My son has fallen in with a dishonest girl who manipulates him however she likes. Recently, shes started turning him against me, telling him that I dont care about their happiness, that I only think of myself. She drew such conclusions because I refused to swap flats with them.
My husband passed away a few years ago, and Mark is my only child. I raised him with love and care, making sure he had a good education. Before marriage, Mark lived with us. He started working while still at university and got a good job straight after graduation.
Mark is my pride and joy. Hes a wonderful young man and manages well in his career. My husband and I were never able to buy Mark his own flat because weve always lived modestly. We managed to buy a flat for ourselves at the age of forty; before that, we rented, so we didnt have the means to get another flat for Mark. But hes capable enough to earn his own place, just as we did ourselves.
When Mark told me he was dating a girl, I was delighted. I did everything I could to establish a good relationship with my daughter-in-law: I never scolded or criticised her. It didnt matter to me who Mark would marry; all I wanted was for him to be happy with his choice. At first, I was very fond of Sandra she seemed polite and humble. But only after the wedding did her true colours start to show.
After the wedding, Mark and Sandra went off on their honeymoon, and when they returned, Sandra quit her job. She said her bosses were always picking on her and wanted to find something better. But she hasnt stopped there. Sandra has now been living off Mark for two years without the slightest intention of going back to work.
The two of them live in her one-bedroom flat on the outskirts of London. Since Sandra stays at home, Mark cant afford to buy a new place, especially as Sandra spends nearly all his money on beauty salons and clothes.
I cant imagine how someone can go two years without finding a job. I suspect shes not being truthful when she claims to be going for interviews. More likely, she simply enjoys living comfortably off Mark.
I once asked if they intended to have children. How can you expect us to talk about children when we live in such a tiny space? Sandra replied. I suggested, Why not save up a bit for a deposit on a mortgage? Sandra answered, We can barely scrape by each month as it is. Theres nothing to save; all the money is gone.
I held my tongue, though I wanted to point out that if they werent always at home, they might have managed to save something by now. If they made an effort to save for a flat, of course Id help Ive already set aside a decent sum myself. But I refuse to give them money now, knowing Sandra would squander it on frivolous things.
Recently, Sandra started talking about wanting a baby, complaining that time is slipping away and they must think about an heir. But is it even possible to raise a child in such circumstances? Mark has started siding with Sandra.
Mum, he said, Sandra and I have been wondering why you wont agree to swap our flats. No legal paperwork, just a simple exchange you wouldnt have to worry about a mortgage, and our place would be enough for you.
His words hurt deeply. Mark would never have come up with such an idea on his own. I told him Id end up far from them for work, and that old trees shouldnt be transplanted.
Youve only got a few years left at work, and soon well give you grandchildren, Sandra said, smiling.
I refused their so-called favourable offer because it didnt appeal to me at all. I wont leave my home behind.
Since then, Mark has broached the subject several more times, and each time his words have stung even more. Mark has never tried to profit at anothers expense, but now his wife urges him to do so.
Lets go home, Sandra said when they came to visit me last time. I told you your mother doesnt care whether we have children or not. Shed never lift a finger to help us!
After that visit, Mark stopped getting in touch he wont answer my calls or ring back. I cant fathom why hes acting this way. He isnt foolish, but when Sandras around, it seems like he loses all sense.
