Life always surprises or blows us inadvertently. No, Li Qiang's parents suddenly decided to move in with us, they thought it was warm and convenient for such a large family to live together. My husband, Li Qiang, is naturally full of promises, where can he take care of his wife's feelings as a filial piety.
"Husband, are we really ready? We are all busy with work, Xiaobao is just going to kindergarten, and suddenly there are two more old people, I am afraid that I will not be able to cope with it. "I expressed my concerns to Li Qiang, hoping that he would understand.
Li Qiang stroked my head and comforted me with his usual optimistic attitude: "Wife, it's okay, it's more lively when my parents come, and Xiaobao is also accompanied." Don't worry, it'll be fine. ”
Despite the slightest uneasiness, with the encouragement of my husband, I accepted this fact. However, when Li Ming and Zhao Yun actually moved into our home, problems followed. Father-in-law Li Ming likes a traditional way of life, and everything comes according to his old rules; My mother-in-law, Zhao Yun, has very high hygiene standards at home and often complains that I am not good enough.
"Wife, can you understand a little more, my parents are old, and sometimes nagging a few words is also for our good." My husband tried to mediate, but every time he did it with a reproachful tone.
"I know they're good for us, but husband, I also have my problems. I have to take care of my family when I come back from work all day. "My tears can't hide the helplessness in my heart.
What makes me even more unbearable is that since Li Yong was laid off by the company, he has frequently come to Li Qiang to borrow money. The younger brother-in-law Li Yong was arrogant outside, and when he came home, he became nothing, which was incomprehensible.
"Husband, I really don't know how we run the house, your salary is about to go to my brother." Faced with this suffocating reality, I felt a sense of frustration like never before.
Li Qiang lowered his head guiltily: "Wife, I'm sorry, I'll take care of it, don't worry." ”
Home, which is supposed to be the warmest harbor, is inadvertently filled with pressure and conflict. Watching Xiaobao play carefree in the house, I want to have that innocent happiness again. Taking a deep breath and calming my emotions, I knew I needed to make some changes, but I didn't have an answer yet.
Time is like a string that slowly tightens, and the atmosphere in our house is getting more and more tense. My father-in-law, Li Ming, would give me a lot of lists of chores every day, and my mother-in-law, Zhao Yun, would always nag in my ear, pointing out that I wasn't good enough. Every night when Li Qiang comes home, I can't help but complain: "Husband, today your mother said that the braised pork I made was too salty, and I was really trying to adapt to them, but I felt as if I couldn't do anything right." ”
Li Qiang always tried his best to reconcile: "Wife, you have done a good job, your parents are old and have high vision, take your time." ”
One night, my parents-in-law criticized the food I cooked, and I couldn't bear it anymore and said to Li Qiang: "I know you want to make your parents happy, but do you know? I need your support too, we're already busy enough and I really can't afford more. ”
Li Qiang was stunned for a moment, he tried to say something comforting, but I could see the helplessness in his heart.
The suppressed emotions continued to accumulate, and one day, Li Yong hurriedly came to Li Qiang, who was unemployed again and needed money. I heard their conversation in the kitchen: "Brother, for the sake of your parents, help me again, I promise this is the last time." ”
Li Qiang hesitated: "Brother, you know that it is not easy for me, the salary is not high, and there are Xiaobao and Yaoyao at home." ”
I couldn't help but walk out and said angrily to Li Yong: "Little uncle, what else do you want from us? We can't hold on to ourselves, and you're still going to ask us for money? ”
Li Yong felt also embarrassed: "Sister-in-law, I... I can't help it. ”
Li Qiang stepped forward and patted Li Yong's shoulder: "Brother, I know it's not easy for you now, I'll find a way." ”
The pressure at home was huge, and my mood was getting heavier and heavier, and we had little time to talk to each other, and every day ended in busyness and arguments. I began to wonder, how long can this life last?
I looked at Li Qiang, who was so tired that he lay directly on the bed every night, his brows furrowed. I was distressed and helpless. A warm and happy little home seems to be out of reach.
Before going to bed, I took Li Qiang's hand and said affectionately: "Husband, we have to find a way, we can't go on like this, Xiaobao and we both need a relaxed and happy home." ”
Li Qiang exhaled softly, his eyes full of tiredness: "I know, wife, then let's think of a way." ”
We temporarily forgot Li Qiang's parents behind us and rediscovered the pair of two people who looked at each other, although the answer in our hearts has not been found, but at least we are willing to look for it together.
It was a night unlike usual, and the air was filled with the tension that was about to explode. At the dinner table, my father-in-law Li Ming complained to me again: "Yaoyao, your meal is too slow, we are all waiting." ”
My mood was like a balloon that was about to explode, and finally I couldn't bear it anymore, and I responded angrily: "Father-in-law, I also tried my best, I have to go to work one day, and when I come back, I have to take care of Xiaobao and housework, and I am also very tired." ”
Mother-in-law Zhao Yun immediately answered: "It's not easy for us to raise your husband for so many years, why don't you have any filial piety as a daughter-in-law?" ”
The atmosphere froze instantly, Li Qiang's brows tightened, he was in a dilemma between us, he whispered to me: "Wife, rest quiet, they are elders after all." ”
"Husband, I'm tired, do you really understand me?" Tears welled up in my eyes, "I don't want to live like this anymore, I need room to breathe." ”
That night, I made a decision, and I convinced my husband: "I need time and space, I will take Xiaobao to live with my mother for a while." ”
Li Qiang was at a loss, but he couldn't argue: "My wife ......"
I packed my things and left with Xiaobao. The moment I left, my heart was relieved.
In the following days, I recuperated at my mother's house, while Li Qiang faced everything at home alone. Every time I talked on the phone, I could hear the exertion and anxiety in his voice.
One day at the end of the month, Li Qiang called: "Wife, we need to talk, and I realize that I can't continue like this anymore." ”
I listened silently, feeling a little guilty, but more in anticipation.
"Xiaobao and you are very important, and I understand that I can't let myself be so passive anymore. As for my brother's problem, I have made it clear to him that I will help appropriately, but it is impossible to cover everything. As for my parents' questions, I decided to find a good nursing home......" Li Qiang's calm voice came from the other end of the phone.
I held the phone, my eyes moist, but I had a peace in my heart that I hadn't seen for a long time. Our relationship, and this home, seem to be moving in a healthier direction, and I know that this period of separation is necessary for us.
Li Qiang and I agreed to meet on a bench in the park, the spring breeze was blowing and the sun was just right. There was a firmness in his eyes when he saw me. We looked at each other for a moment, Li Qiang broke the silence, his voice was calmer than ever: "Wife, this time has brought you a lot of trouble, I have thought a lot, we need to change." ”
I looked at him with tears in my eyes but a smile: "I know, I've thought a lot, we need to find a balance together." ”
Li Qiang continued: "I have sat down with my parents and they are aware of the impact of their actions on our lives. We plan to find them a nursing home in the suburbs with a good environment, which can not only take good care of them, but also not delay our own lives. ”
I nodded: "What about my brother?" ”
"Li Yong, I also talked about it, saying that we are willing to help him, but it is impossible to have no bottom line. I hope he will become independent soon. Li Qiang's eyes revealed an unprecedented decisiveness.
We then discussed our future plans, including how Li Qiang would balance work and family, and I considered reducing my workload in the short term to take better care of Xiaobao. On that afternoon, we looked forward to our future as we did when we were newly married, only this time, we were more mature and knew how to love and cherish.
We returned home together, and the little world full of warmth and laughter was restored to its rightful appearance after repositioning the vase and wiping the dust off the table. Li Xiaobao looked at us with his innocent smile, as if our decision was the wisest one in the world.
This story, in the end, does not have a gorgeous period, because life always goes on, not every conflict can be solved, not every question can find a perfect answer. But we know that as long as we hold hands and connect hearts to hearts, no matter what, we can find a way forward together.