Mystery of the Promised Gift
In a spacious hall of a restaurant in the heart of Lisbon, Beatriz and Joãos wedding unfolded amid laughter and music. Guests reveled while the newlyweds basked in the spotlight, radiant with joy. When it was time for presents, Beatrizs parents were the first to approach, handing over an envelope stuffed with euros. Next came Joãos mother, Lurdes, bearing a bouquet of carnations. Leaning toward the couple, she whispered, My real gift will arrive after the wedding.
What do you mean? Beatriz asked, puzzled, glancing at her husband.
I have no clue, João replied, chuckling in confusion. Yet Beatriz could not yet fathom the game her motherinlaw was plotting.
Hints before the ceremony
Even before the vows, Lurdes had dropped cryptic clues. Im not going to give you a trinket, she declared. On the wedding day expect nothing, but later be ready for a grand present!
Theres no rush, Beatriz replied uneasily.
Mom, were just happy you came, João tried to soothe her.
I wont appear emptyhanded at my sons wedding, Lurdes answered firmly. Just keep this between us.
Agreed, João said, though Beatriz doubted Lurdes would keep her word. She knew Lurdes was not wealthy, and the wedding had been financed solely by the couple. Beatrizs parents, despite modest means, managed to gather fifteen thousand euros for the newlyweds. On the day of the celebration, Lurdes arrived with only the carnations, which were quickly eclipsed by toasts and dancing. Still, she shone in the speeches, lingering on lengthy wishes for happiness as if demanding applause.
You have no idea what Ive prepared, Lurdes murmured near the nights end, eyes glittering with secrecy. Itll be a surprise that will leave you speechless but only later.
Its fine, dont worry, João said, squeezing his wifes hand.
Im curious, Beatriz admitted, masking her discomfort. Do you know something I dont?
I swear I dont, João shrugged. But the gift is the least of it. What matters is that were together. Beatriz agreed, yet curiosity gnawed at her. She tried to coax hints from her motherinlaw, who responded only with enigmatic smiles: If I tell, it ruins the surprise. Wait and see!
Months passed and the promised gift never materialized. What had once been a source of jokes turned into a thorn for Beatriz. Eight months after the wedding, she finally broached the subject.
You only think about money! Lurdes exploded, her voice shaking with feigned offense.
You never ask how Im doing or if I need help! Beatriz retorted, surprised by the outburst.
Lurdes fell silent, casting herself as the victim and later complaining to her son about his disrespectful daughterinlaw.
Leave my mother alone, João pleaded. Shes already caused enough drama.
I was only curious; she built up all this expectation! Beatriz defended herself.
From then on Beatriz kept her distance from Lurdes, speaking only when absolutely necessary, which only deepened the tension.
While you thought Id give you expensive things, all I got were smiles, Lurdes lamented to her son. Now that she realizes shell receive nothing, she wont even look at me!
Its not true, João interjected.
Then explain your behavior! Lurdes insisted.
Since that conversation it feels like Im cursed. She even avoids coming to my house!
When Beatriz heard this, she sighed, Your mother is never satisfied. First she was irritated by my interest, now by my distance. Tomorrow Ill complain because I breathed wrong!
She thinks we only want things from her, João said, embarrassed.
Yes, Beatriz replied. While my parents always bring somethinghomegrown fruit, cakesshe shows up emptyhanded and even takes the leftovers!
Youre insinuating my mother is a golddigger? João snapped. Respect, please. Shes the only mother I have.
No problem, Beatriz cut back. But if you want respect, start by setting the example.
Family games
The topic became taboo, yet the disputes persisted. Lurdes, as if stoking the fire, criticized Beatriz at every turn. To everyone else she spun a different tale: I do everything for the couple, I give lavish gifts, I even considered handing down my greatgrandmothers family ring! And this is the gratitude I receive! Listeners, moved, believed her spotless narrative.
On the wedding anniversary, Lurdes revived the promise. Prepare for an unforgettable surprise! she announced when invited to an intimate dinner.
Dont worry, Beatriz tried to moderate.
I appreciate the opinion, but I decide, Lurdes replied with a cutting smile. João, upon hearing this, grew angry: Why do you always challenge my mother? If she wants to give something, let her!
Exactly, Beatriz retorted. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrived, we dont need another.
They eventually agreed to avoid further fights. At the celebration, Beatrizs parents contributed a handembroidered towel and linen sheets. Friends offered crystal glasses. Lurdes arrived with a huge card and delivered a relentless twentyminute speech, convinced that this sufficed as her contribution.
If you mention gifts again, Ill argue with you, João warned on the way home.
I didnt intend to, Beatriz lied.
The calm was shortlived. The following month Lurdes demanded an expensive phone for her birthday.
Are we really going to give that? Beatriz asked.
She needs it, and we can, João justified.
Fine, Lurdes replied curtly. But remember my mothers birthday is next month. The gifts must be comparable. João ran the numbers, resigned. In the end Lurdes received a basic model and exploded, blaming Beatriz for influencing her son and vowing revenge for the stinginess of the daughterinlaw.
The Mystery of the Promised Gift
