主人公は雅子で、夫と母と一緒に生活している。母は80歳を超えており、日常生活での不自由さが増している。雅子は母の世話をする一方、パートもして忙しい。息子の公平は結婚しており、妻のリサと2人の子供と遠方で暮らしている。リサは最初は静かな印象だったが、最近はネガティブな内容のLINEを送るようになり、雅子は疲れてしまっている。しかし、パートの同僚からリサとの関係を築くことが大切だと言われ、努力している。
I (Yuko) live with my husband and mother. My mother is over 80 years old and although she can still speak, daily life has become more challenging for her. I am very busy with part-time work every day, preparing meals, taking care of her daily needs, and helping my mother.
My son Kohei got married four years ago and now lives with his wife Lisa and two children. Since the son’s family lives far away, we don’t see them very often, but they come back home for long holidays like Obon and New Year. Lisa, his wife, gave the impression of being a quiet woman. She used to send me pictures of her grandchildren and daily events via LINE. At first, I replied every time, but lately, the messages have become more negative, and I get tired every time I receive a message from Lisa.
The relationship between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law can be difficult, but my colleagues often say, “It’s not a problem to build a good relationship with your wife,” so I try to be supportive. I did my best to be with Lisa whenever possible. That’s what I had been doing. Even when he came to the house when he got married…
“I mean, Lisa, you’re not used to your husband’s family yet, right? Why would someone leave their wife behind at her husband’s parents’ house when they’ve just gotten married?” I said. “Careful with the drink!! You’re the best for Lisa. Be careful!” I was on Lisa’s side with all my might.
My part-time colleagues said, “If you want to see your grandchildren, don’t bother your wife.” So I was told.
It’s not that way, but now that we’re family, I want to continue to get along well with Lisa in the future. With that in mind, I made an effort to get closer to Lisa than my son. Lisa gradually opened up to me and started telling me everything.
However… that was just the beginning. Four years have passed since then, and I get exhausted when I receive a LINE message from Lisa. The topics that initially started with questions have turned into complaints about my son without me noticing… I feel like there might be indirect criticism about my parenting.
To be continued in [Episode 2].
Original: Mama Star Community Script: Tae Watanabe Illustration: Anzu Yoshiya