Emma married quite young, and when she gave birth to a son at twenty-three, she didn’t seem very interested in looking after him. Instead, she left him with his grandmother, only sending a bit of money from time to time while she lived a carefree life with her husband. Two years later, circumstances forced them to bring the child home, but Emma barely acknowledged her son and kept her distance. She sent him off to nursery to limit their time together, and later to primary school, where he faced teasing from classmates and struggled academically.
Neither of the boys parents got involved in his upbringing or education; when the school tried to reach out, Emmas husband reacted aggressively. Once the boy finished school, Emma sent him to work at a local factory, where he eventually met his future wife. The young couple were given a flat by the factory management. Even after that, Emma stayed distantshe rarely saw her grandchildren and only sent them money for special occasions, such as their birthdays or Christmas.
When Emma reached retirement age, she wanted to mark the milestone with a grand party. She turned to her son for help, asking him to use the money she sent for gifts and food for her grandchildren. Her son and daughter-in-law sent their children off to stay with relatives in the countryside, hoping to steer clear of any drama, and focused on preparing thoroughly for the celebration. When Emma arrived, they welcomed her, and the guests enjoyed the festivities long into the night.
But after everyone had gone, Emma told her son and daughter-in-law she would be leaving early, meaning she wouldnt be around when her grandchildren came back from visiting their other grandmother. She left just a small slice of cake behind for them to share. Her son was deeply hurt by her lack of warmth.
A week later, Emma rang her son again, explaining she needed to go to hospital for an operation, and asked if he could bring her a few things. He answered curtly, saying he and his wife were about to leave for holidaya trip she already knew aboutand suggested she call his father instead.
Eventually, word reached Emma that the world didnt revolve around her, and her son finally started putting himself and his own family first.
