After years of working abroad and building a dream home in the countryside, I face the harsh reality of my son and daughter-in-law’s city life preference. Struggling with feelings of abandonment and disappointment, I grapple with the question of what it truly means to be ‘home’. This emotional journey explores family ties, unfulfilled dreams, and the search for belonging.
“Twice a year, I send my eldest grandson, who is a college student, some money. I send the same amount to his two younger sisters. The girls always call to thank me, share their excitement about the gift, and tell me what they bought or plan to buy. But from my grandson, there’s no call, no letter, no message” – laments
My ex-husband is five years older than me and lives in the city. Back then, he was an average worker, but to me, he was everything.
“It looks like he won’t be coming after all. My husband and I have gotten used to it, so we don’t even get upset anymore,” sighs Linda, who was eagerly awaiting her son’s visit. “What happened? Maybe his wife didn’t let him come? If I remember correctly, you two never really got along.” “Maybe so, but my son never tells us anything…”
After my husband passed away four years ago, I found solace in my children, grandchildren, and my small garden. I want to make it clear that I spend half the year living here.
Michael and Eva, living in a neighboring town, decided to visit Michael’s relatives. They called ahead to inform them of their visit. Expecting a warm reception and a hearty meal, they were met with a surprising turn of events that left them puzzled and disappointed.
Ever since she could remember, Chloe had always been fascinated by the different varieties of flowers. She would stop at every flower bed, admiring the unique blooms and species. Even at her grandmother’s house, she would spend hours in the garden, captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
As a retiree, sticking to a budget each month is crucial for me. I can’t afford to spend too much, given the state of pensions, and I like to have savings for medications and emergencies. I’ve gotten used to this lifestyle and don’t enjoy spending a lot, especially cash. But sometimes, we still have to spend. On
On the day my son Brian married Ruby, I had only known her for a couple of weeks. To be honest, I wasn’t too fond of her. Her bold makeup, the dress, and obviously enhanced lips all hinted at a lifestyle I wasn’t comfortable with. I met her parents briefly outside the courthouse just before the ceremony. My husband and I had just moved to the city
As a mother of two grown children, Isaac and Isabella, I always believed that family ties would hold strong through the years. I envisioned a future where my daughter would be my closest companion in my later years. Despite my efforts to nurture these bonds, reality painted a different picture. This story explores the complexities of family relationships, the expectations we set, and the harsh truths we sometimes have to face.
Mrs. Linda, a loving grandmother, always believed in the value of saving for the future rather than indulging in the immediate joy of gift-giving. Her grandchildren, Mark, Kyle, and Kayla, cherished her visits but couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed by her unusual approach. Despite her good intentions, Linda’s method of showing love through bank deposits instead of tangible gifts led to an unexpected rift within the family.
Deborah, a hardworking single mother, had always dreamed of a grand celebration for her 60th birthday. After years of saving, she finally spent her savings on the party of a lifetime, much to the dismay of her son, Henry, and his wife, Savannah, who had hoped she would contribute to their dream of buying a new car. This story explores the complexities of family expectations, financial decisions, and the consequences that follow.
