For my 60th birthday, I decided to throw a big party at a restaurant. A milestone is a special moment, and I invited the whole family. That evening the restaurant’s atmosphere was joyful: we danced, laughed, and enjoyed being together with loved ones.
But everything changed abruptly when my daughter-in-law’s phone went missing. Worried, she turned to me.
“Have you seen my phone? It was right here.” I grabbed my phone and quickly dialed her number. Instead of the usual ringtone, a strange melody played—one that made me think cows were walking past the restaurant. But it was her phone; the melody came from under the table. Oksana ran into the bathroom…and the phone had fallen there.
When I picked it up, I noticed on the screen a message: “Cow” alongside my photo. Those words felt like a stab to my chest. I tried to convince myself it was just a joke. But why on my anniversary, and why like that?
My relationship with my daughter-in-law had always been normal. I had tried to strengthen our bond: I gave her gifts, a gold ring on her birthday, and even offered her my other apartment after her wedding. It seemed I would do anything to earn her love and trust. But apparently it wasn’t enough.
It wasn’t easy to tell my son. My throat tightened, but I decided to be honest about what I had seen.
“Son, I… I saw something on her phone…”
“Mom, it was just a joke!” he interrupted. “Stop with this story. You’re exaggerating!” He snatched the phone from my hand, and I stood there, lost and fighting back tears. I smiled all evening, but inside I felt cold and hurt. Eventually I went to the bathroom and broke down crying. How could someone treat a person like that after all the years of love and care?
The next day I couldn’t remain silent. I took a taxi and went to their place.
“Hello, Mom! What’s up, no warning?” my son said, surprised.
“Because I need space,” I replied resolutely. “I need REAL space—I’m a fat cow,” I added sternly.
“Mom, why are you saying that?”
“You have one week to pack your things and leave my house. I never want to see you or your wife again.”
My voice was full of determination, though tears welled up behind it. Two days later, they were gone.
Now the whole family condemns me for kicking them out. But I still cannot forgive what they did.
