Evening Had Already Fallen. My Son-in-Law Brought His Mother-in-Law Home, Placed Two of Her Bags on the Hallway Floor, While She Went to See Sarah.

It is already evening. My son-in-law brings his mother-in-law home. He sets two of her bags down on the hallway floor and heads off to see Emily. When she sees her mother, Emily is immediately overwhelmed with disappointment. So now I have to take care of you for the rest of my life? Youre not planning on going back to your village at some point… are you?

Not long ago, I heard about an old friend of mine who showed little kindness towards her elderly mothers situation. Thankfully, everything ended well, and her mother-in-law was looked after by her son-in-law, who arranged for her to stay in a good nursing facility, covering all the expenses. At the time, Emily had no idea what was happening; she only found out after her mother was discharged.

Emilys husband brings his mother-in-law home and says to his wife, Your mum is healthy now. Ive bought her everything she needs, but shell need some supervision for a while. So shell be staying with us for a bit. You dont mind, do you?

Of course, it would have made more sense for Emily to be the one asking her husband about her own mother. But rather than thanking her husband for looking after her mum, Emily starts an awkward and frankly baffling scene: Mum, Ive only just moved to London, Im beginning to settle my life, and now here you are! So you want to live with me under the same roof! Do I really have to look after you all my life? Arent you planning on going back to your village at some point?

Her retired mother is naturally troubled by these words, but Emilys husband is the most taken aback.

For the first time, Emilys husband is seeing who his wife really is. He did not know this side of her when he proposed. Distressed, her mother starts to pack up to go back home, while Emily herself storms out, slamming the door and heading to her friends place in a huff. Returning late that night, Emily finds her suitcases packed and a train ticket waiting for her. Not understanding, she asks her husband:

Why, hasnt Mum left yet? Or are you going somewhere?
No, those are your things and your ticket. Perhaps its best we have some time apart. Ive wanted a child for a while now, but today I realised Im not ready for our children to have a mother who treats her own mum this way. Think about your actions. Go and stay a while in your mothers house in the countryside, and shell stay here with me for now. If you come to your senses, youre welcome back, her husband explains his decision. Emily never imagined her husband would take such a stand.