One gloomy autumn afternoon, I received a woman in my office. In my decades of work, I've encountered countless situations, lives, and stories of all kinds, but due to the nature of my profession, all of them have been sad.
Therefore, when I met this woman, I had a glimmer of hope that it was a happy story, because she had come to withdraw her filed divorce petition.
When she walked in, at first glance, I noticed she had a gentle, polite style. She was wearing business attire, elegant and serious, yet exuding a refined and discreet air.
Her eyes, however, were brimming with sadness. When I heard her explain that she wanted to see me to withdraw her divorce petition, my eyes lit up with joy because I quickly envisioned a reunited family, escaping the brink of collapse, and ensuring that the children wouldn't be separated and forced to live in incomplete families.
I encouraged her: "That's great! Congratulations on making the right decision. I suppose you and your husband have resolved your marital problems?" She replied, her voice low and hoarse: "No, but I accept that I'm the loser."
And then tears silently streamed down her cheeks. Both she and I fell silent. I understood that this woman still harbored some hidden resentment. After a long while, she asked permission to confide in me. I nodded and listened attentively.
I always make an effort to listen to others, hoping they can release the feelings they harbor. Because my profession involves the dark side of society, which contains many contradictions, complexities, problems, frustrations, and injustices.
I've heard this, not only at work but also at home and in society. Anyone I know or am close to who has a problem they need solving, they want me to listen and offer advice, to help them overcome it.
Unintentionally, this turned my heart, mind, and soul into a bag, containing all the various frustrations, annoyances, and sometimes even the most negative aspects of life. At times, I felt overwhelmed. But no one understood this, because no one thought society had so many problems.
And today, I listened again. Her voice was low, soft, and even, sometimes choked with sobs and anguish: She came from a poor family but one with a tradition of good upbringing and a love of learning. Therefore, all her siblings received a full education .
Being a highly independent person, she always strives to do everything using her own strength. Like her older siblings who have achieved success, she also holds a certain position in society. Their marriage is rooted in strong foundations; he is an officer in the armed forces.
They had two children, a boy and a girl, both beautiful, well-behaved, studious, and sensible. His unit was far away, so she mostly managed the household alone. Through her resourcefulness, the family gradually overcame the difficult times and became more comfortable day by day.
From the outside, they looked at the couple's family with admiration: the husband was well-groomed, the wife had a high social standing, and they stepped out of the gate into a car. Moreover, they all respected the wife because, although she held power outside the home, at home she was simple and sociable, and she didn't hesitate to care for her elderly and ailing parents-in-law like a nurse or caregiver.
She always thought that with all her selfless sacrifice and dedication to building a family, she could never be betrayed.
Because of that very pride, the fortress of her faith crumbled when she discovered the truth: she had been deceived and betrayed for years. Her life suddenly turned gray. Every day, she no longer found the peace and serenity to start a new workday; she lost faith and resented the whole world .
She was constantly haunted by the image of her unfaithful husband and the "woman" who deliberately destroyed her family; this image was ever-present whenever she closed her eyes to sleep, or even when she closed her eyes to meditate and find peace.
In despair, she filed for divorce with the court. But then, after many sleepless, painful nights, she thought of her parents, of the satisfied look in their eyes and the contented smiles on their faces whenever they saw her and her children reunited, and of her children who were living peacefully, carefree, and happily, knowing only how to study and dream.
They are all her flesh and blood. She cannot bear to make them sad or disappointed. The purpose of her life is for them.
After much deliberation, she decided to suppress her pain, hide her sadness and tears, suffer and torment herself alone, and accept the role that life had assigned her.
Hearing her story, my heart ached too. After completing the withdrawal procedures, I saw her wiping away the remaining tears. Her expression changed completely; she became cheerful, lively, and energetic again, only her eyes still held a deep, melancholic sadness. She said goodbye to me and quickly walked away.
Unconsciously, I walked towards the window, continuing to watch her. Gently but decisively, she opened the car door and got in. The car merged into the flow of life outside.
As an officer in charge of enforcing the law, I respect the decision of the person involved, even though I know that her method of resolving the conflict may not be a sustainable solution. Love, forgiveness, and sacrifice are always necessary and worthy of respect and encouragement, but it is crucial that they are given in the right place, at the right time, and in the right way. In this case, only those involved truly understand.
I've come to realize that: Out in the hustle and bustle of life, many people may seem happy, but their hearts may not be truly joyful. Conversely, many others may appear haggard and struggling, but who knows, they might actually be at peace and happy. Outward appearances can be deceiving. And ultimately, I know that: A mother's choices are always her children.
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/su-lua-chon-cua-nguoi-me-17224092410352852.htm
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