**Diary Entry A Lesson in Love**
Three years, Evelyn Victoriathree years youve hounded me for a grandchild, scolding me for waiting too long. And now, in front of everyone, you dote only on little Paul, your daughters son. But my Alex is your grandson too! Or have you forgotten?
Evelyn adjusted her immaculate updo and gave me that icy, superior look of hers. Behind her in the lounge, childrens laughter and music carried onPauls birthday celebration.
“And when you ignore Alex, when you never give him gifts like you do the other grandson,” I pressed, my voice trembling, “he *notices*. Hes ten, Evelyn. Old enough to know you dont love him.”
She scoffed, waving a hand as if shooing a fly.
“Youre imagining things, Marina. I treat them both the same. And really, must you make a scene today of all days?” Her eyebrows arched in indignation. “Its my grandsons birthday. I havent time for your nonsense.”
With that, she turned on her heels and marched back to the party, leaving me in the hall. Pain rose in my throat like a lump. I leaned against the wall, steadying myself. To her, my son was invisiblejust glass to see through when better people stood behind him.
When I returned to the room, my heart clenched tighter. Evelyn fussed over Paul, cooing at his every word, ruffling his hair, slipping him sweets. And there was Alex, pressed into the corner, shoulders slumped, watching with quiet envy. The longing in his eyes made me want to sweep him up and leave.
That night, after Alex had gone to bed, I sat beside my husband.
“Victor, we need to talk about your mother. The way she treats Alexits cruel. He *feels* it.”
Victor rubbed his browhis tell when avoiding an unpleasant topic.
“Youre overreacting, love,” he said dismissively. “I was the less-favoured child too. My sister always came first. Hell learn not to expect anything from her. Hell cope. Boys are tough. Besides, she *does* love himjust differently.”
I stared at him, stunned. How could he say that so casually? As if neglect were something a child should simply endure?
A week later, Evelyn dropped by unannounced. Alex was doing homework at the kitchen table when the doorbell rang. His face lit up at the sight of herthen dimmed, guarded.
“Alex, darling, Ive brought you treats!” she announced, thrusting a handful of cheap sweets at him. The kind shed never buy for Paul.
“Thanks, Gran,” he muttered, taking them.
Evelyn turned to me, triumphant.
“See? No favouritism. Just your silly notions.”
Alex lingered, shifting awkwardly, then mumbled something about finishing his work and slipped away. I knew whyhed realised, again, she wasnt here for him.
Alone in the kitchen, I tried once more. Maybe if I shared his achievements
“Alex won a maths competition,” I said, pouring tea. “His teacher says hes brilliant.”
“Yes, yes, very good,” she murmured, then brightened. “But Paul won his swimming tournament last week! First in the borough! His coach says he could go pro.”
“Thats lovely,” I said evenly. “But about Alexhes started drawing too. His art teacher”
“Art? Hardly serious,” she cut in. “Now, *sport*thats something! Pauls so strong, so clever. Top of his class in French! His teacher says hes *exceptional*.”
My patience snapped. I slammed my palm on the table, rattling the cups.
“Why, Evelyn? Why do you do this? *You* were the one who begged us for a child!”
She grimaced, hesitating, then spoke grudgingly.
“I wanted a *proper* grandchild. *Ours*. But Alex” Her lip curled. “Hes *you*. Spitting image. Walks like you, talks like youghastly.”
I froze. Surely, Id misheard.
“You dont love him because he looks like *me*?”
She nodded as if it were obvious.
“I never approved of Victors choice. But I thoughtfine, at least youd give me a sturdy grandson. Youre healthy enough. But *him*?” She waved a hand. “Hes *all* you. Even his mannerismshorrid.”
I couldnt move. She *couldnt* mean it.
“Maybe if you had another?” she mused. “One that takes after *our* side?”
I stood so fast my chair clattered back. The room swam with fury.
“Another? Have you *lost your mind*? *Get out*,” I hissed. Then louder: “Get. *Out*!”
“This is *my sons* house!” she spat.
“*Ours*,” I shot back. “And I wont let you poison my child any longer. *Leave*!”
I wrenched the door open. Red-faced, she snatched her handbag and stormed past.
“Youll regret this!” she snarled.
The slam echoed. I pressed my hands to my face, shaking.
That evening, Victor listened in growing disbelief as I recounted it.
“She actually said that? She doesnt love him because hes like you? And to *have another*?”
I nodded, tears spilling at last.
“How can she hurt a child for looking like his *mother*? Its *monstrous*.”
Victor pulled me close.
“Thats it. Were done. No more visits unless absolutely necessary. Alex comes first.”
Months passed. Life settled. Thena change. My parents moved to town, selling their cottage for a flat nearby.
“We missed you. Missed *him*,” Mum said simply.
Their love transformed Alex. His shyness melted; he laughed freely. He *bloomed*.
On his birthday, against my better judgment, I invited Evelyn. Victors sister wasnt included.
She arrived with a small box. Insidea flimsy toy car, the sort sold in market stalls.
“Thanks, Gran,” Alex said politely, then turned. “Grandma Val, Grandad, can I open yours now?”
They exchanged a glance and handed him a large parcel. He tore it opena drawing tablet.
“Oh! *Thank you*!” He flung his arms around them. “*Exactly* what I wanted!”
Evelyn sniffed.
“Such an extravagant gift. Youll spoil him.”
Mum met her gaze coolly.
“Alex wants to be a graphic designer. Hes *talented*. This will help.”
Beaming, Alex kissed their cheeks.
“Dad, come help me set it up!”
Victor grinned. “Lead the way, birthday boy!”
Left alone, Evelyn looked thunderstruck.
“Well?” I said flatly. “Unhappy hes happy?”
She bristled. “Paul just won”
“If youre here to talk about *him*,” I cut in, “you can leave. *Now*.”
“But Pauls *clearly* better!” she burst out. “Stronger, brighter”
I strode to the door and flung it open.
“I warned you. *Go*.”
“You cant”
“I *can*. This is *my* home. *My* sons day.” I all but pushed her out. “Goodbye.”
The slam was final. I exhaled, chest light. No more tiptoeing around Victors family. *My* family mattered more.
From Alexs room came peals of laughter. I smiled and went to join them.
**Lesson learned: Love shouldnt be conditional. And sometimes, the family you choose is the only one you need.**
