Emily pulled her car over a street away from her mother-in-laws house. The clock read 5:45 PMshed arrived earlier than planned. *Perhaps this time shell appreciate my punctuality*, she thought, smoothing the creases from her new dress. The giftan antique brooch shed spent months tracking down through collectorswas carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she approached the house, Emily noticed the ground-floor window slightly ajar. Her mother-in-laws voice carried clearly from inside:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She didnt even bother to ask what cake I like! Ordered some modern dessert instead Our son always loved a classic Victoria sponge, and she a pause, doesnt even understand. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet seemed rooted to the pavement.
Of course, Ive told you beforeshes not right for William. Works day and night at that clinic of hers, barely home. What kind of homemaker is that? I popped round yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture And her, of course, tied up with some complicated surgery!
Everything inside her stilled. Emily leaned against the fence, knees trembling. For seven years, shed tried to be the perfect daughter-in-law: cooking, cleaning, remembering every birthday, visiting when her mother-in-law was ill. And all for nothing
No, I havent said a word, but is a woman like that really suited to my son? He needs a proper family, warmth, care And shes always at conferences or on night shifts. Doesnt even think about children! Can you imagine?
Her head throbbed. Mechanically, she pulled out her phone and dialled her husband.
William? Ill be a bit late. Yes, everythings fine, just traffic.
She turned and walked back to the car. Sitting inside, she stared blankly ahead. The words shed just heard echoed in her mind: *Needs more salt, In my day, women stayed home, William works so hardhe needs proper looking after*
Her phone buzzeda message from William: *Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.*
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile flickered across her face. *Fine*, she thought. *If they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.*
She started the engine and turned back toward her mother-in-laws house. The plan formed in an instant.
No more trying to please. It was time to show them what a *real* daughter-in-law could be.
Emily swept into the house with the brightest smile she could muster. Darling Mum! she exclaimed, embracing her mother-in-law with exaggerated warmth. Forgive me for being lateI stopped at three different shops to find those exact candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, startled by the sudden energy. I thought she began, but Emily pressed on.
Oh, and imagineI bumped into your friend Margaret on the way! Such a lovely woman, always so *honest*, isnt she? Emily held her mother-in-laws gaze, watching the colour drain from her face.
Throughout dinner, Emily performed the role of her life. She served her mother-in-law the choicest cuts, loudly praised every word she said, and bombarded her with questions about homemaking.
Mum, dearest, how long should a roast cookfive or six hours? And the carpetsmorning or evening for vacuuming? Perhaps I should quit my job? After all, William needs a *proper* family, doesnt he?
William stared at her in disbelief; relatives exchanged glances. But Emily didnt stop.
Ive been thinkingmaybe I should take a housekeeping course? Give up this silly surgery business A womans place *is* in the home, isnt it, Mum?
Her mother-in-law tapped her fork nervously against her plate. Her confidence withered by the minute. By the end of the evening, the room was thick with discomfort. Emily stood, clinking her glass with a serene smile. To family, she said, and to never changing who you are no matter how much some people wish you would. She kissed William gently on the cheek, whispered Lets go, and walked out, leaving behind a silence heavier than any argument. The brooch remained in the car, unwrapped, forgotten.
