Before the divorce, Emily cared for her child alone, but later she found a nannyher ex-husbands mother.
At first, Emily managed everything herself, but eventually, she had to seek help. She found it in her mother-in-law. Hesitant, she asked if the woman knew anyone who could assist, but the offer came swiftlyof course, for a fee. Emilys salary wasnt generous, and every penny counted.
At work, I have a colleague going through hell. She barely takes care of herselfno salon visits, no luxuries. I wonder where her wages disappear. She lives with her parents, no mortgage like the rest of us, yet her former mother-in-law looks after her childand still, she receives maintenance payments.
Turns out, Emily pays rent to her parents for a single room *and* her mother-in-law for childcare. How does anyone survive like this?
Six months ago, when Emily joined our team, we became close fast. We had so much in commonsimilar tastes, children the same age.
She told me straightaway: divorced, moved back in with her parents. Successful people, both in their fifties, well-established careers. They own a countryside home and holiday abroad every year. When Emily returned, they gave her a roombut not for free. From day one, they charged her.
Shes grateful, at least, not to be among strangers. Better for her son, she says.
They even gave her a shelf in the fridge. She doesnt touch their thingsjust occasionally lets the boy have some fruit.
I dont understand how parents could do this. Especially when Emily left her husband with nothing. The first few months, she was in debt *to them*.
Before the split, she handled everything alone. Then came the search for help. Her mother-in-law stepped infor a price. It made sense; the woman knew the boys habits, his likes, his limits. Reliable. So Emily agreed, and now, when needed, her exs mother takes over.
It should be fine. But Emilys drowningbarely scraping by, let alone dreaming of anything more.
How could her own parents do this to her?
