My name is Uncle Wang and I retired this year. My pension is only 8,500 yuan a month, which is not a lot, but it is barely enough for me to spend on my own. However, I have a son and a daughter-in-law, and their family is not very good, so I often give them some money to help support the family.
Last winter, I had a whim that my old house needed to be renovated. So, I decided to put some of my savings aside and add to my cottage. I discussed it with my son, and he agreed, saying that they were willing to help too, so that it would be more comfortable.
So, I handed my son a thick stack of bills. He happily agreed to me and said that he would personally supervise the construction process. Looking at his serious appearance, I returned to my old mansion with peace of mind.
Unexpectedly, a week later, I rushed to my son's house again. Because I received a **, it was my neighbor who told me that their house was being renovated, but I never saw anyone working on it.
I couldn't believe it, but the truth was in front of me: my son's door was locked, and no sound came out. I knocked on the door for a long time, and finally heard footsteps coming from inside.
The door opened, and it was her daughter-in-law Zhang Lin. She looked a little embarrassed and a little nervous.
Dad, why are you here? She asked as she pulled me into the house.
I looked around, and my eyes were full of confusion. The furniture had all been moved to the side, there were still residual ash stains on the walls, and the floor was covered with dust.
Why haven't you started the renovation yet? I asked, a little angrily.
Zhang Lin hesitated for a few words, and finally reluctantly told the truth. It turned out that my son had taken all the money I gave him to pay off his debts, and they had a very difficult time during this time. Zhang Lin said that she cooks at home every day to save money, but the family's expenses are still getting bigger and bigger, and she can't even pay the water and electricity bills.
I was dumbfounded. My pension is running out, and even if I save money, I won't be able to last long. I sighed in my heart, what should I do?
I discussed it with my daughter-in-law and decided not to rush to decorate it first. I went door-to-door asking for some old furniture and moved to my son's house. I think that even the most humble home should have a little bit of warmth.
A few days later, I went to my son's house again. They used my money to buy some basic groceries and looked much more refreshed. I also let go of it a little bit.
However, when I lifted the lid, I was stunned. There was only a bowl of leftovers on the table, and it all looked like it was from yesterday. I suddenly felt a little sad, how many days have they passed like this?
Dad, I'm sorry, our family is really a little strapped right now. My daughter-in-law looked at me and said with some embarrassment.
How can you be willing to save all the money I sent? This is for you to live! I said with some annoyance.
At this time, the son came in, he looked a little tired, "Dad, there are still instant noodles at home, I'll go buy some meat in the evening." ”
I froze in place, as if I had been hit hard, and the complex emotions in my heart could not be expressed. Over the years, I have always thought that I have raised my son and cultivated him, and he will definitely be filial to me when he grows up, but now it is like this.
I left my son's house silently and walked home with a heavy heart. I think of the hardships of my childhood, and of my father, who was in debt so that I could provide for my education. I felt as if I was standing in a role that I had and seeing another version of myself.
Back at home, I sat alone in my chair, thinking about the days ahead. Perhaps, I should start focusing on my own life, and there may be some things that I can't really hope for in others.
I decided to redecorate my cottage to make it a little more welcoming, and at least rely on my own labor to live the rest of my life, even if I can't count on my son's filial piety. After all, life is my own, and I don't want to count on anyone else anymore.