We didnt invite her, whispered Emily, the daughter-in-law, seeing her mother-in-law at the door.
Mum, when is Grandma Wendy coming? asked little Sophie, smearing the last of her porridge around the plate.
I dont know, sweetheart. Maybe she wont come at all, replied Emily, clearing the breakfast dishes.
William looked up from his newspaper and shot his wife a disapproving glance.
What do you mean, she wont come? Mums always come for Sophies birthday. Its practically a tradition now.
Well, let it stay a tradition in your dreams, Emily muttered, slamming the cups into the sink.
Seven-year-old Sophie frowned, glancing between her parents. She hated it when they spoke to each other like thisespecially when it was about Grandma Wendy.
But I want Gran to come! She always brings me presents, and we go to the park, and she tells me stories about princesses!
Sophie, go brush your teeth. Well be late for nursery, Emily cut in.
The little girl pouted but obediently slid off her chair and trudged to the bathroom.
Emily, what are you doing? William said quietly, stepping closer. Shes been waiting for Gran.
And whose fault is that? Emily spun around. Your mother decided she wouldnt come anymoreafter that argument last time.
What argument? You just unloaded everything you thought about her parenting!
I told her the truth! Emilys voice rose. She spoils Sophie rotten! Every time she visits, Sophies impossible for a weekdemanding this, insisting on that. Gran lets me! Gran buys me things!
William clenched his fists, then released them with a deep breath.
Mum just loves her granddaughter. Shes lonely since Dad passed. Sophies her only joy.
Joy? And who has to deal with the aftermath? Not her!
From the bathroom came the sound of splashing water and a childish hum. Sophie was brushing her teeth, singing a tune from her favourite cartoon.
Lets not do this in front of her, William pleaded. Sophie doesnt deserve this.
Emily dried her hands on a tea towel and sank into a chair, her head dropping.
Will, Im not a monster. I feel sorry for your mum too. But shes always interferingcriticising me, making comments. Last time, she outright called me a bad mother for not letting Sophie have ice cream before bed!
Shes just trying to help
Her way! Emily snapped. And what, my way doesnt count? Shes my daughter. I know whats best for her!
Sophie ran out of the bathroom, her chin damp, beaming.
Mum, Dadlets call Gran Wendy ourselves! Tell her we really, really miss her!
Emily and William exchanged a look. In his wifes eyes, he saw exhaustionsomething like defeat.
Soph, hurry up and get ready, Emily said gently. Well be late, and Miss Thompson will tell us off.
The day passed as usual. Emily dropped Sophie at nursery, then drove to her job as an accountant at a small construction firm, where she spent hours bent over spreadsheets and calculators. The work wasnt thrilling, but the pay was steady, and that was what mattered.
At lunch, her colleague Sarah asked, You alright, Em? You seem off.
Just family drama, Emily sighed. Mother-in-laws upset and wont visit. Sophies heartbroken.
What happened?
Emily stirred her soup, which had gone cold while she hesitated.
Sarah, maybe I am a cow. But shes always telling me how to raise my child! Every visit, its Emily, why is Sophie wearing that jumper, its too thin, Emily, isnt it too early for bed? Let her play, Emily, have you tried vitamins? She looks peaky.
She means well, Sarah offered.
Oh, I know that kind of meaning well. When Will was little, she dragged him to doctors every other weekwrapped him up like a mummy, wouldnt let him play outside in case he caught cold or scraped his knee. And now? He cant make a decision without second-guessing himself!
Sarah snorted. And now she wants to do the same with Sophie?
Exactly! Id rather she didnt come at all than have her breathing down my neck.
But there was no real conviction in Emilys words. Deep down, she pitied Wendy, pitied Sophieeven pitied William.
That evening, after Sophie was in bed, the couple sat at the kitchen table with tea. William flicked through a magazine; Emily worked on a crossword. Silence stretched between them.
Listen, William finally said. Maybe we should call Mum? Sophies birthdays next week.
Emily looked up, studying him.
You want to call her?
I dont know. You told her if she didnt like how we parent, she shouldnt come. She took it to heart.
William, I didnt throw her out! I just asked her to respect our choices. Shes the one who made a scene, said awful things, and stormed off!
Mum was just upset
Mum! Mum! Emily exploded. Youre thirty-two! Youve got your own family, your own daughter! When will you start being a husband and father instead of a mummys boy?
William went pale, jaw tightening.
Dont make this personal, Emily.
Im not! Im telling the truth! Your mothers spent your whole life making decisions for youeven picked your wife for you, except I didnt fit her idea of the perfect daughter-in-law!
Thats not true
It is! Remember what she said when we got married? Well, William, lets see how Emily handles married life. Like I was on probation!
William stood, pacing the kitchen.
Fine. Suppose Mum does overstep sometimes. But shes not our enemy! She cares. She wants to help
She wants control! Emily shot to her feet. And you know ityoure just too scared to admit it.
Alright, William said tiredly. We wont call. If youre that against it
Im not against it! The words burst out before Emily could stop them. I just want her to respect boundaries! To be a grandmother, not a dictator!
Then what do you suggest?
Emily sat back down, rubbing her temples.
I dont know. Honestly, I dont.
The next day, there was trouble at nursery. Sophie had fought with a boy named Liam from the older group. Miss Thompson pulled Emily aside.
Mrs. Carter, she said sternly, Sophies been very aggressive latelyhitting, shouting, disobeying. Is everything alright at home?
Emilys face burned.
Nothing unusual just normal family life.
Children sense tension. Sophie keeps asking when Grans coming, crying that she misses her. Today, she yelled at Liam, Youre mean, like Mummy!
Emily looked away. So Sophie had heard more than theyd realised.
Ill talk to her, she promised.
Id recommend speaking to a child psychologist. We have an excellent
No, thank you. Well handle it.
At home, Emily sat beside Sophie, who was quietly building with blocks.
Sweetheart, lets talk.
About what? Sophie didnt look up.
What happened at nursery. Miss Thompson said you hit Liam.
He said Grans never coming back because you chased her away! Sophie burst into tears. I said hes a liar, but he laughed!
Emily pulled her close.
Oh, darling, no one chased Gran away. Grown-ups just disagree sometimes.
Whats disagree?
When people see things differently. But it doesnt mean we dont love Gran.
Then why isnt she coming?
Because Emily faltered. How could she explain what she barely understood herself?
Sophie looked up, eyes swimming.
Mum, can we visit Gran? Take the bus, like last time?
Sweetheart, its a long way, and she might not
Lets call and ask! Sophie brightened. Right now!
Emily looked at her daughterat the hope in her eyesand her heart ached.
Alright, she said softly. Well call.
The phone rang for a long time. When Wendy finally answered, Emilys mouth went dry.
Wendy? Its Emily.
Silence. Then, coldly:
Yes?
Sophies birthday is coming up. Shes been asking for you
Ill wish her a happy birthday over the phone.
But she wants to see you! She misses you
And you? The question caught Emily off guard.
I I do too. Wendy, lets meet properly. No shouting, no grudges.
Another pause.
Put Sophie on.
Gran! Sophie shrieked with joy. Gran, when are you coming? I can read a whole book now!
Emily only heard Sophies side, but the girls face fell.
But Gran, I want you at my party! All my friends ask where you are Why cant you come? Whats grown-up problems?
Sophie held out the phone.
Gran wants to talk to you.
Emily, Wendys voice was weary. She shouldnt suffer because of us.
I know.
Then tell mewhat have I done thats so terrible? Why do you resent me?
Emily leaned her forehead against the wall.
Wendy, I dont resent you. I just feel like you dont trust me as a mother. Always advising, criticising
I only want to help! I raised William
But shes my child! Mine! And I have the right to raise her my way!
You do. And I have the right to my opinion!
Wendy, Emily forced calm into her voice. When you correct me constantly, it feels like you think Im failing. And Im trying my hardest. I love Sophie more than anything.
A long silence. Then, quietly:
So do I. But perhaps we disagree on whats best.
Perhaps.
Emily what if I visit but step back? Could you try to be less defensive?
Something tight in Emilys chest loosened.
I can try.
Then Ill come for Sophies birthday. Just for two days.
Alright. Wendy thank you.
Dont. I should be thanking you. For not cutting me out of her life.
As Emily hung up, Sophie stared at her, hopeful.
Mum? Is Gran coming?
Yes, sweetheart.
And you wont be cross with her?
Ill try not to be.
Sophie flung her arms around Emilys neck.
Ill be extra good so you dont argue!
That night, telling William about the call, Emily felt a calm she hadnt in months.
Maybe weve both been wrong, she admitted. I overreacted. Your mum overstepped.
Shes always struggled with boundaries, William said.
And Ive struggled with sharing control. But for Sophie we have to try.
On Sophies birthday, Wendy arrived with a huge cake and a small bouquet for Emily.
We didnt invite her, Emily murmured at the doorthen smiled and said louder, But were so glad youre here.
Wendy handed her the flowers.
Emily, lets start fresh. Ill just be Gran.
And Ill be more patient.
Sophie barrelled into the hallway, flinging herself at Wendy.
Gran! You came! I thought you didnt love me anymore!
Silly girl, Wendy choked out. How could I ever stop loving you?
Watching them, Emily realised what mattered most had survivedlove. They just had to learn to express it without pride or bitterness.
The party was peaceful. Wendy held back her advice; Emily bit back her reactions. Sophie was happyand for now, that was enough.
As Wendy left, she said, Thank you for the second chance.
Thank you for loving my daughter.
Our daughter, Wendy corrected, smiling.
For the first time in years, Emily thoughtmaybe they really could be a family.
