Chapter 8 — Life is Finally Gentle to Me

“Aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters.”

"This is my family's private matter, I don't want to bother everyone."

“But my mother's actions... seriously affected my husband and I's lives.”

“I know better than anyone what kind of person To Nhien is.”

“The three years she has been with me, I know how many disadvantages she has suffered.”

“From today, no one will say bad things about my wife behind her back…”

“Don't blame me for not having any kinship.”

After sending—he left the group. The whole world…became quiet. After that, I really had to look at Lam Vi with a different eye. He is no longer the man who needs me to push and force him to move on. He knew how to proactively take charge, protect his wife, and protect his family. But the real challenge...comes from Lam Duyet. Summer vacation, Lam Duyet returned. She didn't go to his house, but dragged her suitcase straight to us.

“Brother, sister-in-law… can I stay for a few days?”

She stood outside the door, looking a bit awkward. Lam Vi looked at me and asked. I smiled.

“Of course, come in.”

I could clearly feel Lam Duyet's tension. During dinner, she wanted to say something several times, but stopped. After eating, I cut fruit and brought it to her room.

“Is there something you want to say?”

Lam Duyet nodded, his eyes red.

“Sister-in-law… I'm sorry.”

“When your mother was hospitalized… you shouldn't have said things like that.”

“It's over.”

She bit her lip.

“My mother… after coming to your house, life was not good.”

"You and your aunt... treat her like a maid, and want her to use her savings to pay off her cousin's debt."

“My mother refused… they immediately…”

“Right away?”

“We argue every day… even touch each other.”

“A few days ago, my mother called me… crying and saying she regretted it.”

I was silent. Poor people... surely have something to blame. Her fate today, after all... was also sown by herself. Lam Duyet looked at me, his eyes full of pleading.

“I know my mother treated you poorly before.”

“But she is still your mother… also my mother.”

“Can you… advise your brothers… to take your mother home?”

Lam Duyet's plea... was like a stone thrown into a lake that just calmed down in my heart.

“Sister-in-law, I know this request is too much.”

Seeing my silence, she quickly added.

“I don't want my mother to come back to manage everything anymore... I just can't bear to see her being bullied.”

“She is old and her health is not good…”

I put down the fruit plate and looked at the girl a few years younger than me. Her eyes were sincere, full of worry for her mother. But understanding... does not mean accepting.

“Tieu Duyet, I can't decide this matter.”

I said very calmly.

“You should talk to your brothers.”

“He is my mother's son.”

“Making decisions… is his responsibility and also his right.”

“Whatever he chooses… I support it.”

I gently... pushed the ball back to Lam Vi. Not hiding. But I understand—this knot… only the one who tied it can untie it himself. Mother-in-law is a knot in Lam Vi's heart. If I intervene...no matter what the result, it will become the seed for another conflict. Lam Duyet seemed to understand, nodded slightly, and did not say more. That night, when Lam Vi came home, Lam Duyet called him into the office. The two talked for a long time. I didn't listen, just sat in the living room reading a book. But my heart... can't be at peace. I think—if he decides to take his mother home…me What to do? Entering that tiring spiral again? Or… leave again? An hour later, Lam Vi walked out. His face darkened. He sat down next to me, holding my hand. Hands are a bit cold.

“Nien Nhien… Tieu Duyet told me.”

I looked at him, waiting for an answer.

“I think…”

He took a deep breath, as if he had just made an important decision.

“I want… to put my mother in a nursing home.”

I was stunned. This answer… was completely unexpected.

“Nursing home?”

His eyes were very determined.

“If we take her back, our family will never be at peace.”

“Your situation today… is of your own doing.”

"It's also the consequence of her trusting the wrong person in your family."

“You have to bear it yourself.”

“But if we leave her there… it's like putting her in a miserable place.”

“You can't be that cruel.”

“So think again and again…”

“Nursing home… is the best choice.”

“…what do you think?”

He looked at me, a bit of questioning in his eyes. At that moment, I felt all kinds of emotions. Surprised, relieved... and a little touched. He didn't choose the easiest way - push me away, take my mother back, and consider it a matter of peace and honor. Nor did he choose the cruelest way—ignoring his mother. He chose the most rational path…and also the most responsible path. He really… has become a man who can shoulder anything.

“I support you.”

I squeezed his hand back and nodded.

“Let's find a good place, close to our house... so we can easily visit on the weekend.”

Lam Vi's eyes lit up. Like just received the biggest recognition. The next day, he and Lam Duyet went to his house. I don't know what they said. Just know that when he returned...he brought his mother-in-law home with him. She lost a lot of weight and looked older. His hair is more than half white, his eyes are dull, no longer sharp at all. Seeing me, she instinctively shrank, her lips moved... but she didn't dare say anything. Lam Vi did not let her into the house. Just sat and talked to her for a long time in the car downstairs.