I gave my daughter a house and car for her new life, but I never anticipated her in-laws taking it all and making her their unpaid maid. They crossed a line, and I knew they’d never forget who had the keys.
I missed my only daughter’s wedding.
I was recovering from surgery abroad. I begged my doctor to let me fly, but he answered, “You’re lucky to be standing. Do not push.”
I cried when I saw wedding photos of Ava in white with a huge smile.
I couldn’t attend. I wanted to show her I was with her even from afar.
I bought a house for her and Jacob. Not just assisted, bought it.
Similar to the automobile. A small gray SUV. Ideal for work, grocery, and weekends.
Everything was lawful. I owned the house. As was the automobile. Life might be odd, but I trusted them. Gifting something later is easier than retrieving it.
I booked a flight and packed my stuff after becoming better. Looking forward to seeing her. See her married life. Hug her. I didn’t tell her I was coming. I desired surprise.
But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.
With the key Ava sent me months before, I entered. The home was peaceful. A quiet scrubbing sound came from the kitchen.
There she was. My Ava. She kneels. Scrubbing the floor with bucket and sponge. She looked pallid. Her hair was knotted.
Charles and Linda, her in-laws, sat on the living room couch. They watched TV during lunch.
Linda didn’t look up. She remarked, “Don’t forget the hallway this time,” chewing loudly.
“Yeah,” Charles said. “This plate is dirty. Wash again.”
I stood frozen.
Ava gasped at me. “Mom? Why are you here?
“I wanted to surprise you,” I whispered.
Waking up quickly, she wiped her hands on her jeans. “Can we talk later? Just not now.”
Charles regarded me. “Oh. The mother must be you.”
Tight-lipped Linda smiled. “Thank you for visiting.”
I remained silent. Just watched.
Dinner that night hurt my chest quietly.
An exhausted Ava stirred the pot, flipped the meat, and set the table. She accomplished it alone, without others’ words. Linda sat near the window, scrolling through her phone and humming, while Charles watched the TV on the couch.
“It smells a little burnt,” Linda murmured without looking up.
Ava carried the plates and whispered, “Dinner’s ready.”
Charles stayed put. “Bring it here,” he said. “In the middle of something.”
She went between the kitchen and the couch without complaint. Nobody thanked you.
Linda shook her head after one bite. Too dry. Was this overcooked?
Grunted Charles. Needs salt.”
Ava nodded and smiled weakly. “I’ll improve next time.”
I observed her intently. After the meal, she discreetly cleaned the plates and began washing dishes. Her eyes were tired and her hands worked out of habit. No one offered aid.
“Why are you doing everything?” Softly, I asked.
She kept scrubbing. Their stay is temporary. This is temporary.”
Has it been long?
She paused. Since the wedding.”
They assume Jacob bought the house?
Ava looked at me, then down. “Yes. I didn’t correct. It was simpler that way.”
Inhaled deeply. It’s easier for who, sweetheart?
She remained silent.
I lay awake listening to the house’s silence that night. My thoughts replayed Ava working herself to death while Charles and Linda lived like royalty in their mansion.
She skirted them like guests in her own life.
The next morning, I watched the driveway automobile from the front window. It was clean. No paint blemish. It seemingly never missed a trip.
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