— What elegant earrings you have, Mom — said her mother-in-law, Ludmila Ivanovna, with an air of indifference, while her fingers lightly brushed the jewelry.
— Thank you — Mom replied with an uneasy smile. She hoped Pavel would return from the garden soon, because being alone with her mother-in-law was very unpleasant.
She loved Pavel, but she had never managed to have a good relationship with Ludmila Ivanovna. Her mother-in-law loved scrutinizing other people’s finances, as if they were treasures that belonged to her.
— Who gave them to you? — she suddenly asked.
“Here we go again…” — Mom thought, trying to remain calm.
— I bought them for myself — she answered firmly. — My birthday is coming, so I wanted to treat myself. I received a bonus at work and finally got the earrings I’ve wanted for a long time.
Mom noticed a shift in her mother-in-law’s mood. The warm smile turned cold and her eyebrows raised. Ludmila Ivanovna stepped back slightly. — On your own, really? — she asked suspiciously.
— Of course — Mom said confidently. — I can indulge myself. My salary is higher than Pavel’s anyway.
Her mother-in-law frowned even more, but Mom decided to ignore it.
A little later, Pavel entered the house. — Mom, I fixed the gate and planted the flowers — he announced from the doorway.
— Perfect, thank you, dear! — Ludmila Ivanovna replied immediately, and Mom exhaled in relief as the tension eased.
A few hours later, the couple was getting ready to leave. Mom was already in the car when she noticed her mother-in-law had called Pavel over to whisper something.
“Surely it concerns me again” — Mom thought. “Alright. I won’t let it bother me anymore.”
But that day changed the atmosphere in the household. Mom noticed Pavel was helping less and less around the house.
He used to shop at least once a week, but now he “forgot” his wallet or card, and Mom paid herself.
Repaying money was unthinkable. — I didn’t do it on purpose — Pavel defended himself. — I’ve been so busy, I forget sometimes. Do you want me to pay you back?
He reached for his pocket, but Mom interrupted. — No problem, Pavel. I didn’t ask for it. It’s just… not your usual habit.
Pavel was a little annoyed, but soon his anger passed and he held no grudge.
Mom celebrated her birthday three times: with friends, with her own parents, and with Pavel’s family. Her mother and mother-in-law never got along, so she decided not to bring them together to avoid conflict.
With a cup of tea and homemade cake, sitting next to her mother, Mom opened her heart: — Maybe I’m overreacting… He just forgot to pay for a few things at the store. My salary is higher anyway.
Her mother lifted her head and reached out a hand. — Darling, I don’t want to interfere… but I’ve noticed for a while that Ludmila Ivanovna is extremely stingy.
Before the wedding, she counted every penny. We spent more, with fewer guests, and she assumed we were deceiving her.
— Mom, why didn’t you tell me earlier? — Mom was surprised. “And she had the nerve to judge my mother about money!” — I didn’t want to hurt you — her mother replied.
Mom looked at her. — Think about it. If Pavel becomes like his mother, could he start pressuring you financially? — No, it’s not like that! — she answered immediately.
But she remembered that he always paid for meals, groceries, and household expenses. She could hardly recall the last time Pavel had paid for anything. — I don’t know… — she murmured, looking down.
Her mother embraced her. — Sweetheart, I don’t want you to suffer. Life doesn’t end with Pavel. If you’re unhappy with him — leave. My apartment is yours if you need it. Pavel can go back to his mother. Don’t torment yourself.
The words resonated with Mom as she looked at the gift from her husband. Pavel had gotten her… a set of pots. Even though she didn’t like cooking.
“Another unnecessary gift for me” — Mom thought. — Thank you — she said, trying to hide her disappointment.
Pavel laughed. — Your mother suggested it. She said it’s time you learned to cook.
Mom sighed and glanced at Ludmila Ivanovna, who smiled faintly, a touch of irony in her expression. — Pavel, I’ve told you a thousand times, I can cook. I just don’t enjoy it — she said.
— With these pots, you will! — her mother-in-law interrupted. — No more takeout, from now on your wife will cook!
Mom’s cheer sank. She was being manipulated because she didn’t like to cook, even though she always chose thoughtful and meaningful gifts.
That day Mom decided: it was time for a divorce. But first, she needed to prepare. She began saving her own money.
She knew she was still young and would earn more, but she didn’t want to share it during the separation. So she traveled to the beach with her mother.
Her mother-in-law was furious: — And your husband? Why isn’t he coming?
Mom flipped through a book and replied calmly: — Pavel couldn’t get time off. The tickets were cheap. Besides, it’s been a while since I traveled alone with my mom.
Ludmila Ivanovna felt her anger flare. When she found out Mom had paid for dental care for herself and her mother, she was stunned: — You don’t think of the family!
Mom only laughed, which made her mother-in-law even more furious. — Exactly! — she replied sarcastically.
Later, Pavel told his mother that Mom “touched” the joint money. Ludmila Ivanovna didn’t know that Mom was the primary contributor.
Pavel’s birthday approached. At dinner he suddenly announced: — I know what I want for a gift: a new game console and a smartphone.
Mom raised her eyebrows, surprised. — Pavel, since when do we set gifts this way? Did you forget what you gave me?
Pavel covered his forehead. — But I want it! — And I don’t care about the pots your mother gave you. You didn’t spend a penny on me, and now you want expensive gifts?
Pavel got up from the table. — Because you earn more! You can pay! You’ve already spent too much! — This is my money, and I decide how it’s used — Mom replied firmly.
Pavel got angry: — Your mother was right! You’re stingy and calculating!
Mom wanted to tell him to leave if he didn’t like it, but Pavel grabbed his keys and wallet and ran off — probably to complain to his mother.
Mom didn’t follow or call, treating him like a child. Instead, she enjoyed the quiet filling the house. The next day she worked late, tired and hungry. But she faced an unpleasant surprise at home.
The hallway was chaotic — clothes scattered on the floor. Mom set down her bag and entered the bedroom. There she found Ludmila Ivanovna rummaging through her closet. — What are you doing? — Mom shouted.
Her mother-in-law kept turning over the clothes. — I know you’re hiding money from Pavel! — she muttered. — I won’t let you ruin him! You’ve destroyed my son’s life and won’t get away with it!
Mom stepped forward and closed the closet. — Are you insane? Why are you searching my things when I’m not home? This crosses every boundary!
— And you don’t cross boundaries? — growled Ludmila Ivanovna. — How much did you spend on your mother? On little trips while your husband lives in poverty!
Mom raised her eyebrows and pointed at the closet: — These are poor clothes?
Pavel’s shirts, pants, and sweaters were neat and clean. Nothing was missing.
Ludmila Ivanovna started crying and ran toward the room, but Mom interrupted: — Stop! This isn’t your home to rummage through! — I won’t allow it! — her mother-in-law shouted. — Half this apartment belongs to Pavel!
Mom only smiled: — Don’t be fooled, Ludmila Ivanovna. The property belongs to my mother. No court will side with you. Understand? Goodbye.
She put her mother-in-law in a taxi, gathered Pavel’s things, and called a car.
Mom watched as her mother-in-law left, while all the frustration, sadness, and fatigue melted away.
She took a deep breath and picked up her phone. — Mom, hi. Can you come over? We’re ordering pizza, your favorite. Yes… we have a reason to celebrate.
Mom smiled and headed to the apartment. For the first time in a long while, she felt true relief.
