My son has fallen in with a dishonest girl who manipulates him as she pleases. Lately, shes been turning him against me. She tells him I dont care about their happiness, claiming I only think of myself. Shes come to these conclusions simply because I refused to swap homes with them.
My husband passed away a few years ago, and my son is my only child. I raised him with love and care, giving him a good education. Before he married, he stayed with us. He began working while at university, and as soon as he graduated, he landed a great job.
My son is my pride and joy. Hes a wonderful young man, doing well in his career. My husband and I werent able to buy a flat for our son because we always lived modestly. We only managed to purchase our own flat when we were forty, having been in rented accommodation before then. We simply couldnt afford a second property for him. But after all, he can earn one for himselfjust as we did.
When Mark told me he was dating a girl, I was thrilled. I did everything I could to build a good relationship with my daughter-in-law: I never scolded or criticised her. I didnt mind who became my daughter-in-law; the only thing that mattered was my sons happiness with this girl. At first, I rather liked Sandra. She was polite and reserved. But it wasnt until after the wedding that Sandra revealed her real nature.
After the wedding, Mark and Sandra went off on honeymoon. Upon their return, Sandra resigned from her job. She claimed her bosses at work were always picking on her and said she wanted to find something better. But the story didnt end there. Sandras been sitting at home for two years now, supported by my son, and has no intention of seeking employment.
Mark and Sandra have been living in her one-bedroom flat, which is out on the edge of the city. Since Sandra stays at home, Mark cant afford to buy a new place, as Sandra spends all his money on beauty salons and clothes.
I honestly cant understand how someone cant find work after two whole years. I suspect shes lying about going to interviews; most likely, she enjoys living comfortably off Marks earnings.
Once, I asked if they were planning to have children. How can we possibly think about kids when we live in such a tiny place? Sandra replied. Perhaps you could start saving for a deposit on a mortgage? I suggested. We havent got any money to save! We barely make ends meet as it is, Sandra said.
I bit my tongue and didnt say that if Sandra went out to work, theyd have been able to save up ages ago. If they tried to put money aside for a flat, of course Id helpthey dont know that Ive already set aside a decent amount myself. But at this point, I dont want to give them any money, knowing Sandra would waste it on frivolities.
Recently, Sandra started talking about having children, complaining that time is ticking away and they need to think about an heir, but how can they possibly raise a child in such cramped conditions? Mark has started to agree with her.
Mum, Sandra and I have been thinking Why wont you agree to swap flats with us? We dont need to do anything legallyjust switch and thats it. We wouldnt have to worry about a mortgage, and your space would be enough for you.
What my son said hurt me. I know he wouldnt have thought up this idea himself. I told him Id be far away from their home for work and, as the saying goes, old trees shouldnt be uprooted.
Youve only got a few years left working, and well give you grandchildren, Sandra said, smiling.
I refused their generous offer, as I really disliked the idea. I dont want to leave my home.
After that, Mark tried speaking to me about it several more times, and each time his remarks stung even more. Hes never tried to profit from anyone else before, but now his wife is encouraging him to behave like this.
Come on, lets go home. I told you your mother doesnt care if we have kids or not. She wouldnt lift a finger for us! Sandra said to Mark during their last visit.
After that day, Mark stopped contacting me; he wont answer my calls or ring me back. I cant understand why my son is behaving like thishes not a stupid man, but when Sandra is around, he seems to lose all sense.
