**Diary Entry**
Three years, Evelyn. Three years youve hounded me for a grandson, scolded me for waiting too long. And now, in front of everyone, you dote only on Paul, your daughters son. But my Alexisnt he your grandson too? Or have you forgotten?
Evelyn adjusted her immaculate updo and fixed me with an icy stare. Behind her, in the sitting room, laughter and music carried onPauls birthday party in full swing.
“And when you ignore Alex, when you dont give him gifts like you do Paul,” I pressed, my voice tight, “he notices. Hes ten years old, Evelyn. Old enough to know you dont love him.”
She scoffed, flicking her wrist as if swatting a fly.
“Youre imagining things, Marina. I treat them both the same. And really, must you make a scene now? My grandsons birthday, guests everywhereI havent time for your melodrama.”
With that, she turned on her heel and swept back to the party, leaving me in the hall. A lump rose in my throat. To her, my son was invisiblejust glass to look through at someone more important.
I steadied myself against the wall, then returned to the celebration. The sight crushed me further. Evelyn fawned over Paul, cooing at his every word, ruffling his hair, slipping him sweets. Meanwhile, Alex stood in the corner, shoulders slumped, watching with quiet envy. The longing in his eyes made me ache to scoop him up and take him far away.
That night, once Alex was asleep, I sat beside my husband, James.
“We need to talk about your mother,” I began. “The way she treats Alexits wrong. He understands, and hes hurting.”
James rubbed his templeshis tell when avoiding an unpleasant topic.
“Youre overreacting, Marina. I was the less-favoured child too; my sister always came first. Hell get used to it. Boys toughen up. Besides, she loves him in her own way. Just differently than Paul.”
I stared at him, stunned. How could he dismiss our sons pain so casually?
A week later, Evelyn arrived unannounced. Alex was doing homework at the kitchen table when the doorbell rang. His face lit upthen dimmed, remembering, and he shrank back, wary.
“Alex, darling, Ive brought you treats!” Evelyn announced, thrusting a handful of cheap sweets at him. For Paul, she always bought expensive chocolates.
“Thank you, Grandma,” he murmured, taking them.
Evelyn turned to me, triumphant. “See? No favouritism. All in your head.”
Alex shifted uncomfortably before excusing himself to finish his homework. He knew she wouldnt engage with him.
Alone in the kitchen, I tried once more. “Evelyn, Alex won a maths Olympiad at school. His teacher says hes brilliant.”
“Yes, very good,” she said absently, then brightened. “But Paul won the swimming championship last week! First in the district! His coach says he could go pro.”
“Thats lovely,” I said tightly. “But about Alexhes started drawing. His teacher”
“Drawing? Hardly practical. Now, sportthats something! Pauls so strong, so capable. And top of his class in French! His teacher says hes exceptional.”
My patience snapped. I slammed my hand on the table, rattling the teacups.
“Why, Evelyn? Why do you do this? You begged James for a grandson!”
She pursed her lips, hesitating, then spat it out:
“I wanted *my* grandson. A proper one. But Alexhes just like you. Spitting image. Even the way he walksits uncanny.”
I froze. “You dont love him because he looks like me?”
She nodded as if it were obvious. “I never approved of Jamess choice. But I thought, fine, at least youd give me a sturdy grandson. Healthy stock, if nothing else. But him?” She waved a dismissive hand. “Your double. Personality, lookseven the way he tilts his head. Ghastly.”
I couldnt move.
“Maybe if you had another?” she mused. “One that takes after *our* side?”
I shot to my feet, knocking over the chair. “Another? Are you mad? Get out. Now.”
“How dare you! This is *my sons* house!”
“*Our* house. And I wont let you poison my child any longer. *Leave!*”
I wrenched the door open. Evelyn, crimson with rage, snatched her bag and hissed, “Youll regret this,” before storming out.
I slumped against the wall, trembling.
Later, I recounted everything to James. His face darkened with each word.
“She actually said that? Hates Alex for resembling you? And demanded another child?”
I nodded, tears spilling. “How can she torment a boy for looking like his mother? Its monstrous!”
James pulled me close. “Enough. Were done with her. Alex comes first.”
Months passed. Life settled. Then my parents moved nearby, selling their countryside home for a flat close to us.
“We missed you and our grandson,” Mum said simply.
Their love transformed Alex. His shyness melted; he smiled freely again.
On his birthday, I reluctantly invited Evelyn. She arrived with a flimsy toy carthe kind sold in bargain bins.
“Thanks, Grandma,” Alex said politely, then turned eagerly to my parents. “Grandma, Grandpa, can I open yours now?”
They handed him a large boxa drawing tablet.
“Thank you! This is the one I wanted!” He hugged them fiercely.
Evelyn sniffed. “Why spoil him with such extravagance?”
Mum met her gaze. “Hes talented. This will help him grow.”
Alex beamed, dragging James off to set it up.
Left alone with Evelyn, I folded my arms. “Problem?”
She bristled. “Well, Paul”
“If you mention him,” I cut in, “leave. This is Alexs day.”
“But Pauls *clearly* better! Stronger, brighter”
I strode to the door and flung it open. “Out.”
“You cant”
“I can. This is *my* home, *my* sons birthday. Goodbye.”
The door clicked shut. From Alexs room, laughter spilled out. I smiled and went to join them.
**Lesson learned:** Blood doesnt make familylove does. And no one gets to wither my childs light. Not ever.
