My son has found himself entangled with a rather sly girl who seems to pull at his strings whenever it suits her. Lately, shes been turning him against me, telling him that I dont care about their happiness and accusing me of selfishness. Shes come to these conclusions because I refused to swap flats.
My husband passed away several years ago, leaving me with only my son, Edward. I raised Edward with all the love and care I could muster and gave him a good education. Before he married, he lived at home with us. He started working while still at university, and as soon as he finished his degree, he landed a decent job.
Edward has always been my pride and joy. Hes a wonderful young man, doing well in his professional life. My late husband and I were never able to buy Edward his own flat; weve always lived modestly. We only managed to purchase our flat in London when I was forty. Before that, we rented, so it was simply impossible for us to afford a second property. Still, I believed Edward could earn his own place as we did.
When Edward told me he was seeing someone, I was truly delighted. I did my best to build a good relationship with his fiancée; I never criticised or scolded her. Honestly, I didnt care who my daughter-in-law would be, as long as my son was happy. At first, I liked Alice very much. She was polite and seemed humble. But only after the wedding did her true colours show.
After the wedding, Edward and Alice went on their honeymoon, and when they returned, Alice promptly quit her job. She claimed her boss was always at her, and said she wanted to find something better. But she never bothered to look for work. For two years now, shes lived off Edward, showing no intention of working.
They moved into her tiny one-bedroom flat on the outskirts of London. Since Alice stays home, Edward cant afford a new flat, especially as Alice spends all their money on hair salons and clothes.
I cant fathom how one couldnt find a job in two years. Honestly, I think shes lying about going to interviews. She seems to prefer living comfortably off her husbands earnings.
Once, I asked if they planned on having children. How can we talk about children when we live in such a small space? Alice replied. Why not save up for a deposit? I suggested. Theres nothing to save, we barely make it through the month, was her answer.
I bit my tongue so as not to point out that, had she worked, they could have saved up long ago. If they were truly saving for a flat, I would gladly help, for Ive managed to put aside a fair sum myself. But I refuse to give them money now, knowing Alice would waste it on trivial things.
Recently, Alice has begun talking about children again, lamenting that time is slipping by and urging us to think about having an heir. But is it wise to raise a child in such cramped conditions? Edward seems to agree with Alice nowadays.
Mum, you know, Alice and I have been thinking, why dont you swap flats with us? Nothing formal, just switch and be done with it. You wont have to worry about mortgages, and our place would suit you well enough.
Hearing this from Edward hurt me deeply. He would never have come up with such an idea himself. I told him that its best for me to stay near familiar things, that old trees shouldnt be transplanted.
Youll only have a couple more years left to work, and then well give you grandchildren, Alice smiled at me.
I declined their generous offer, because I simply dont want to leave my home.
After that, Edward brought up the topic several more times, his words wounding me more each time. Hed never been someone to try and profit off others, but now his wife urges him to do just that.
Come on, lets go, Alice said last time they visited, I told you your mum doesnt care about us having children. She wouldnt lift a finger for us!
Since then, Edward hasnt called or responded to any of my messages. I dont understand why he acts this way. Hes not foolish, but when his wife is around, she seems to cloud his judgement.
