I used to criticise my husband for living in my flat. One weekend, he simply packed his bags and left.
Not long ago, my family and I took a trip out to the countryside and happened to hear an interesting tale there. Let me share it with you. Theres Charlotte, the ex-wife of Peter. Their marriage lasted for over twenty years. I dont know all the details of their lives, only what the locals shared with me.
After their wedding, Charlottes parents gave the young couple a flat as a wedding present. At the time, Peter worked at a furniture workshop, while Charlotte had an admin job. Their wages were quite decent, enough for all their needs. Peter was good with his handshe did everything needed to make their new place feel like home.
They had just one child, a sonHarry. He didnt have the best temperament: stubborn and overly self-assured. His mother always let him have his way, but his father tried to teach him limits. Because of this, Peter and Charlotte argued constantly. Peter insisted he wanted his son to become independent and take responsibility.
When Harry was small, his father tried to teach him practical skills. Peter said everyone ought to be able to handle everyday tasks like repairs. At first, Harry seemed interested, but soon enough lost interest.
Charlotte, on the other hand, took a very different approach. She would tell Harry that manual work was beneath him, and that he neednt bother doing such things on his own. She was constantly buying him expensive gifts. In the end, my son grew up lazy and used to having everything handed to him.
Naturally, this put a strain on the marriage. Peter and Charlotte were always at odds. Meanwhile, Harry finished school and went off to university. His parents paid his tuition, but he never really applied himselfhis marks were quite poor.
And who do we have here? Peter would snap. He doesn’t want to do anything! Quite happy for everyone to take care of everything for him. Why dont you sort out a job for him as well? No, just keep supporting himits easier for you, isnt it!
Why is this just my responsibility? Hes your son too, Charlotte would retort.
Hes not a child anymorehell be eighteen in a few months! Thats a grown man. Let him make his own way in the world. I warned you but you never listened. I could have helped him become a man, but you wouldnt let me. So now, what kind of son have you raised?
Are you happy with your life? Charlotte would say, Youve lived in my flat for years and still havent bought your own place. Not that you seem to caregood job and all, but youre always waving your rights about! And you think you can lecture me about raising my son?
Thats exactly what were talking about! Peter replied. I cant believe youd turn around and blame me about the flat. Listen, love. The keys were given to us as a wedding gift, and I always thought it belonged to both of us. I put in so much effort, made this place nice. Not everyone gets such a decent place to live. And you say things like that? I never expected it!
Charlotte sighed and left the room. After that row, things only went downhill. Harry sided with his mum, ignoring his fathers requests for helphe was always busy with something or other. Peter realised his family no longer needed him.
One weekend, he packed a suitcase and left. Turns out, hed been saving for years hoping to buy a house of his own. Hed always dreamed of retiring quietly with Charlotte, somewhere near a river. Peter eventually moved out to our village. It took him a few months to get the house in order. He met a new womana widow named Helen. Two years passed, and the pair moved in together.
What became of his ex-wife and Harry? Not once did they reach out to Peternot a single phone call. Lifes like that sometimes.
Sometimes, when people take each other for granted, its only after theyre gone that the true value of their efforts and presence can be seen. If we forget to appreciate those who care for us, we may come to realise it too late.
