For ten long years, I was the one who looked after my husbands grandfather. Back then, our days were spent togetherhim, our children, and meall living under one roof in a rented flat somewhere in the heart of Manchester. Meanwhile, my husbands sister, Margaret, enjoyed the comfort of Granddads actual flat. No one else had any real need for himnot my mother-in-law, not his other grandchildren.
My life hadnt exactly gone as Id once dreamed. Never finished my university degree, found myself unexpectedly pregnant far too young, and never quite managed to build any kind of successful career.
Each day slipped into the next with barely a change: a never-ending routine of caring for Granddad and bringing up my children, with barely a moment to breathe.
My husband hated the constant stress in the house and would often just disappear for days at a time. He hadnt exactly found other women queuing up for his attentiontwo kids, no home to call his ownso he always wound up back at my door.
I forgave his wandering ways, though my heart no longer belonged to him. It was all for the sake of the children, and, to be honest, the financial support he grudgingly gave for me to take care of the kids and the old man. Margaret visited us rarely, and only when she had a reason: mostly to pester Granddad for his pension or to moan about her money troubles. Funny, she didnt seem so hard up when her family could afford holidays abroad and never had to worry about rent.
Five years ago, Granddad left the flat to me in his will.
Youve meant more to me than the whole family put together, he told me. My grandson, hes weakhed just give the flat to his mum or sister. Let your childrenmy great-grandchildrenlive here. Take it as a reward for your years of care, so youll never curse my name for the hard life youve had.
But no one else in the family knew about the will. When his health began to fail, my mother-in-law and Margaret suddenly started visiting, dripping with feigned concern. Granddad wasnt a foolhe saw right through their act.
After he passed, the inheritance was set to be divided straight away. My mother-in-law and Margaret hurried to persuade my husband to give up his claim on the flat, arguing that Margaret was already living there. He agreed without much fussnone of them yet knew about the will.
The very next day, my husband started packing his bags. He told me hed met someone else, that hed only stayed so long because I was looking after Granddad for him. He left, and for the first time in years, the crushing weight on my soul lifted. When the family heard about the will, it was like the start of a battlefieldthreats, lawyers, the lot.
Listen here, youll never get that flat! I dont know how you looked after Granddad or tricked him into signing it over, but well see you in court. Youre nothing but a swindler, and we can prove it.
But for the first time, I felt completely free. You know what? I finally realised I dont have to put up with any of you anymore. So pack your thingsget out!
Their cruel words didnt wound me. Im sure now Ill have the kind of peaceful life Ive always hoped for. Ive found a job, the kids and I have our home at last, and best of all, I never have to see that family again.
What would you have done in my place?
