I really tried to connect with David’s family after we were married.
particularly with his younger sister, Leah, who comes across as a calm, gregarious, and nice person. She never failed to ask how I was doing, smile, and even give me small presents.
But as time went on, I became aware that whenever we were by ourselves, her warmth disappeared.
She would roll her eyes anytime I spoke, or she would pass me by without saying hi. “You just don’t get along,” David would respond, refusing to get involved.
My mother-in-law’s birthday was last week. The entire family was present, including aunts, Leah and her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Everything was going smoothly until Leah got up and entered her mother’s room after supper. I was the only one who noticed.
When I returned to get my scarf, which I had left there earlier, a few minutes later, I unintentionally heard the following as I got closer to the door:
She just acts as though she cares. In actuality, she wants you to give David the flat. Do you honestly believe that she babysit the grandchildren and bakes pies every week out of altruism?
— Really? However, she seems like a really kind woman.
— Pleasant? It’s all a performance. My friend can tell when someone is like her right away; they treat you well, flatter you, and then steal everything. She will soon begin to put pressure on you, you see.
A shiver went through me. I didn’t anticipate such treachery. I had always been respectful of my mother-in-law and had done my best to assist her.
I never once brought up inheritance, not because I was being polite, but because I honestly didn’t give a damn.
I moved away without anyone noticing. However, I already had a strategy in place.
I asked my mother-in-law to go for a walk the following day. We had a lengthy conversation. I told her how I really felt, not simply what I had heard. After listening in silence, she grasped my hand and uttered:
— My beloved, I’ve known for a very long time. But hearing it straight from you meant a lot. I appreciate you speaking up.
