Chapter 1

My husband, Arthur, and I worked hard all our lives to raise our two sons.

After they got married and settled down in the city, we went there to help them look after their kids. But out of nowhere, Arthur suffered a severe stroke that left him half-paralyzed.

I suggested moving back to our countryside home so I could take better care of him, but both of our sons flatly refused.

"Mom, you can still pick up the kids, buy groceries, and cook for us during the day. At night, you can just wake up to help Dad use the bathroom. It’s not that hard!"

"I'll buy you an electric scooter. That way, you won't have to walk so much, and you can use the saved time to rest."

As a result, I literally worked myself to death. Arthur passed away not long after I died.

Reborn and facing their demands once again, I held Arthur’s hand tightly.

"Your father and I are done. Whoever wants to do this job can do it, but I’m out!"

My eldest son, James, froze. "Mom, what did you just say?"

"If you don't come, we both have to work! What about Henry?"

My younger son, Kevin, stepped forward too. "Mom, did someone put some stupid ideas in your head? We’re bringing you to the city to enjoy your life!"

"Look at the old ladies in the city. They do line dancing every day. You and Dad are just stuck in this quiet town with no one to talk to!"

Hearing this, I dragged them both to the window and pointed outside.

"See that? Aunt Betty and Great-Aunt Martha are right out there!"

"You think we have no one to talk to?"

"I’ve already leased out the farmland. I have a peaceful, easy life here. Why would I leave? If you’re actually filial, just wire me $500 a month for our retirement fund!"

Kevin choked on his words.

James looked furious. "Mom! Other parents do everything they can to support their kids so we don't have to struggle. Why are you dragging us down?"

"Oh, really?" I sneered.

"Is Sarah made of stone? Does she not have parents of her own? Why can't her family come and help?"

"Why are they dragging you down? No, I need to call her mother right now and ask!"

I reached for my phone, and James quickly grabbed my wrist. "Mom, stop! If Sarah hears about this, she’ll start a huge fight with me!"

Their wives were currently waiting outside. They had come back for Christmas, claiming to visit us, but they had arrived completely empty-handed.

Meanwhile, I had seen Mrs. Miller’s post on Instagram.

She boasted about how her daughter and son-in-law had sent her a $10,000 bank transfer and expensive gifts beforehand, even though they couldn't make it home.

But when it came to us, they only brought a cheap fruit basket.

And yet, they had the nerve to demand we move to the city to be their live-in, unpaid maids. Dream on!

Arthur wanted to say something to keep the peace, but I stopped him with a sharp look.

I pushed my two sons aside, walked out of the front door, and raised my voice so the whole neighborhood could hear:

"Look at these two unfilial sons of mine! They won't support us, and now they want to drag us to the city to be their unpaid nannies and maids!"

"Mom! What are you doing?!"

The boys panicked, quickly pulling me back inside. Their wives, who were standing in the yard, turned pale with anger.

Sarah glared at me. "Mom, what is your problem? You won't come to the city, and now you’re publicly accusing us of not supporting you?"

"Show me one sixty-year-old who doesn't help their kids!"

As soon as Sarah finished, Chloe chimed in, "Exactly! The janitor in our apartment complex is almost seventy and still works every day!"

I rolled my eyes at them. "That’s because her kids are either dead or useless, so she has no choice!"

"I’ve worked hard my entire life. Am I not allowed to rest?"

"You want me to give up my peaceful life to be a workhorse in the city? You won't give us a dime, yet you demand our labor. Am I lying?"

"Save your breath and get out of here. I’m not going to the city, and neither is Arthur!"

The two daughters-in-law were so angry their faces turned red. They couldn't find any words to counter me, so they turned their anger on their husbands.

"James, listen to me! If your parents don't come, we are getting a divorce!" Sarah screamed.

"Divorce! Kevin, go live with your mother then!" Chloe yelled.

They threw the kids' bags onto the porch and stormed off. James and Kevin immediately chased after them.

Looking at my two young grandsons, I sighed. Arthur walked up to my side.

"Maybe we should just help them. It’s not easy for them to make money these days."

"No way!"

I held his hand firmly.

"We have our own lives to live. They only want us there to be their servants. Don't listen to them!"

"But..."

"No buts. They are grown adults. Their lives are not our responsibility. We need to take care of ourselves!"