Where tolerance is needed

Ngan’s family nest is hidden in a luxurious villa complex on the outskirts of the city. Each house has its own garden, swimming pool, and modern amenities. The beauty of the house also comes from the luxurious items that Ngan’s husband, Duc, brings back after each business trip abroad, from sofa sets to exquisite dishes. But there is one thing that all the luxuries cannot fill: the emptiness in Ngan’s heart.

Every morning, she wakes up at 5am, prepares breakfast for Duc, then drives her young son to school. Everything in the family revolves around housework, cooking, and taking care of the children. Duc never does any of that work. He assumes that housework and nurturing are Ngan's responsibilities because she "has nothing else to do". Whenever Ngan wonders, wanting her husband to care and share some of the housework, Duc just sighs and says:

- I have worked hard to earn money to provide a comfortable life for you and your children, what more do you want?

Ngan was silent, as time went on, she felt more and more like a shadow in her familiar home whose warmth had gradually faded. No one felt her silent sacrifice, not even her children, who when they came home, only knew how to bury their eyes in their phones.

That day, Ngan's mother came from the countryside to visit her children and grandchildren. Having been involved in farming all year round, she was always unfamiliar with the luxurious life, always feeling that Ngan never really belonged there. Silently observing, she felt more deeply the loneliness in her daughter's heart. The whole family ate breakfast in silence. As usual, Duc did not show any interest, just ate quickly and stood up. Ngan looked away into the garden, not wanting to create a heavy atmosphere. Her mother sat at the dining table, gently stirring her teacup, and softly said:

- Honey! It's been a long time since I've been out, and I haven't had a chance to visit my in-laws. On the way to work, Duc, take me there, honey!

Duc was a bit stunned, not expecting his mother-in-law to suggest this. He smiled and replied:

- Yes, Mom! I'm so busy with work these days. I'll probably wait until tomorrow. You can stay here and play.

Mrs. Mai smiled gently, not showing any disappointment. Seeing her son-in-law carrying his briefcase and walking out of the house, she persisted:

- You work so hard! Always busy. But your grandparents are getting old, you live nearby, in the same city, remember to take care of them or they will be sad. If Duc is busy, you have to take care of them…

Then she looked at her daughter. Like a flash of lightning in his mind, Duc suddenly realized that it had been a long time since he had visited his parents, even though they lived only a few blocks away. Every time, the reason was the same: being busy with work. As for Ngan, without anyone reminding her, she still visited thoughtfully. It was just that Duc did not know specifically about that thoughtfulness. But the warm smiles and compliments his parents gave their daughter-in-law were known throughout the relatives and streets.

Duc hesitated, turned back, and sat down at the dining table next to his mother-in-law. His eyes were filled with regret. He had been so focused on his work that he had forgotten about his loved ones, especially his parents. He also felt guilty for being indifferent to his wife and children, and the children's parents' house.

- Ngan! Get your things ready and I'll take mom to her grandparents' house. Your parents keep reminding you!

German voice was sad but also filled with joy again.

His mother-in-law looked at him with eyes full of affection.

The following days, Duc came home earlier than planned. Ngan was busy cleaning up, and was surprised to see him appear, even taking the initiative to bring dishes and prepare food to take care of the children. He smiled, his voice hesitant and apologetic.

- I'm home early, don't be surprised. I've thought a lot about what mom said.

Ngan looked at her husband in surprise, not understanding how Duc could change so quickly. A warm feeling rose in her heart. Duc realized that simple things, moments with loved ones were the most important things in his life.

For the first time in many years, he felt like he was truly part of the family, truly making the kitchen warmer, not just Ngan alone quietly. And his eyes welled up thinking about his mother-in-law - the hard-working mother who, despite her old age and her dizzy mind from motion sickness, still busily unpacked bunches of vegetables and fish to make the dishes her son-in-law liked.

“Bi! Come here, I’ll tell you a story. Your dad likes banana stem stewed with eel the most. And the water spinach that grows long this season must be split at the top and eaten with Vietnamese coriander”...

Mother also affectionately advised Ngan to share more with her family, not to think that doing all the housework is already hard work, and not to be disappointed or retreat when her husband avoids her request. Family life needs to be more delicate and profound. A few years ago, Duc's company almost went bankrupt, and neither his wife nor his children nor his parents could share anything, only Duc had to struggle.

“Mom! I’m sorry…”, Duc’s words were so poignant that she thought of her son and Duc’s version. “I will try to change.” Her husband’s words made Ngan tear up. She understood that those were not empty words. Just like her mother said: As a family, love is not enough, we need to be tolerant and try every day.