My son-in-law declared I wouldnt see my daughter again unless I sold my mothers house.
Id spent half my life alone. Not that I hadnt been marriedmy husband left me a year after our wedding, just after our daughter was born. At least Peter had the decency to leave us the three-bedroom flat. I never remarried. What was the point? I had Lillian to raise. She was enough to keep me busy, and life was already full of challenges.
Deep down, I knew Id done my best, but Lillian still missed having a father. It wasnt something I could fix. As she grew older, she clung too tightly to every boy she dated, desperate for their approval. Many found it overwhelming. More than once, I had to comfort her after another heartbreak. But time passed, and eventually, she met Daniel.
He was kind, hardworking, and treated Lillian wellwhat more could I ask for? I thought him the perfect son-in-law. But life isnt a fairy tale. Within six months of their wedding, he changed.
Around that time, my own mother fell ill. Shed had me young, just as Id had Lillian, so shed lived to see her granddaughter grow. But now, she needed constant care. I took her in without hesitationfamily looks after family. Daniel, however, was furious.
I couldnt understand why. I wasnt asking him to lift a fingerI handled everything. Mum wasnt difficult, either; she was sharp and undemanding. Still, Daniel resented her presence.
Things only got worse. Soon, Lillian began avoiding me too. Where wed once shared meals, now they shut themselves away. I tried talking to her, but she dodged every conversation with excuses.
They werent planning children either. Were living for ourselves first, they said. I stopped pressingit was their choice. But Daniels behaviour grated on me. He acted like he owned my home, though hed never lifted a paintbrush or bought so much as a cushion. Instead, he spent his nights out with friends. The man Id once admired had vanished.
By Christmas, he was unbearable. He refused to celebrate with us, dragging Lillian to their room while Mum and I sat alone. At midnight, Lillian slipped out to wish us happy ChristmasDaniel didnt even bother.
The next morning, he announced, Were selling your mothers house to buy our own flat.
I was stunned. Hadnt they lived under my roof rent-free for half a year? Wasnt that enough?
No, I said firmly. Earn your own way. That house is my mothers. We wont sell itits hers to decide.
Daniel exploded. By evening, hed packed their things and taken Lillian to his parents house.
It hurt that she didnt protest, but it was her life. If she believed this was right, so be it.
In the end, standing firm cost me my daughters company, but some lines shouldnt be crossed. Family should lift each other up, not exploit one another. And no love, however deep, is worth sacrificing your dignity for.
