In this busy metropolis, we, my spouse and I, are on the typical trajectory of middle-class life. We just recently bought our first home and although it took on quite a bit of loan stress for it, we still felt it was worth it. It is not only a nest of our love, but also a testimony of our joint efforts.
My mother-in-law is a typical Chinese family elder who has a deep affection for the family and always puts the needs of family members first. Her other son, my brother-in-law, has just graduated from college and is ready to get married.
However, this peaceful life is soon shattered by a conversation at a family gathering.
You know, Xiaoqiang (the nickname of the little uncle) is about to get married. We've got to buy him a wedding house. The mother-in-law was at the dinner table, and said straight to the point while picking up vegetables.
My spouse and I looked at each other and felt the shock in each other's eyes. This sudden request overwhelmed both of us.
Mom, we haven't paid off our own house loan yet, and now we are under a lot of financial pressure. The spouse tried to explain to the mother-in-law.
So what?If there is something big in the family, shouldn't everyone carry it together?Do you see that Xiaoqiang has no place to live when he gets married?There was a reproachful tone in the mother-in-law's voice.
I felt a pang of powerlessness. Family responsibilities are important, but our own financial situation cannot be ignored either. This contradiction makes me feel more pressure than ever before.
But Mom, we don't really have any extra money. I whispered, my heart full of anxiety.
Hey, you young people just don't understand, home just needs everyone to support together. The mother-in-law shook her head, seeming disappointed with our attitude.
After dinner, my spouse and I sat in the living room, silence enveloping the space. We're all thinking about the same question: what should we do?
This sudden request was like a bomb that exploded our peaceful lives. It is not only a financial burden, but also a test of our values and sense of family responsibility. The silence between us seemed to foreshadow the coming storm.
As night fell, the atmosphere in the living room was still tense. My spouse and I sat on the couch, deep in thought.
We really can't raise that much money. The spouse sighed, her voice full of helplessness.
I nodded, feeling the same frustration. "I know, but Mom's ......”
* The silence is broken by the sudden ringing of the bell. It was my mother-in-law calling. The spouse hesitated for a moment, but finally picked up the **.
Mom, the thing we just talked about ......The spouse tried to soften her tone.
* On the other end, the mother-in-law's voice sounded firm. "I know your situation, but there is a problem at home, so we have to figure it out together. ”
I felt a wave of frustration welling up in my heart. The responsibility of the family seems to have become an insurmountable mountain.
The spouse lowered her head and her voice was slightly hoarse. "Mom, we're still paying off the mortgage ourselves, it's really ......”
Can't you cut back a little bit?For the sake of your family, you have to sacrifice something. My mother-in-law's words pierced my heart.
After the call, my spouse and I fell into deep thought. We're all wondering if there really exists a solution that meets the expectations of the mother-in-law without bogging us down.
A few days later, my spouse and I decided to talk to my mother-in-law again, hoping to find a compromise.
Mom, we understand your thoughts, but we also have our own difficulties. The spouse tries to start a conversation.
The mother-in-law's expression was a little hard. "Difficulty?You young people know your own difficulties, have you ever thought about the difficulties at home?”
I couldn't help but interject: "Mom, we also want to help, but our financial conditions are ......”
If the economic conditions are poor, you should work harder. My mother-in-law interrupted me, "When I was young, I could do anything for my family. ”
Emotions grew tense in this conversation. We tried to express our difficulties, but it always seemed difficult to touch the heart of my mother-in-law.
Eventually, the conversation ended in silence. We all felt powerless and frustrated like never before. The pressure of the family, like an invisible mountain, weighs on the hearts of each of us.
This sense of contradiction and powerlessness gradually accumulates in our hearts. We are beginning to realize that this is not just an economic issue, but a deeper issue of family affection and responsibility.
Communication between us seems to be getting harder and harder, and every conversation feels like a tightrope. We don't know when this family storm will subside or how it will ultimately affect our relationship.
That weekend, the atmosphere of the family gathering was originally warm, but when the mother-in-law suddenly mentioned the matter about the brother-in-law's marriage room, the atmosphere quickly became tense.
I really don't understand, why are you young people so selfish?If there is a problem at home, shouldn't everyone carry it together?The mother-in-law's voice echoed in the living room, and all eyes were focused on us.
I felt a pang of suffocation. It's a private matter, but now it's in the spotlight. I felt a surge of anger rise in my heart.
Mom, it's not like we don't want to help, but you know our own situation. My voice began to tremble, and I tried my best to stay calm.
Situation?Can't you save somewhat?For the sake of my family, I can always bear this sacrifice!The mother-in-law's words were even sharper.
I finally couldn't help but erupt: "Sacrifice?".We work hard every day to have a stable life. We also have our own pressures and difficulties, are these nothing in your eyes?”
There was silence in the living room, and everyone was shocked by the sudden conflict.
At this moment, the spouse stood up and said firmly: "Mom, we understand your concerns, but we also have our own limitations. We are willing to do our best within our means, but please understand our difficulties. ”
The mother-in-law was stunned, she looked at us, and a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes. The atmosphere became a little heavy, but also more real.
At this time, the little uncle stood up, and his voice trembled a little: "Mom, brother and sister, I ......."I don't want to upset everyone so much because of what I'm doing. I can work on my own and buy a house on my own. ”
The mother-in-law looked at the brother-in-law, and then at us, her eyes gradually softened. "Maybe I'm too stubborn, sorry to make it difficult for you. ”
When the atmosphere eased up, we all breathed a sigh of relief. Although the conflict was intense, it also revealed deep emotions and understanding between family members.
By the end of the dinner, the atmosphere of the family had been completely different. We all have a deeper understanding and respect. Although the problem was not solved immediately, at least we know that every member of the family is willing to work for each other.