My son-in-law told me I wouldnt see my daughter again unless I sold my mothers house.
Id spent half my life alone. Oh, Id been married once, but my husband walked out on us a year after the wedding, just after our daughter was born. At least he did one decent thingleft us the three-bedroom flat. I never remarried. Why would I? I had Lillian to raise. That was trouble enough.
I knew Id done my best, but a fathers presence was the one thing I couldnt give her. Maybe thats why she clung so desperately to every boy she met. Not all of them liked it. Too much, too fast. I spent years comforting her, patching up her heartbreak. But fortune smiled, and eventually, she met Thomas.
He was kind. Responsible. I approved wholeheartedly when they married. He respected me, adored Lillianwhat more could I want? For a while, I thought him the perfect son-in-law. But fairy tales dont last. Six months in, something changed.
By then, I was caring for my own mother. Shed had me young, just as Id had Lillian, so she lived to see her granddaughter grow. But age had caught up with her. When her health failed, I brought her home. She wasnt a burdensharp as a tack, never demanding. Still, Thomas despised having her there.
Why, Ill never know. He wasnt the one looking after her. That was my duty, my choice. But bit by bit, he turned colder. And Lillianmy own daughterbegan avoiding me. Once, we shared meals, laughter. Now, they hid in their room. I tried talking to her, but she shut me out. No answers. Only excuses.
They refused to give me grandchildren, too. Were not ready, they said. We want to live for ourselves. I pushed at first, then let it go. Their life, their choice. But Thomas grew bolder, acting like the flat was his. Hed done nothing to improve itno repairs, no investmentsyet vanished most nights with his mates, drinking away who knows what. Where was the man Id once admired?
Perhaps this was who hed always been.
With every week, he became more unbearable. Then came New Years Eve. He refused to celebrate with us, dragging Lillian to their room while Mum and I sat alone. At midnight, my daughter slipped out briefly to wish us well. Thomas didnt even bother.
The next morning, he delivered his ultimatum: Were selling your mothers house. Lillian and I want our own place.
I stared at him, stunned. After six months living under my roof, eating my food, spending my moneythis was his demand?
No, I said, voice trembling. Earn your own way. That house is Mums. Hers to decide. Youre not touching it.
His face darkened. By evening, hed packed their things and taken Lillian to his parents house.
It broke my heart that she went without a word. But its her life. If she believes this is happiness, so be it.
Did I do the right thing?
What would you have done?
