I’m 25 and for the past two months I’ve been living with my grandmother after losing my aunt—her onl…

Im 25 now, and for the last two months Ive been living with my grandmother. My aunther only living daughterpassed away very suddenly, only a couple of months ago. Before that, my gran lived with her. They shared the same roof, the same routines, and the same silences. I visited often, always nipping round for a cuppa, but each of us simply had our own lives. All of that changed the moment my gran was left alone.

Loss isnt exactly new to me. My mum died when I was 19. Since then, absence has felt almost ordinary, woven into the fabric of every day. My father was never in the picture. No dramatic backstory, no hidden truthshe just wasnt there. So when my aunt passed away, something became painfully clear: it was just me and Gran now.

The days right after the funeral felt surreal. Gran wasnt constantly in tears, but you could see the pain in smaller momentsshe moved slowly, forgot to switch off the lights, would just sit down and stare into nothing. I told myself Id only stay for a few days. Those few days stretched into weeks. One afternoon, as I arranged my shirts in the drawer, I realised I wasnt leaving.

Soon enough, opinions began pouring in. Theres always someone ready to pass judgement.

Some people say Ive done the right thinghow could I possibly leave an old woman, whos just lost her daughter, on her own? Others think Im wasting my youth, that at 25 I should be travelling, going out, finding someone special, living my best life. Theyll ask if it feels like a burden, if I ever feel trapped, or worry that Ill end up alone.

Honestly, I dont see it that way.

I go to work, save my money, keep the house ticking over, take Gran to her doctors appointments, cook together, and in the evenings we watch the telly side by side. I dont feel like Im giving something up. I feel like Im choosing something. Right now, Im not looking for romance, Im not dreaming of kids, or moving to another country. What matters is stability, presence, making sure I dont repeat the history of abandonment I know all too well.

Grans the only one I have left of my immediate family. Ive no mum, no aunt, no dad. And I dont want her to spend her last years thinking shes a burden, or feeling shes in the way. I want her to eat with someone, not alone. I dont want her to fall asleep each night believing theres no one left.

Maybe, down the line, my life will move in a different direction. Maybe Ill travel, fall in love, or move on. But right now, this is where I belongout of love, not duty; out of care, not guilt. Because I love my gran, and being here with her, Ive found I can love myself a bit more too.

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Todays taught me that sometimes, choosing to stay is its own kind of journey.