At the beginning of the remodel:
Late at night, in the silence of my living room, I sat alone on the couch with a travel itinerary in my hand, on which I carefully selected destinations and itineraries. Originally, it was my plan to share the joy of family with my in-laws, but now, it is like a heavy stone, weighing me down.
"Dad, we won't go on this tour." My daughter-in-law's words were like a bolt of lightning that split the peace in my heart. I looked up and met her twinkling eyes, an indescribable emotion welling up in my heart.
"Why? Didn't you keep saying you wanted to go out for a walk? I tried to stay calm, but there was a tremor in my voice.
The daughter-in-law hesitated for a moment, and then whispered: "The company has something to do temporarily, I ...... I had to work overtime. ”
I took a deep breath and tried to make my voice sound firm: "I can understand that you're busy with work, but this is a trip that your parents have been looking forward to, can you bear to disappoint them?" ”
The daughter-in-law didn't answer, just lowered her head. I know that her decision is irrevocable. I stood up and walked to the bedroom, already with a decision in mind.
Body:
Back in the bedroom, I quickly began to pack my bags. Every piece of clothing, every piece of souvenir, carries my expectations and longing for this trip. But now, these will all be sealed in the dust in the suitcase, waiting for the next unknown trip.
I called the travel agent and cancelled all the bookings. After hanging up, I leaned back on the head of my bed and looked out the window at the dark night sky, feeling mixed feelings. I knew that this cancellation of the trip was more of a watershed moment than just a simple decision, pushing the relationship between me and my daughter-in-law in another direction.
Early the next morning, I walked out of the house with my heavy suitcase in tow. My daughter-in-law stood at the door, looking at my back as I drifted away, and a trace of complicated emotions flashed in her eyes. I didn't look back because I knew that this turn meant that the rift between us was irreparable.
During the trip, I was alone in admiring the scenery and tasting the food, but I could never let go of it. I began to reflect on my own faults and inadequacies in the relationship. Maybe it's because I expect too much from my daughter-in-law, or maybe I don't care enough about her. But in any case, I can't change the fact that it has happened.
After the trip, I returned home. When my daughter-in-law saw me, a hint of surprise and guilt flashed in her eyes. She wanted to say something, but in the end she just lowered her head silently. I know she's also regretting her decision.
That night, we sat in the living room and were silent for a long time. Eventually, I broke the silence: "I know you've been busy at work lately, but family is also important. I hope we can communicate more and understand each other more in the future. ”
The daughter-in-law raised her head, tears flashing in her eyes: "Dad, I know I was wrong." I shouldn't ignore my family's feelings because of my job. I will cherish the time I spend with my family even more in the future. ”
Hearing my daughter-in-law's words, a warm current swelled up in my heart. I know that although there have been misunderstandings and conflicts between us, as long as we are willing to communicate and understand each other, we can still rebuild a warm and harmonious family.
Since then, I have started to pay more attention to my daughter-in-law's feelings and needs. There is also more and more communication between us. We travel together, celebrate holidays together, and share moments in life together. Our relationship is also getting closer and more harmonious.
And the cancelled trip became a common topic among us. Whenever we mention it, we look at each other, smile and feel emotional. Because that experience made us more aware of the importance of family and the important role of communication and understanding in maintaining family relationships.
Looking back on that experience now, I still remember it vividly. It has taught me to cherish and be grateful, and it has also made me more firmly believe that as long as we manage and maintain family relationships with our hearts, we will be able to create a happy family life.