My son-in-law declared that I wouldnt see my daughter again unless I sold my mothers house.
Ive spent half my life alone. Oh, I was married once, but my husband walked out on me just a year after the weddingright after our daughter was born. At least Peter left us with some decency, handing over our three-bedroom flat before he went. I never bothered with marriage again. I wasnt truly alone, thoughI had Emily to raise. She kept me busy enough, and God knows, I had my hands full.
I tried my best, but I knew Emily missed having a fathers presence. That was something I couldnt give her. Over time, she grew too attached to every boy she dated or befriendedclingy, some called it. More than once, I had to pick up the pieces when yet another heartbreak left her in tears. But fortune smiled on her eventually, and she met Daniel.
He was hardworking, kind, and respectfulthe perfect son-in-law, I thought. I encouraged their marriage wholeheartedly. Of course, nothing stays perfect forever. Within six months, Daniel changed.
Around that time, my own mother fell ill. Shed had me young, just as Id had Emily, so she was still around to see her granddaughter grow. But age caught up with her, and soon, I had to move her into my home to care for her properly. It wasnt a burdenMum was sharp as a tack, never demanding. Yet Daniel took issue with it.
I couldnt fathom why. I never asked him to lift a fingerall the care fell on me. But he grew colder, and soon, Emily followed his lead. Where we once shared meals together, now they locked themselves away in their room. I tried talking to my daughter, but she brushed me off with excuses.
They werent keen on grandchildren either. “Were living for ourselves now,” theyd say. I pushed at first, then let it gotheir choice. But Daniels behaviour grated on me. He acted like he owned the place, though hed never lifted a finger to fix a thing. More often than not, he was out with his mates at the pubs. Where was the decent man Id welcomed into our family?
By Christmas, he was unbearable. He refused to celebrate with us, dragging Emily off to their room while Mum and I sat alone. At midnight, my daughter slipped out to wish us a happy New YearDaniel didnt even bother.
Then, the next day, he dropped his ultimatum: “Emily and I are selling your mothers house to buy our own flat.”
I was stunned. After living under my roof for months, eating my food, spending my moneynow this?
“Earn your own flat,” I snapped. “Thats my mothers home. Were not selling a thing.”
Daniel didnt take it well. By evening, hed packed their bags and taken Emily to his parents house.
It hurt that my daughter didnt protest. But its her lifeif she thinks this is best, so be it.
Did she do the right thing? What would you have done in her place?
