From the kitchen window, Irina observed the vivid October leaves swirling through the chilly air before settling on the slick pavement below. At the table, her ten-year-old daughter Katya wrestled with her math homework, frequently glancing up, hoping for her mother’s guidance.
“Mom, how do I figure this one out?” Katya asked, pointing a pencil at the open textbook.
Irina moved over and nestled beside her daughter. Though Katya was intelligent, numbers and equations posed a challenge. Memories of her first marriage lingered in Irina’s heart, warm yet bittersweet, with Katya remaining her greatest treasure.
Smiling gently, Irina proposed, “Let’s solve it together.”
An hour passed before Sergey, Irina’s husband, returned home. As an engineer, his workdays were exhausting, yet he endeavored to be present for his family. Sergey treated Katya tenderly and with patience, a gesture Irina held in high regard.
“How is my clever girl doing?” Sergey asked, affectionately tousling Katya’s hair.
“I’m working on math, Daddy Sergey,” the girl replied enthusiastically. She had quickly grown fond of her stepfather, who never raised his voice and always listened attentively.
However, the peace was short-lived. Sergey’s mother, Galina Ivanovna, entered their lives abruptly after being widowed the previous year. She spent considerable time inspecting her son’s household, scrutinizing the young family with a critical gaze.
Almost immediately, tension surfaced. Without warning, Galina Ivanovna would come into their apartment, eyes wandering through the rooms, eyebrows furrowed as though finding fault.
“Sergey, why does the girl have her own room?” she questioned during one visit. “Isn’t that a bit too extravagant for a child?”
Irina froze near the stove, uneasy as she cooked. Katya played unaware in her bedroom, but the charged atmosphere was palpable.
“Mom, Katya is family,” Sergey answered firmly. “She needs a space to study and play.”
With an icy tone, Galina Ivanovna replied, “Family, huh… I suppose.” Her voice carried a weight of disdain, her eyes locking with Irina’s in a silent battle.
On a later Sunday, when the family gathered for a meal, Galina Ivanovna’s discomfort grew more pronounced. Irina had prepared roast chicken with vegetables and a fresh salad, hoping for harmony.
“Katya, move closer to your mother,” Galina Ivanovna insisted after sitting down. “I want to be near my dear Seryozhenka.” The girl obeyed, though a slight frown crossed her face, perceptive to the adult tension.
“You cook well,” Galina Ivanovna said, tasting the food. “But it’s not how Sergey’s used to eating. He grew up with different meals.”
“How so?” Irina inquired, attempting to remain composed.
“Traditional, true home cooking. Not these modern experiments you try.”
Sergey remained silent, absorbed in his plate, avoiding his wife’s gaze. Irina saw his discomfort but understood his reluctance to intervene between his mother and spouse.
After dinner, when Katya retreated to her room to continue her homework, Galina Ivanovna confronted Sergey in private.
“Sergey, I need to discuss our family’s future,” she began.
Weary, Sergey replied, “Mom, we already are a family.”
She scoffed sharply, “What family? Strange blood is no blood. That girl will never truly be your granddaughter. You’re investing your time and money in someone else’s child—resources that rightfully belong to your own offspring.”
Meanwhile, Irina quietly washed dishes at the sink, hands trembling with suppressed outrage. The blood rushed to her cheeks, but she held her tongue to maintain calm in front of Katya.
“Mom, don’t say that,” Sergey retorted. “Katya is a wonderful child.”
“Wonderful or not, that’s irrelevant,” Galina waved off. “It’s about bloodlines. The girl is a stranger. She has a room, your attention, and your money.”
Finally turning away from the sink, Irina confronted her mother-in-law, “Galina Ivanovna, Katya is my daughter. While we live here, she will have her own room.”
Galina Ivanovna eyed Irina with open contempt. “While you live here… but who says that will last?”
Sergey looked up, surprised. “What do you mean?”
Coldly, she stated, “Sooner or later, he will have to choose between his past and his future, between his own blood and others’ children.”
A heavy silence settled after Galina Ivanovna’s departure. Although Katya was in her room, Irina feared the girl had overheard the harsh exchange, as children often perceive underlying conflicts.
“Sergey, we have to talk,” Irina urged once her husband relaxed before the television.
“About what?” he replied without turning his eyes.
“About your mother’s open hostility toward Katya.”
He sighed, “Mom just needs time to adjust. She lost her husband; it’s difficult for her.”
“Sergey, she demanded that Katya give up her room!”
“Mom never demanded that,” he insisted.
Irina held his face gently, “You heard the same as I did. Galina Ivanovna sees my daughter as a burden.”
“Don’t overstate things. She’s just sharing her opinion.”
“And what’s yours?”
His prolonged silence betrayed his internal conflict: torn between wife and mother, unwilling to decide.
The weeks that followed intensified difficulties. Galina Ivanovna increased her visits, monitoring the household as though under surveillance. Her disapproval extended to everything—from Irina’s cooking to her parenting style.
“You spend too much time with that girl,” she reprimanded one evening. “Sergey comes home drained, and you focus on a stranger’s child instead of your husband.”
“Katya isn’t a stranger,” Irina replied through clenched fists. “She’s my daughter.”
“To me she is a stranger,” Galina snapped. “And a stranger to our bloodline. Sergey should consider his own children instead of devoting himself to someone else’s.”
Behind the thin walls, Katya completed her schoolwork, painfully aware she had become the family’s source of conflict.
“Mom, does Grandma Galya love me?” Katya asked softly before sleeping.
Irina sat on her daughter’s bed, stroking her hair. How could she explain what she barely understood herself?
“Sometimes adults act oddly, honey,” she murmured. “That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.”
“But she says I’m a stranger.”
“You are my daughter, and no one can say otherwise.”
Katya embraced her mother tightly. Irina sensed the strain had taken a toll—the child had become withdrawn, played less, and spent more time alone.
A serious confrontation unfolded one November evening. Galina Ivanovna arrived early, while Sergey was still away. She inspected the apartment methodically, peering into every room as if conducting an examination.
“Where is Katya?” she inquired.
“At school,” Irina replied. “She’s attending extra classes.”
“Good. Now we can speak openly.”
Settled in an armchair opposite Irina, Galina Ivanovna scrutinized her daughter-in-law.
“You’re intelligent,” she began. “And you should realize this situation isn’t sustainable.”
“What do you mean?” Irina asked.
“That girl is ruining my son’s future. Sergey invests time, money, and emotion in her. What will he gain? A child who belongs to another man will never be grateful. She’ll grow up and return to her birth father.”
Irina remained silent, anger simmering inside. Galina Ivanovna referred to Katya as if she were an object, disregarding her humanity.
“Katya doesn’t have another father,” Irina asserted coldly. “Sergey is her real dad.”
Interrupting, the mother-in-law stated, “A real father shares blood. Sergey must focus on his own children. While a stranger’s child remains here, he cannot.”
“What do you propose?” Irina challenged.
Galina Ivanovna moved to the window, the darkness outside mirroring the situation’s gravity.
“I’ve thought it over. This girl would be better in a special institution, where she would learn discipline and proper upbringing.”
“What?” Irina jumped up.
“An orphanage isn’t so dreadful. It offers routine and education. Sergey could finally build a proper family.”
“You want me to send my daughter to an orphanage?”
“I’m asking you to consider the future—yours, Sergey’s, and possible children you might have, if you weren’t burdened by this girl.”
Stunned, Irina stared at her mother-in-law, who spoke calmly as if discussing mundane matters.
“Galina Ivanovna, you’re out of your mind,” Irina whispered.
“I’m perfectly sane,” came the reply. “I’m voicing what Sergey won’t say. But he’s too soft to face hard truths.”
At that moment, footsteps and a key in the lock signaled Sergey’s return.
“Hi, everyone,” Sergey greeted, shedding his jacket.
Galina Ivanovna straightened, shooting Irina a warning glance.
“Think about what I said,” she whispered. “Remember: I always get my way.”
Sergey saw the tension between the two women standing silently.
“What’s happening?” he questioned.
“Just discussing family matters,” Galina Ivanovna replied with a smile.
“Yes, family matters,” Irina echoed, trying to keep calm.
Deep down, she realized a battle had begun—one where her daughter’s future was the stake.
That evening, upon Katya’s return, Galina Ivanovna showered Sergey with exaggerated attention. She inquired about his work, plans, blatantly ignoring Katya.
“Sergey, you need more space to relax,” the mother-in-law said, gesturing towards Katya’s room. “This could become an excellent study.”
“Mom, that’s Katya’s room,” Sergey reminded her.
“A child can have a corner in your bedroom,” she waved off. “A man needs his workspace for work and thought.”
Irina stayed silent, continuing to wash dishes, every word slicing into her heart.
Late into the night, after Katya slept and Galina Ivanovna had left, the couple confronted the harsh reality.
“Your mother crossed all limits,” Irina said, closing the bedroom door.
“About what?” Sergey replied.
“She suggested sending Katya to an orphanage.”
He spun sharply. “When?”
“Today, before you came home. She called Katya a burden and wants her out of our home.”
Sergey was silent for a long moment, pondering.
“Maybe you misunderstood?” he offered.
“No misunderstanding. Your mother called my daughter a burden and wants her removed for our future.”
“She says things in anger,” Sergey defended. “Don’t take her words too seriously.”
“Demanding we get rid of my child is not ‘too much,’ Sergey!”
“She’s worried about our future…”
“Our future can’t be built on abandoning Katya.”
“I’m not saying abandon her,” Sergey said hastily. “Mom thinks the girl needs more discipline—more structure…”
“In an orphanage?” Irina’s voice was barely a whisper.
He avoided her gaze, silence stretching uncomfortably.
“You agree with your mother,” Irina said slowly.
“I don’t agree. I’m just exploring options.”
- Boarding schools
- Residential institutions
- Places offering structured upbringing
Her disbelief was palpable. Her husband seriously considered sending their daughter away.
“You want to get rid of my daughter,” Irina said flatly.
“Don’t exaggerate,” Sergey protested. “It’s about what’s best for everyone.”
“For everyone? Or just your mother?”
“For our family. Mom says we should prioritize our own children…”
“We already have a child—Katya.”
“We could have a child of our own,” he murmured.
His last words hung like a sentence. Irina understood that he indeed considered Katya a burden but hesitated to say it outright.
Without another word, she left the kitchen and headed to the bedroom. Sergey remained at the table, realizing he had crossed a line.
She opened a wardrobe and pulled out a large suitcase, methodically folding his clothes inside: shirts, pants, underwear.
“What are you doing?” Sergey asked, appearing in the doorway.
“Packing for you,” she answered calmly.
“Packing? For where?”
“To your mother’s house. Since you and she treat my daughter as unneeded here, perhaps you belong with your family.”
He stepped forward, reaching for her hand.
“Let’s discuss this calmly, Irina…”
“There’s nothing left to discuss. You made your choice.”
“I haven’t chosen anything. I only voiced an opinion…”
“An opinion that my daughter should live apart from us.”
His protests lacked conviction.
“I just suggested we consider options.”
“Options like sending a ten-year-old to boarding school,” she finished for him. “To please your mother.”
Wordlessly, Sergey watched as she packed his belongings. Suits, sportswear, shoes—all went into the suitcase.
“Irina, stop. Let’s be adults about this.”
“Adults?” she challenged, standing tall. “Adults would have defended my daughter from your mother instead of agreeing with her. Adults would have told Galina Ivanovna that Katya is family.”
“Mom only wants what’s best for us…”
“Your mother wants to get rid of Katya. And you support her.”
The suitcase nearly full, Irina snapped it shut and placed it near the door.
“My daughter stays. You and your mother leave,” she declared firmly.
“Irina, this is our home…” Sergey argued.
“No. It’s my home.”
She retrieved a folder of documents from the dresser. Sergey watched in shock as she presented the papers.
“This is the certificate of ownership,” she stated. “The apartment is mine. I bought it before we married, with funds from selling my previous place.”
Sergey examined the document carefully. Irina was the sole registered owner.
“I thought the apartment belonged to both of us…”
“You were mistaken. Good thing we never shared ownership.”
He now grasped how serious the situation was. Legally, he had no claim to the residence.
“Please don’t throw me out. I’ll talk to Mom, straighten this out…”
“Explain what? That Katya deserves to live in her own home?”
“Exactly.”
“It’s too late. You’ve shown where your loyalty lies.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang. Irina peered through the peephole and saw Galina Ivanovna standing there.
“Your mother’s here,” she told Sergey.
He opened the door, and Galina Ivanovna stepped inside with the confidence of a household ruler, quickly spotting the suitcase in the hallway.
“What is all this?” she demanded.
“Packing,” Irina replied curtly.
“Who’s packing?”
“You and your son. You’re moving out of my apartment.”
Confused, Galina Ivanovna looked to Sergey.
“Explain this, Sergey.”
“Mom, there’s a conflict with Irina…”
“There is no conflict,” Irina interrupted. “The solution is simple: Katya remains here, and you find another place.”
Galina Ivanovna’s expression hardened.
“Young woman, remember whom you’re addressing.”
“I’m speaking to someone who wants to send my daughter away.”
“I suggested a reasonable solution!”
“You suggested discarding a child for your own comfort.”
Galina Ivanovna shouted about having nowhere else to go, about fairness, accusing Irina of breaking the family.
“Galina Ivanovna, you destroyed the family,” Irina replied firmly. “When you called my daughter a burden.”
“That’s what she is! A stranger’s child causes trouble!”
“Then take your troubles elsewhere.”
Irina took the apartment keys from the shelf near the entrance.
“I’ll be keeping these. I’ll need them.”
“Irina, we can fix this,” Sergey pleaded.
“There’s nothing to fix. You chose your mother over my daughter.”
Reluctantly, Sergey handed over his keys. Galina Ivanovna could scarcely believe what unfolded before her.
“You have no right to evict us!” she yelled.
“I have every right. This is my apartment, and I decide who lives here.”
The suitcase was placed just outside the door as mother and son stood in the hallway, unsure of their next steps.
“This is unlawful! I’ll take this to court!” Galina Ivanovna screamed.
“Go ahead,” Irina responded coolly. “But first understand the rights guests have in someone else’s home.”
“Sergey is my son! And that girl is a stranger!”
“Katya lives here. You don’t.”
Sergey and his mother stormed out, leaving Irina resolute. She took out her phone and contacted the police.
“I want to report threats from my husband’s relatives,” she explained when officers arrived half an hour later.
Irina detailed her mother-in-law’s demands, the pressure placed on Katya, and attempts to force her daughter into an orphanage.
“We’ll record a report,” the officer assured her. “In case the behavior continues.”
Katya had listened anxiously from her room, frightened and unsure of what was happening.
“Mom, where is Daddy Sergey?” she asked when the police left.
“Daddy Sergey isn’t living with us anymore,” Irina said, embracing her daughter.
“Is it because of me?”
“No, darling. The adults just couldn’t agree.”
“Will he come back?”
“I don’t know. But you and I will stay together, always.”
The next day, Irina filed for divorce. She was determined that neither she nor Katya would face further humiliation.
In her petition, she cited irreconcilable differences concerning childrearing and family values, requesting the marriage be dissolved without dividing property since there was no jointly owned estate.
Sergey attempted to contact Irina multiple times to discuss his perspective, but she refused to respond.
A week later, a court summons arrived. Sergey challenged the divorce, describing their dispute as temporary and suggesting reconciliation was possible.
At the hearing, Irina stated her case clearly: her husband and his mother had demanded that her daughter be sent to an orphanage or boarding school, viewing Katya as a burden. Such beliefs were incompatible with maintaining their marriage.
After hearing the facts, the judge approved the divorce, which was finalized a month later.
Galina Ivanovna attempted to confront Irina near their home, but Irina ignored her insults and threats. The mother-in-law cursed her for ruining her son’s life, but her words fell on deaf ears.
Over time, Katya recovered from the distress. She smiled again, played actively, and invited friends over. Her room remained hers; her home remained safe.
“Mom, will we ever let anyone else in?” Katya asked one evening.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Irina replied with a smile. “But only those who respect us—and you.”
Irina hugged her daughter tightly, assured she had made the right choice. It was better to be alone with her child than to endure disgrace to preserve a failing marriage. Katya was her family, her future, and no one had the right to demand she be given up.
That night, after Katya fell asleep, Irina sat quietly with tea, reflecting on their journey. Though difficult, the decision was clear. A mother’s love must always come first.
Outside, the wind blew yellow leaves from the trees. Though autumn was ending and winter approaching, their home remained a haven of warmth and peace. Katya slept safely in her bed, under her blanket, no longer a stranger but cherished.
Finishing her tea, Irina turned off the light and went to bed, ready for a new day—a fresh start where love held no compromises.
Key Insight: The story highlights the importance of standing firm in protecting one’s children amidst familial pressure and challenges to acceptance.