Although I am already 60 years old, I try to lead an active lifestyle – sometimes I go to a health resort, other times I spend a few days with my old friends. Nothing is keeping me at home – I’ve been divorced for a long time, my children have grown up and started their own families. Both of my daughters moved to different cities with their husbands, while my son stayed nearby.
I live alone. At one point, I suggested that my son and his wife move in with me, but they refused. Renting a separate place was too expensive for them, so my son moved in with his mother-in-law. Of course, visiting his in-laws frequently is inconvenient, but that was their decision. Meanwhile, I enjoy my freedom – I travel, relax, and visit friends.
Whenever I went away, I would leave my apartment keys with my daughter-in-law. It made me feel more at ease – she could come in, water the plants, and check that everything was in order. She never objected, and it was convenient for me as well. This arrangement continued for a long time until, one day, while visiting my son for a holiday dinner, I noticed a familiar salad bowl.
I don’t remember every single dish I own, but I knew this salad bowl for sure – it was part of my daughter’s dowry and had stayed with me after she moved away. At first, I didn’t say anything – after all, many people might have similar dishes. But later, while in my daughter-in-law’s kitchen, I saw plates identical to the ones that used to be in my cabinet.
When I returned home, I decided to check – maybe I was mistaken? But no, my suspicions were confirmed: several plates were missing from my shelves, and the salad bowl I had recognized at my son’s house was gone as well.
I was furious. I had trusted my daughter-in-law, given her the keys, and she had taken my things without asking! Even if she had needed something, she could have simply asked – I wouldn’t have minded. But to do it behind my back – that felt like theft!
I called my daughter and told her everything. She tried to calm me down, saying that not only my daughter-in-law but also my son was eating from those dishes. But that didn’t make me feel any better! It wasn’t about the plates; it was about the principle.
I didn’t want to cause a scandal or ruin our relationship, but I made my decision. Now, when I leave, I give my keys to my neighbor. That feels much safer.
