On the 15th day after my brother's wife had a cesarean section, she was accidentally slapped by my brother. His wife didn't speak or cry, but silently wiped away her tears, then went back inside, and called her mother. Her mother arrived in less than half an hour, bringing several people with her, and took away all of her daughter's belongings. Anything bought by his wife was taken away. My brother was dumbfounded and regretted it deeply...
That morning, I was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when I suddenly heard a quarrel coming from my brother's house. I quickly put down what I was doing and ran next door to see what was going on.
As I pushed open the door, I saw my sister-in-law Zhang Ting standing in the living room with tears on her face. My younger brother Liu Qiang stood aside with a grim face. There was a tense atmosphere in the air.
"What's going on?" I asked cautiously.
Zhang Ting didn't answer, just wiped away her tears silently, then turned back to the bedroom. Liu Qiang then regretfully said to me, "Sis, I made a big mistake. I... I just slapped Tingting twice."
I widened my eyes in surprise and said, "Are you crazy? BTO just gave birth 15 days ago! How can you hit someone?"
Liu Qiang lowered his head, his voice filled with regret: "I don't know how I couldn't control myself. BTO said she wanted to go back to her mother's house for a few days, and I felt she shouldn't leave the child at this time. We started arguing, and then... and then I..."
I sighed, feeling both angry and helpless about my brother's impulsiveness. I was about to go in and check on Zhang Ting, but I heard the sound of her making a phone call from the bedroom.
In less than half an hour, Zhang Ting's mother, Zhao AE, came with a few people in a hurry. As soon as Zhao AE entered the door, she rushed to Zhang Ting's side and hugged her daughter affectionately, saying, "Tingting, it's okay, Mom is here."
Then she turned around and glared at Liu Qiang: "Liu Qiang, you have disappointed me so much! I entrusted my daughter to you, and this is how you treat her?"
Liu Qiang lowered his head and dare not look directly at his mother-in-law's eyes: "I'm sorry, AE, I really know I was wrong..."
Zhao AE ignored Liu Qiang's apology and said to the people behind him, "Move all the BTO stuff away, don't leave anything behind!"
Liu Qiang and I were both stunned, watching as those people came and went, moving Zhang Ting's clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and even the furniture and appliances she bought onto the truck downstairs. Throughout the entire process, Zhang Ting remained silent, just standing to the side holding her child.
Looking at the empty room, Liu Qiang finally came to his senses and quickly grabbed Zhang Ting's hand: "Ting Ting, I'm really sorry, I know I was wrong. Please don't leave, okay?"
Zhang Ting gently broke free from Liu Qiang's hand and said calmly but firmly, "Qiang, I need some time to calm down. During this time, I will stay at my mother's house and take the child with me. Let's talk when we have both cooled down."
After speaking, she hugged her child and left with Aunt Zhao. Liu Qiang stood in place, blankly watching his wife and child leave, not knowing what to say or do.
I walked over and patted my younger brother's shoulder: "Qiangzi, don't be in a hurry. Give BTO some time and space to calm down. During this time, you should reflect on how to make up for this mistake."
Liu Qiang nodded and his eyes were filled with tears: "Sister, I didn't mean to. I was just too tired, too anxious. After BTO gave birth to the child, we never slept well. I... I shouldn't have taken it out on her."
I understand my brother's pressure, but still solemnly say, "Qiangzi, no matter what the reason is, it is wrong to hit people. Especially when Tingting has just given birth to a child, it is the time when she needs your care and consideration. You need to learn to control your emotions and communicate in a better way."
In the days that followed, Liu Qiang was like a lost soul every day. He kept calling and messaging Zhang Ting, but there was no response. I advised him to give Zhang Ting some time and take good care of himself as well.
A week later, I went to visit Zhang Ting. She was living at her mother's house and looked much better. We sat on the balcony and chatted. Zhang Ting said, "Sis, I know Qiang is not intentional. But at that moment, I was really scared. I'm afraid that such things will happen again, and I'm afraid that the child will live in such an environment..."
I held her hand:"Tingting, I understand your feelings. Qiangzi did make a mistake, but he really regrets it. You have been together for so long, experienced so much, don't give up this relationship just because of a momentary impulse, okay?
After a moment of silence, Zhang Ting whispered, "I don't want to give up either. But I need to see his change and I need him to give me a sense of security."
I nodded, "You are right. I will have a good talk with Qiangzi, let him understand his mistakes, and learn to control his emotions. All of you, calm down for a while and think about how to get along in the future."
When I left, I saw the child in Zhang Ting's arms. So small, so cute. I silently prayed in my heart that this family could reunite and give this little life a complete and warm home.
After returning home, I told Liu Qiang about Zhang Ting's thoughts. After listening, a glimmer of hope ignited in his eyes. He said, "Sister, I will definitely change and become a better husband and father. I want to make BTO and our children feel safe and happy."
Looking at my younger brother's determined eyes, I believe that this lesson will help him grow and make our family happier. Because love is always worth our efforts and changes.
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