is upset with me over the flat and has started to turn my son against me.
My son has fallen for a dishonest young woman who manipulates him as she pleases. Recently, shes been trying to drive a wedge between us. She claims I dont care about their happiness, only my own interestssimply because I refused to swap flats with them.
My husband passed away a few years ago, and my son is my only child. I raised him with love and care, made sure he had a good education. Before he married, my son lived with us. He began working during his university years, and as soon as he graduated, he secured an excellent job.
Hes always been my pride and joy. Hes a wonderful young man and does very well in his career. My late husband and I were never able to buy a separate place for our son; we always lived modestly. We didnt manage to buy our own small flat until I was forty. Until then, we rentedso there was no way we could afford to buy a second property for our boy. But really, hes perfectly capable of earning for his own place, just as we did.
When William came to tell me hed met someone special, I was delighted. I did everything I could to have a good relationship with my daughter-in-law: I never criticised her, nor did I interfere. It didnt matter to me who my daughter-in-law was, as long as my son was happy. At first, I quite liked Emilyshe seemed polite and unassuming. But only after their wedding did she show her true colours.
After they married, William and Emily went off on their honeymoon. When they returned, Emily handed in her notice. She explained that her bosses were always picking on her and she wanted to look for a better job. Yet, that was as far as her efforts went. Shes now been living off my son for two years, with no intention whatsoever of working.
They live together in her tiny one-bedroom flat out on the edge of town. With Emily staying at home all day, William simply cant manage to save for a new flat, since she spends most of what he earns at beauty salons and on clothes. I really dont see how its so hard to find work after all this time. I suspect shes lying about attending interviews. Most likely, she simply enjoys an easy life at Williams expense.
I once asked if theyd thought about having children.
How can we even talk about children, when were packed into this tiny place? Emily replied.
Perhaps you could try saving for a deposit on a mortgage, I suggested.
Theres no money left to save, were barely making ends meet as it is, Emily shot back.
I stopped myself from saying that, if she went out to work, they could have saved something by now. If theyd put in a real effort to set money aside for a new place, I would have gladly helped. I actually have a decent nest egg set aside. But as it stands, I have no wish to give them anything, knowing Emily would just fritter it all away.
Lately, Emily has begun talking about having a child, complaining that time is passing and we have to think about an heir. But how could they possibly raise a child in such cramped conditions? Now, William is backing her up.
Mum, you know, Emily and I have been thinkingwhy dont you swap flats with us? We wouldnt put anything in writing, just a simple swap. That way we wouldnt have to worry about a mortgage, and your space would be more than enough for you.
What my son said really hurt me. I cant believe hed have had that idea on his own. I told him Id be far from my job and, besides, old trees shouldnt be transplanted.
Youve only a few years of work left, then well give you grandchildren, Emily said with a sweet smile.
I had to refuse their generous offer. I dont want to leave my home.
Since then, my son has tried bringing up the subject a few more times, each comment more wounding than the last. William never used to be one to take advantage, but now his wife is encouraging him to try just that.
Come on, lets go, Emily said the last time they visited. I told you, your mother doesnt care whether we have children or not. She wouldnt lift a finger to help us!
After that, William has cut off contacthe wont answer his phone or call me back. I cant understand why hes acting this way. Hes not a fool, but when his wife is around, its as if he forgets himself.
