Emily is now sorting out paperwork for a plot of land, even though that wasnt in her original plans. Again? she asks, eyes wide at her husband. We were just at your mothers a few weeks ago helping her out. I dont want any more of this Lets just have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
Emily looks pleadingly at James, but he stays firm.
Emily, you know Moms been struggling lately. Dads gone, she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, so I have to step in.
Fine. Why is your mother coming over this time?
Ive already told you she needs new wallpaper, milkwhite, plus a few other small things.
Cant she just order them?
She cant place an order herself. Well all go together at the weekend, take a walk, get her out of the house for a bit.
Strolling through a DIY megastore for fun, Emily replies, offended, but she doesnt want to ruin the weekend. She orders everything on the list, picks the items herself, and pays. All thats left for Mrs. Margaret, her motherinlaw, is to receive the supplies. Theres no need for a cityflat visit now.
The delivery is set for Friday night, so Emily assumes there wont be any hiccups. Her surprise is total when Mrs. Margaret shows up on Saturday morning with every purchase in tow.
You wanted me to lug all this weight. Why? she asks. James, didnt you tell her?
It was a surprise, Mrs. Margaret, Emily says, still in her pajamas, trying to explain.
The woman sizes Emily up with a disdainful glance, then turns to her son. Why are you silent? Got a mouthful? Tell your wife about our surprise.
What surprise? Emily asks James, sensing shes being kept in the dark.
Im moving in with you for a few months, the satisfied motherinlaw announces, pulling off her coat.
Emily barely registers the news before another surprise lands.
And youll be staying with me.
Mrs. Margaret heads to the kitchen while Emily grabs Jamess hand, whispering irritably, Whats happening? Why these moves? We never talked about this.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to explain. Mom suggested it. Dont worry, we wont go right away, James shrugs, acting as if nothing changed, and walks toward his mother.
Emily retreats to the bedroom, unwilling to argue openly with her motherinlaw. As evening draws near, the situation clears up. James finally explains.
Emily, you have an opportunity here. Think about it. Well refurbish the house however you like. Itll look great on your portfolio; all your clients will love it.
Well live there while we work. Moms not old enough to breathe construction dust, and well have to keep an eye on the workers.
So Im the one who has to manage it? Emily asks, even more bewildered.
Yes, you need a job. Mom and I are looking out for you.
This is a nightmarebeing shipped off to a village for months, away from civilization. I love our flat.
Were not moving right now, first of all. You just ordered the wallpaper. Well do the renovation in one room so Mom feels comfortable.
How will she cope with the dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
Besides, we cant set conditions for her. The flat belongs to her, but the house is legally mine.
She only has it because you never claimed your inheritance!
Why are you meddling in our family affairs? Weve already agreed. Im the sole heir after Mom.
Dont worry, everything will end up with us anyway.
If the flat were in your name, Mom wouldnt have kicked us out for months. Now, because of your naivety, were stuck in the village!
Mrs. Margaret overhears from the doorway. When Emily erupts in anger, the bedroom door swings open.
Youd be better off staying silent, the motherinlaw says, defending her son. You never had a soul when you chose him.
Chosen? Emily repeats, bewildered.
Of course, chosen. Without him Id be lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its only fair. Youve shortchanged my husband.
You want justice, Mrs. Margaret says, staring at James. Why are you quiet? Do you agree with her?
James stays mute, not wanting to pick sides.
I do, Emily insists. It seems youve stripped my husband of everything. What if you get married?
Me? the motherinlaw laughs. Marry? Mrs. Margaret instantly brightens. Its nice that her daughterinlaw doesnt see her as old. Fine, youll finish the house renovation and Ill transfer the flat to my son. Satisfied? Then Ill put the house in my name.
Emily feels relieved. James looks a little down that he had to argue with his mother, but he hides it.
Its still awkward in front of Mom, he says, already in the car.
They finish a quick refurbishment of one bedroom, and a week later they move to the village.
Shes all in with us, and we
just take whats ours. Soon the flat will be ours, imagine that!
Emily dreams of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon that dream seems within reach.
The village house greets them with dull walls and a massive amount of workboth in labour and cost.
No problem, well take a loan, James muses, and eventually well have the flat.
Emily agrees and throws herself into the project. Despite the stress of living in a house without modern comforts, she clings to the vision of a better future.
The work proceeds slowly but solidly. Emily monitors every stage, discovering she actually enjoys the process and the house itself.
A private garden is a must, even a small plot with a few flowers, she decides.
She moves on to securing the plot, something she never planned. Every night she excitedly tells James about the progress.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mom will move in and plant them herself.
Something inside Emily clicks; she pours her heart into it.
James, maybe we stay here? I love it. The house is already mine, no paperwork to change.
Dont you want the flat?
Whats the point? Its cramped, stifling. Here theres space!
Ill talk to Mom.
Emily feels happy. She now juggles home, garden, and the plot. The new life suits heruntil her motherinlaw arrives.
Good morning, Mrs. Margaret. Why show up unannounced? Emily greets, ready to show the renovation, but something about Jamess mother irks her.
What do I need to announce when Im coming home? Youve delayed the work, so Im here to see whats happening.
Youre coming home? Oh, James hasnt told us yet, were staying.
Where? Ive come home, you can go back to the flat if you dont like it.
Mrs. Margaret, you dont understand. Were staying in the house. It belongs to James, no transfer needed.
The motherinlaw sits down the moment she hears this.
Oh, you selfish thing, taking my house, is that it? I came to help, and youre pushing me aside?
Im staying here! Besides, Jimmy is fully on my side. Dont force a fight, pack your things.
Emily is stunned. She never imagined her motherinlaw would want to live in the house. She always boasted about how lucky they were to be in civilization, far from the countryside.
James and Emily sit in silence for an hour and a half, each lost in thought. Both wonder what the other is feeling, knowing the house really belongs to James.
James returns in a sour mood, seeing his mother and wife, and his spirits drop further.
Whats wrong? both ask, adding to his discomfort.
Our company has gone bust; Ive lost my job. Looks like well have to stay here, Emily, and make do with the garden to save money.
His mother watches silently. Inside, Emily already feels a small triumph. She didnt need to force James into a choice; he makes it himself.
Emily still has doubts; James often follows his mothers wishes.
Mom, sorry, but itll really be easier for us here. Well pay off the loans and get back on our feet.
Time is short, and village life is simplerno pricey shops, just the essentials.
Mrs. Margaret agrees with her son, unable to oppose him, especially in his current mood.
His mother says goodbye and leaves. James smiles broadly at Emily.
So, do I get an Oscar for this?
In what sense?
I know Mom wanted to go back home and I saw how much you enjoy it here.
He had guessed she wouldnt refuse. He didnt want to fight over property.
Emily hugs James, grateful.
