Emily slowed her car a street away from her mother-in-laws house. The dashboard clock read 5:45 p.m.shed arrived earlier than agreed. *Perhaps this time shell appreciate my punctuality,* she thought, smoothing the creases from her new dress. The giftan antique brooch shed spent months hunting down through collectorslay carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she neared the house, Emily noticed the ground-floor window slightly ajar. Her mother-in-laws voice carried out crisp and clear:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She didnt even bother to ask what cake I prefer! Ordered some modern dessert instead. Our William always adored a proper Victoria sponge, and she a pause, doesnt even understand that. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet rooted themselves to the pavement.
Honestly, Ive told you beforeshes all wrong for William. Working day and night at that clinic of hers, barely home. What sort of homemaker is that? I popped round yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture! And her? Off doing some complicated surgery, of course.
Something inside her hollowed out. Emily leaned against the fence, knees trembling. For seven years, shed bent over backwards to be the perfect daughter-in-law: cooking, cleaning, remembering every birthday, visiting whenever her mother-in-law fell ill. And all for nothing.
No, Ive said nothing, but reallyis a woman like that right for my son? He needs a proper family, warmth, care Shes always at conferences or on night shifts. Doesnt even think about children! Can you imagine?
Her pulse roared in her ears. Mechanically, she pulled out her phone and dialled her husband.
William? Ill be a bit late. Yes, everythings finejust traffic.
She turned on her heel and walked back to the car. Sliding into the drivers seat, she stared blankly ahead. The words shed just heard echoed: *Perhaps a pinch more salt? In my day, women stayed home William works so hard; he needs looking after.*
Her phone buzzeda text from William: *Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.*
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile curled her lips. *Fine,* she thought. *If they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.*
She started the engine and swung the car back toward the house. A plan crystallised 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 her brightest smile. Darling Mummy! she trilled, embracing her mother-in-law with theatrical warmth. Forgive me for being lateI popped into three different shops to find those exact scented candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, thrown by the sudden exuberance. I thought she began, but Emily barrelled on.
Oh, and guess what? I bumped into your friend Margaret on the way! Such a lovely womanalways speaks her mind, doesnt she? Emily held her mother-in-laws gaze, watching the colour drain from her face.
Throughout dinner, Emily performed the role of a lifetime. She heaped the choicest cuts onto her mother-in-laws plate, gasped at every anecdote, and badgered her for homemaking advice.
Mummy dearest, should I simmer the beef stew for five hours or six? 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, bewildered; the relatives exchanged glances. But Emily didnt stop.
Ive been thinkingmaybe I should take a domestic science course? Give up this silly surgery business A womans place is in the home, isnt it, Mummy?
Her mother-in-laws fork clattered nervously against her plate. Her confidence withered by the minute.
And what happened next? Well some stories are best read to the very end.
