When the Smith family embarked on their summer vacation, they expected relaxation and family bonding. But an unexpected decision by Steve, prioritizing his mother’s comfort over his family’s happiness, led to a shocking turn of events, leaving him to confront the true meaning of luxury.
We were all so excited for our summer vacation. It had been a busy year, and we needed a break. Our family is close-knit. There’s my husband Steve, a successful businessman who always seems to know the best places for vacations.
Then there are our three kids: Ben, the oldest, who’s always curious and full of questions; Jack, our middle child, who’s energetic and loves adventure; and Rachel, our youngest, who’s sweet and loves to draw.
Finally, there’s Steve’s mother, Evelyn. She’s a bit of a handful but loves her grandchildren dearly.
Steve had picked out a charming town for our getaway. He talked endlessly about its beautiful landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. We all had high hopes for the trip. But as soon as we arrived at the hostel on the outskirts of town, I knew something was off.
The hostel was clean but basic. The kids looked around, visibly disappointed. Ben wrinkled his nose. “Is this where we’re staying, Mom?”
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Steve, why are we staying here?” I asked, trying to mask my frustration.
Steve smiled at me brightly. “Mom needs comfort,” he said. “She can’t handle the noise and chaos with the kids. I need to take care of her, so we’ll be staying at the luxury adult-only hotel in town so she can relax. It’s better this way. We’ll all meet tomorrow to hang out.”
I wanted to argue, but I knew it would be pointless. “Fine,” I said quietly, helping the kids settle into our room.
The hostel was nothing like what I had hoped for. It was small, with only the basics. The kids were clearly unhappy. “This is not what I expected,” I muttered under my breath.
Meanwhile, Steve and Evelyn were off to their luxury hotel. Steve was thrilled, calling me on FaceTime to show off their lavish room. “Look at this place, Sarah,” he said, panning the camera around. “The kids would love the pool.”
I forced a smile, my blood boiling as I watched the video. “It’s nice,” I said shortly and ended the call as quickly as I could. From that moment on, I ignored his name when it popped up on my phone.
That night, I tried to make the best of it. We had a simple dinner in the hostel’s small dining area. The kids were still a bit down, but we played some board games before bed. Despite the basic accommodations, there was a little joy in our time together.
Back at the luxury hotel, things weren’t going so well for Steve and Evelyn. “The food here is terrible,” Evelyn grumbled after their first meal. “The pool is too cold, and the service is so slow. This place is supposed to be top-notch!”
Steve tried to relax, but apparently, his mother’s constant complaints made it difficult. He called me several times, hoping to join us, but I didn’t answer.
Over the next few days, I focused on making the best of our time at the hostel. We went on nature walks, had picnics in the park, and enjoyed simple pleasures like storytelling and games. The kids made new friends, and we shared meals with other travelers. Despite the modest surroundings, we were having a wonderful time.
Steve, on the other hand, was stuck dealing with Evelyn’s dissatisfaction. Nothing seemed to please her, and he found himself regretting his decision more with each passing day. He called again, but I still didn’t answer.
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