**An Unexpected Visit: The Secret I Wish Id Never Found**
I turned up at my daughters house unannounced and discovered what I never wanted to know.
Sometimes I think happiness is seeing your children healthy, settled, with their own families. I always counted myself lucky: a loving husband, a grown-up daughter, affectionate grandchildren. We werent rich, but there was warmth and harmony in our home. What more could I want?
Emily married young, at twenty-one, to Robert, who was pushing thirty. My husband and I didnt objecthe was mature, had a steady job, owned a house, and seemed responsible. Not like those aimless lads you hear about. He paid for the wedding, the honeymoon, showered her with expensive gifts. The neighbours never stopped whispering, «That girls landed on her feetlike something out of a fairy tale.»
And it was, at first. Oliver came along, then Sophie. They moved to a bigger house in Manchester, visited us on weekends everything seemed normal. But over the years, I noticed Emily growing quieter, distant. She smiled less, answered in monosyllables. She insisted everything was fine, but her voice sounded hollow. A mothers instinct never lies: something was wrong.
One morning, after days of radio silence, I decided to drop by. Unannounced. «Its a surprise,» I said, though her face showed shocknot delight. Her eyes, dull and avoiding mine, darted to the kitchen. I helped with dinner, played with the children, and stayed the night. That evening, Robert came home late. His shirt had a long blonde hair on it, and he smelled of someone elses perfume. He kissed Emily on the cheek; she barely nodded.
Sleepless, I went for water and overheard him on the balcony: «Soon, love No, shes clueless.» I gripped the glass so hard my hands shook.
In the morning, I confronted her: «Do you know?» She looked away. «Mum, stay out of it. Everythings fine.» I told her what Id seen, what Id heard. She recited a script: «Youre imagining things. Hes a good father, provides for us. Love changes.»
I locked myself in the bathroom to cry. It wasnt just a son-in-law I was losingit was my daughter. She was staying out of obligation, not love. Fear of losing comfort. And he? He took full advantage.
That afternoon, when he returned, I faced him: «I know what youre doing.» He didnt flinch.
«And what of it?» He shrugged. «Im not leaving. I sleep here, pay the bills. She knows, and it suits her. Mind your own business.»
«What if I tell her everything?»
«She already knows. Shed rather ignore it.»
The shock left me numb. I took the train home in a daze. My heart broke: adults making their choices at the expense of my little girl, whom Id always protected. Now I watch her fade beside a man who holds her in contempt.
My husband warns me: «Dont interfere, or youll lose her.» But Im losing her anyway. All for the sake of «living well.» Now she pays for that luxury with her dignity.
I pray one day shell look in the mirror and realise she deserves more. That respect isnt bought, and fidelity isnt a luxury. Maybe then shell grab Oliver and Sophie and walk out.
As for me? Ill still be here. Even if she pulls away. Ill wait. Because «mother» isnt just a word. Its the one who never gives upeven when her hearts in pieces.
