Many years ago, my daughter-in-law grew upset with me over the matter of my flat and has since begun turning my son against me.
My only son, Robert, fell in with a cunning girl who twists him round her little finger. Lately, she has set about dividing him from me. She tells him that I don’t care a jot for their happiness, that I only think about myself. She drew such conclusions after I refused to swap our flats.
My husband left this world some years ago, leaving me with Robert as my sole child. I raised him with great love and attention, ensuring he received a fine education. Before marrying, Robert lived at home with us. He started working while still at university, and upon finishing his degree, he quickly found a good position.
Robert is the light of my lifea good man who has done well for himself professionally. My husband and I could not afford to buy our son his own flat; we always lived modestly. We didnt purchase our own place until we reached forty, having spent decades as tenants. So, it was not possible to buy a second flat for our son. But really, he can earn his ownjust as we did.
When Robert told me he was seeing a young lady, I was truly overjoyed. I did everything in my power to build a good relationship with my daughter-in-law; I neither reproached nor criticised her. I cared little about who Robert might marry, only that he found happiness. At first, I liked Sophie very muchshe was polite and seemed quite unassuming. Only after the wedding did her true character become apparent.
After tying the knot, Robert and Sophie went off on their honeymoon. Not long after their return, Sophie resigned from her job. She claimed her bosses constantly singled her out, and she wanted to find something better. But it did not end there. Sophie has now lived off my son for two years, showing no intention of seeking work.
Robert and Sophie settled into her tiny one-bedroom flat on the edge of town. With Sophie staying at home, Robert cannot afford a new place: Sophie fritters away his earnings on spas and fashionable outfits.
I simply cannot imagine how anyone fails to find work in two whole years. I suspect she is not being truthful about these supposed interviews. Most likely, she prefers a life of leisure funded by my son.
Once, I asked if they were considering starting a family.
How could we even speak of children cooped up in a flat this small? Sophie replied.
Why not try saving a little, put something away for a mortgage deposit? I suggested.
Weve nothing spare to savebarely making it to the end of the month as it is, she answered briskly.
I held my tongue, but it was plain to see that if she worked, they might already have some savings. Had they shown effort in putting something aside for a home, I would have gladly helped, for I do have a fair amount saved up. But I refuse to give them money now, knowing Sophie would waste it on trifles.
Recently, Sophie began pressing the idea of children, saying time is slipping away, and we must think of a successor for the family namebut can a child be raised in such conditions? Unfortunately, Robert has begun to echo her sentiments.
Mum, you know, Sophie and I were thinkingwhy not swap flats with us? No paperwork, nothing official, just switch and be done. That way, we neednt trouble ourselves with a mortgage, and your place would suit you just fine.
His words cut deep. He could never have thought of this alone. I told him I work far from their end of the city, and besides, old trees shouldnt be transplanted.
Youve only a few years left at work anyway, and soon enough well give you grandchildren, Sophie added with a smirk.
I declined their generous offer outright. I have no wish to leave the home that holds my memories.
Afterwards, Robert re-visited the topic several times, and each time his words wounded me more. He was never one to chase an easy advantage at anothers expense, but now his wife is turning his head.
Come on, lets go home, Sophie told him on their last visit. I told you, your mother doesnt care whether we have a family or not. She wouldnt lift a finger to help us!
Since that day, Robert hasnt contacted me, wont pick up the telephone nor return any of my calls. I cant understand this change in him. Hes always been clever, but in his wifes company, he loses all sense.
