My son has ended up with a rather sly girl who twists him around her little finger. Lately, she’s been trying to turn him against me, telling him I dont care about their happiness and think only of myself. She decided this because I refused to swap homes with them.
My husband passed away a few years ago, and my son is my only child. I brought him up with all the love and care I had, gave him a good education. Before he got married, he lived with me, started working while at university, and landed a decent job right after graduation.
He really is my pride and joysuch a great bloke, doing well for himself. My husband and I weren’t able to buy him his own place because we always lived quite modestly. We bought our flat for ourselves when we were forty; before that, we rented, so affording another flat for our son was never in the cards. But honestly, he should be able to earn his own place, just like my husband and I did.
When Thomas first told me he’d met a girl, I was chuffed to bits. I did everything I could to get on well with my daughter-in-lawnever nagged or scolded her. Honestly, it didnt matter who my daughter-in-law turned out to be, as long as my son was happy with her. At first, I really liked Emily; she was so polite and reserved. But after the wedding, she showed her true colours.
Once Thomas and Emily got back from their honeymoon, Emily handed in her notice at work. She claimed her bosses were always on her case and wanted to find something better. But that was just the beginning. For two years now, shes been living off my son, with no intention of finding a job.
Thomas and Emily live in her cramped one-bedroom flat out on the edge of London. Since Emily stays at home all day, Thomas cant afford to buy a new place; Emily spends all his hard-earned money on beauty salons and clothes.
Honestly, I cant see how you fail to find a job for two years. I reckon shes fibbing about going to interviews. Most likely, she just enjoys living off her husband and making the most of an easy life.
I once asked Emily if they planned to have children. She replied, What children can we have with barely any space? So I suggested, Why not start saving for a deposit? But Emily shot back, We havent got anything to save, we barely scrape by as it is.
I bit my tongue. If she wasnt loafing around at home, they wouldve saved up ages ago. If they were genuinely saving for a place, of course Id help out, because Ive already put away a decent bit. But right now, I dont want to hand over any money since I know Emily would fritter it away on nonsense.
Recently, Emilys started moaning about wanting a kid, saying times running out and we need to think about family. But can you picture raising a child in those conditions? Thomas has started agreeing with her.
Mum, you know, Emily and I were thinking: why wont you swap flats with us? Nothing legal, just a simple exchange. You wouldnt need to worry about a mortgage, and the space should be enough for you.
That hurt, hearing what my son said. Hed never have come up with that idea on his own. I told him Id be too far from work, and besides, old trees arent transplanted.
Youve only got a few working years left, and then well give you grandchildren, Emily said cheerfully.
I turned down their brilliant deal because I didnt like it at all. I dont want to leave my home.
Afterwards, Thomas kept bringing it up, and it stung even more each time. My sons never tried to take advantage of anyone, but now his wife is pushing him to do just that.
Lets go, Thomas. I told you your mum doesnt care if we have kids or not. Shed never lift a finger for us! Emily said last time they came to visit.
Since then, my son hasnt been in touchdoesnt answer my calls or ring me back. Honestly, I cant wrap my head around why hes acting like this. He isnt stupid, but when Emilys around, its like he loses all sense.
