My son-in-law declared I wouldnt see my daughter again unless I sold my mothers house.
Ive spent half my life alone. Well, not entirelyI was married once, but my husband walked out on me a year after our wedding, just after Id given birth to our daughter, Charlotte. At least he left us with the three-bedroom flatsmall consolation, but better than nothing. I never planned to remarry. I wasnt truly alone, anyway. I had Charlotte to raise, and that was responsibility enough.
I knew Id done my best, but Charlotte still grew up without a fathers presencesomething I couldnt give her. Over time, she became too attached to every boy she dated. Not all of them appreciated her intensity. Too often, I found myself comforting her after yet another heartbreak. But luck turned eventually, and she met her husband, Daniel.
At first, he seemed perfecthardworking, kind, and respectful toward both Charlotte and me. What more could I want? I thought him the ideal son-in-law. But fairy tales dont last. Six months into their marriage, Daniel changed.
Meanwhile, I was caring for my own mother. Shed had me young, just as Id had Charlotte, so she lived to see her granddaughter grow. But age caught up with her, and soon she was too frail to live alone. I took her in without hesitationexcept Daniel wasnt pleased.
I dont know why it bothered him so much. He wasnt the one looking after herthat burden fell entirely on me. And Mum wasnt difficult, still sharp as a tack. Yet Daniels resentment grew.
Worse still, Charlotte started avoiding me too. Once, wed shared meals together; now, they shut themselves away in their room. I tried talking to her, but she only made excuses.
They werent keen on children either. “Were not ready,” theyd say. At first, I nudged, then gave up. Their life, their choice. But Daniels attitude grated on me. He acted like he owned my home, though hed never lifted a finger to improve ittoo busy disappearing with his mates to the pub. Where was the decent man Id welcomed into our family?
Perhaps this was his true self all along.
With each week, he grew worse. Then came New Years EveDaniel refused to celebrate with us. He whisked Charlotte away, leaving Mum and me alone. At midnight, Charlotte briefly came out to wish us well. Daniel didnt even bother.
The next day, he announced: “Charlotte and I are selling your mothers house to buy our own place.”
I was stunned. Had he forgotten theyd lived under my roof for half a year? That Id supported them?
“No,” I snapped. “Earn your own flat. Thats my mothers home. Were not selling itits hers to decide.”
Daniel stormed out, packed their things, and dragged Charlotte off to his parents.
It hurt that she didnt argue. But if she believes this is best for her, so be it.
Did I do the right thing?
What would you have done?
