My mother-in-law announced loudly, Listen, youre not getting this flat.
My wifes mother was the loudest of them all, bellowing, You wont get this flat. I dont know how you took care of Granddad, what trick you pulled to make him sign it over to you, but it wont be yours. Secondly, youre out of my sons life for good. Hes finally met a proper girl from a good family. So you and your kids can disappear. Got it?
For ten years, Id cared for my husbands grandfather while living in a rented flat with our children. His sister, Emily, lived with the old man too. My mother-in-law never had time for her own husbandthey barely spoke. I never got a degree or built a career. All my free time went to looking after the old man and the kids.
My husband cheated on me constantly, and his family situation weighed on him. Other women never stuck arounda man with kids and no money wasnt much of a catch, so he always came back. I forgave him for the childrens sake. We never bought our own placemost of our money went on rent and Granddads care. If Emily visited, it was only to beg for a cut of his pension, complaining about her finances. Yet somehow, despite these struggles, she and her husband still managed holidays and a new car now and then.
Five years ago, Granddad left his flat to me. He said, Youve been closer to me than all my family put together. My grandsons a traitorhed hand this place to his mum or sister. Let my great-grandkids have a better life. Think of this as your reward. So youll never say you wasted your years looking after me.
No one knew about the willthe fewer who knew, the better they slept. When Granddads health worsened, the family suddenly took an interest. They visited, asked after him, even offered to helpfor the first time in years! He wasnt a fool. He knew exactly what they wanted. He played along, smiling at me when they werent looking.
At last, I had time to myself. You cant imagine what it felt like, walking through town aloneno kids, no pushchair. I relished it. Granddad didnt last long. I truly mourned that brave old man. The inheritance battle started almost immediately. My mother-in-law and Emily began pressuring my husband:
Youll give the flat to Emily. Shes lived here for yearsits her home. Then youll get your mums place later. Just give up your claim. Youll have everything, just not yet.
My husband trusted his mothers promises and agreed to sign away his rights. I didnt believe herhis mum had never cared about anything except Emily and her kids. It hurt that after ten years of caring for Granddad, no one wanted himonly his things.
I respected his wisdom. Hed gone to the solicitor early and sorted everything.
That evening, my husband came home from work and started packing.
Where are you going? I asked.
Im done. Im leaving you and the kids. I only stayed to help with Granddad. Now hes gone, thats your problem. I wont pay rent anymore. Ive had another woman for ages. He gave a mocking wave and left.
Fine. I prepared to move and started job hunting. Days later, his whole family showed upEmily, her husband, their kids. They screamed over each other, hurling accusations. His mother was loudest of all:
Shut up, all of you! You listen herefirst, you wont get that flat. I dont know how you tricked Granddad, but well prove you cheated. Second, youre out of my sons life. Hes found a proper girl now, and theyre expecting. So you and your kids can vanish. Got it? Ill say it againhand the flat to my daughter, and leave my son alone!
You know what I understand? I said. That I can cut you all out of my life.
I shut the door and ignored their noise. My kids and I would have a decent lifeId found work, and we had a home. Ill always be grateful to Granddad. My husbands gone, and well be happier without him. Things will be just fine.
