Chapter 13 — Mother-in-law stayed for three years, biological mother for half a month

“She's back.”

“We're okay.”

On the other end of the line. I heard the sigh very clearly.

“That's good.”

“That's good.”

Stop for a moment. He spoke again.

"Boy."

“You must remember carefully.”

“I didn't do anything wrong.”

“Don't blame yourself because your mother is like this.”

“This is the consequence she has to bear herself.”

“She has been making noise in this house for more than half my life.”

“It's time for a little quiet.”

Those words made me feel a lot lighter. It also made my determination stronger. After hanging up. Tu Tinh stepped forward.

“Your dad called?”

Obviously she heard it. I nodded.

“How is your mother…?”

Her voice was very calm. As if asking about someone who is no longer very related to me. I shook my head.

“Not very good.”

“Lock yourself in your room.”

Tu Tinh was silent. She placed the pile of folded clothes in the closet. Then turned around and looked at me.

“Chu Nghi.”

“Let's talk for a bit.”

This moment has finally come. After all the turmoil. It's time to look back on everything. We sat down on the sofa. There is still a pillow in the middle.

“What do you plan to do later?”

Tu Tinh asked.

“I mean what happened to your mother.”

I looked at her. Reply very slow. Every sentence, every word.

“Every month I will still send living expenses to my mother on time.”

“I will still come visit during Tet.”

“But I won't let Mom stay in our house for long anymore.”

I looked around the room. Speak softly:

“This place is home for the two of us.”

“Just belongs to the two of us.”

Tu Tinh listened quietly. No nod. Also do not object.

“What if she gets sick?”

She continued asking. That's a very practical question. I thought for a few seconds.

“If it's just a mild illness.”

“I will hire someone to take care of me.”

“Or ask dad to pay more attention.”

“If it's a serious illness…”

“If you really need me to come back.”

“I will return.”

“But before deciding.”

“I will discuss it with you.”

“Let's decide together.”

I deliberately emphasized two words. Tu Tinh's eyes wavered slightly. She hugged the pillow in her arms. After a while, he spoke.

“Chu Nghi.”

“I hope you understand something.”

“I have never stopped you from being filial.”

“There are many ways to be filial.”

“It is not necessary to force two generations to live under one roof.”

“Adults need their own space.”

“We need it too.”

“Sometimes.”

“A proper distance is the greatest respect.”

I nodded.

“I understand.”

“Before, you were too confused.”

“I always thought that bringing my mother to live next to me was filial piety.”

“But actually.”

“That's just your selfishness.”

“I do this to make myself feel at peace.”

“But you forgot my feelings.”

“I never thought about whether my mother was really suitable for life here or not.”

The conversation that day lasted a long time. We talk about a lot of things. Things that have never been touched before. About family. About how to educate from a young age. About money. About responsibility. About future plans. We are like two surgeons. Calmly dissect each wound in your marriage. Exposing all the conflicts that have been hidden for so long. That process was very painful. But it's also extremely necessary. Because only if you dare to face the wound. Only people have a chance to heal it. But we both understand. It is a must. Only when eliminating all the toxins that are silently accumulating. Patch Only wounds can truly heal. Towards the end of the conversation. Tu Tinh rested his head on my shoulder.

“Chu Nghi.”

She called softly.

“In the future... can we stop arguing?”

The voice carried a bit of fatigue. Also carries a very light supplication. I wrapped my arms around her.

“In the future I will learn to listen to you.”

The days that followed. Life seems to be back on track. But something has also changed. We no longer unconsciously consider all housework to be the mother-in-law's responsibility. Start learning how to take care of your own life. We went to the supermarket together. Let's study recipes together. I'm in charge of cooking. Tu Tinh is in charge of washing dishes. Even though the food I make is still often burned. Although she still occasionally breaks plates. The kitchen is sometimes messy as if it had just been through a war. But both were very happy. First time. This house has the breath of life that belongs to us. We even created a housework roster. Monday, Wednesday, Friday I clean the house. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday she washes clothes. Sunday with general cleaning. Everything is clearly arranged. The communication between us is also more than before. We told each other about the pressures at work. Let's discuss new movies. Every night before bed. They both gave each other a goodnight kiss. It feels like falling in love all over again. Even better than when we first fell in love. Because we went through the same storm. Understand how terrible loss is. We also understand how important it is to respect each other. I used to think. Life will remain peaceful like that. Until half a month later. I received a phone call from my eldest aunt.