Thomass parents didnt agree with his choice of partner, going as far as to cast him out of the house. Even so, Thomas held firm to his decision to be with Emily, the woman hed met and fallen for at university. The trouble was, Emily didnt belong to the social circle favoured by Thomass parents. They had always expected him to follow tradition and marry a girl of their choosing.
When Thomass parents discovered the relationship, they reacted harshly and even resorted to force against their prospective daughter-in-law to keep her away from their son. Unable to bear what Emily was suffering, Thomas confided in his mother about the incident. This set off a fierce argument and ultimately resulted in his father being forced out after failing to respect his mothers wishes.
With no other option, Thomas moved into Emilys student halls. After they decided to make a life together, they quickly married at the local registry office. It wasnt easy, but thanks to the support of Emilys parents and aunt, the couple managed to build a life for themselves. They found jobs, rented a flat, and eventually started a successful business together.
Despite everything they achieved, Thomass parents remained distant, refusing to acknowledge even the birth of their grandchildren. Nevertheless, Thomas and Emily became even closer to Emilys family, who helped them buy a home of their own. In time, relatives from both sides slowly started reconnecting, coming to visit and rebuilding those old ties. Life seemed to be on the up until one unfortunate incident involving Emilys mother-in-law.
One day, Thomas and Emily came home from work to find their young son crying in the corner his grandmother had struck him because he wouldnt eat his dinner. Thomas asked his mother not to hurt the children, and she initially seemed to promise she wouldnt. But the very next day she repeated her aggressive behaviour, which forced Emily to step in. No longer the timid girl she once was, Emily defended her child, warning her mother-in-law never to harm her or her children again, and threatening to break her arm if she did.
Later that day, when Thomas and his father returned home, his mother complained about Emilys behaviour, showing off a bruise on her arm. However, their young son came forward and told them the truth. Thomas and his father realised his mother was in the wrong and began to chastise her. Thomass father, having lost his son for years because of his wifes actions, did not want history to repeat itself. In the end, Thomass mother seemed to accept her place in the family and the consequences of her behaviour, and managed to avoid any further trouble with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
