Ive been criticising my husband for living in my flat. One weekend, he packed his things and left.
Not long ago, our family visited the countryside, where we heard an interesting tale. Let me recount it. Theres a woman named Grace, the ex-wife of Richard. Their marriage lasted over twenty years. I dont know all the intricacies of their life together, just what the locals shared.
After the wedding, Graces parents gifted the young couple a flat. At the time, Richard worked in furniture manufacturing, while Grace was in administration. Their salaries were decent and the money covered everything they needed. Richard was good with his hands and sorted out all manner of jobs in their new home.
They had only one child, a son named Oliver. He didnt have the easiest character: troublesome and rather full of himself. His mother would allow him anything, while Richard did his best to set boundaries. This became a regular cause of arguments between the parents. Richard insisted that Oliver ought to become independent and responsible.
When Oliver was just a lad, his father tried to show him the value of work. Richard always said that everyone should know how to fix things and handle daily chores themselves. At first, Oliver showed some interest, but it faded quickly.
Grace, however, took a different approach to parenting. She told Oliver he neednt bother with such things, that physical work wasnt for him. She was always giving him something fancy or expensive. The result was a son who grew lazy and expected everything to be handed to him without any effort.
All of this took a toll on Grace and Richards relationship. They argued almost every day. Meanwhile, Oliver finished school and went on to university. His parents paid his tuition, but Oliver had little interest in studying and performed poorly.
Well, just look at him! He doesnt want to do a thing! Hes perfectly happy letting everyone else take care of him. Are you planning to find him a job, too? No way. Let him remain your burden. Thats for the best! Richard scolded me.
Why is it just me? Hes your son as well.
Hes not a child anymore, Grace. In a few months, hell turn eighteen! He should find his own path in life now. I warned you, but you never listened to me. I would have raised him to be a man. But you wouldnt allow it. So, what have you ended up with?
Are you happy with your life? Youve been living in my flat for years! And you still havent bought your own place. So you mustnt want to. Youve a decent job, yet you waffle on about your rights! Im supposed to listen to someone like you telling me how to raise our son?
Thats exactly what were discussing! I never imagined youd throw the flat in my face. Let me remind you, darling we were given those keys as a wedding present. I always believed it was meant for both of us! I put so much effort into the place. We made it lovely. Not everyone has such a comfortable home. And yet you speak to me like this? Im deeply disappointed!
Grace sighed and left the room. Their relationship deteriorated after that argument. Oliver stuck by his mother and barely acknowledged his fathers requests for help, always coming up with some excuse to be busy elsewhere. Richard eventually realised his family didnt need him anymore.
One weekend, he quietly packed up and left. It turned out hed been saving his whole life, planning to buy a house of his own. Hed dreamt of a peaceful retirement with Grace, somewhere by a river. Richard settled in our village. It took him a few months to finish his house. There, he met a new woman Helen, a widow. Two years have passed. The couple now live together.
And what of the ex-wife and Oliver? Neither of them has reached out to Richard, not even a phone call. Thats just the way life goes.
