I went to visit my daughter, and it was my son-in-law who opened the door, dressed only in underwear. He seemed shocked to see me.

— Why aren’t you at work today? It’s Wednesday! — I asked him.

— I don’t work, — he replied with a grunt.

— Since when? Why didn’t you ever tell me?

— It’s been two years.

That’s when I found out that, for the past two years, my son-in-law and daughter had been living at my expense. I was furious and went to my son’s house, where he revealed the shocking truth about my daughter’s family situation.  You can read more in the comments below 

My husband and I spent nearly twenty years together, raising our two children. I thought a prosperous future awaited us.

But one day, everything came crashing down in an instant: my husband cheated on me with my best friend.

The divorce changed everything. My son was in college, my daughter had just started her studies, and I was left without financial support.

To make ends meet, I had to go abroad to work. It was a huge challenge: a foreign country, a language I didn’t speak, and a job I knew nothing about. But I had no other choice.

Through a friend, I found a job as a caregiver for two elderly people. Every month, I sent 500 euros to my children, hoping it would help them stabilize.

A few years later, things started to improve. My son was able to build a house. I also gave money to my daughter and son-in-law so they could trade their small apartment for a bigger one and do some renovations.

I never took vacations, never took a break; I lived for my children and saved money for the future.

But one day, I realized I couldn’t keep going like this. For all these years, I had lived for my children, forgetting to think about myself. Then, I met a man online.

He suggested that we live together, rent out my apartment, and stop working so hard. And I made the decision.

When I got home, I decided to go visit my daughter. I was eager to see my one-year-old grandson. However, when I arrived, it was my son-in-law who opened the door, in his underwear, visibly surprised.

— Why aren’t you at work? It’s Wednesday! — I asked him.

— I don’t work, — he replied, annoyed.

— How long has this been going on? Why didn’t you tell me?

— For two years.

I looked at him in disbelief: how could he have stayed home all this time? My daughter, on parental leave, was sitting quietly with the child. Their modern apartment, with brand-new appliances, showed that they clearly weren’t living on just one salary.

And that’s when I realized: they had been living at my expense.

Disappointed, I went to my son’s house. He welcomed me warmly, and his wife set the table. Then, my son told me honestly:

— Mom, my sister and her husband have always lived off others. Even before he got fired, he didn’t want to work. It’s time to stop helping them.

I nodded. For the first time in a long time, I realized I couldn’t carry these burdens anymore.

— I’ve made my decision, — I said firmly. — Now, I will live for myself.

My son seemed unsettled. In his eyes, I saw a shadow of disappointment — he probably hoped I would keep helping.

— Are you serious? You’re not coming back to Italy?

— No, darling. I’m tired. And you know, life is too short to put things off.

When my daughter found out about my decision, she stopped speaking to me. My son still seems to hope I’ll change my mind. Maybe he’s right? Or is it finally time to think about myself?