Emily stared at the flour strewn across the kitchen floor, fighting back tears. In the weak glow of the ceiling light the white smears on the linoleum looked like erratic snowflakes, but there was no time for poetryguests would arrive in an hour and the cake hadnt even been started.
Making a mess again? Olivers voice cut into the room as he stepped in. My mums coming and youre as usual.
Emily pressed her lips together.
It wasnt on purpose, Oliver. The sack tore, she said.
His irritation was obvious. Everything in this house is always breaking, dropping, crashing, he muttered, opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of sparkling water. Thirtyfive years old and still clumsy as a child.
She began scooping the flour into a small dustpan, swallowing her resentment. Ten years of this routine had taught her to swallow her hurt.
Alright, Im off to meet my mum, Oliver glanced at his watch. Make sure the table is set by seven. And try not to embarrass us, okay? It is her birthday after all.
When his door slammed shut, Emily perched on a stool and drew a deep breath. She recalled meeting Oliver at the Manchester Central Library where she worked. He had seemed attentiveshowing up daily, borrowing books on her recommendation, staying late. Then he invited her to the theatre. She had felt like a heroine from a romance, a mother of a child from a previous marriage who had been swept up by a handsome, independent man. Who could have imagined the fairy tale would crumble so quickly?
Their son Kieran slipped into the kitchen like a quiet ghost.
Did you bring it again? he asked, gesturing toward the front door.
Stop it, Emily snapped. Youre talking about your stepdad.
The one who treats you like a servant.
Emily had nothing to argue with. At sixteen, Kieran saw everything with brutal clarity.
You should be doing homework, not eavesdropping on adults, she muttered, returning to the cleaning.
Kieran huffed but didnt argue. He rolled up his sleeves and began helping.
We need to talk, Mum, he said seriously. I want to study computer science in London after school.
London? Emily froze, holding a rag. But we agreed on staying at our college with the dorm and
and Oliver, who will keep picking on you whenever he can, Kieran interrupted. I cant watch that any longer, Mum.
Darling, thats adult life. Families have their quirks, Emily replied.
Its not a family, Mum. Its he trailed off, waved his hand, and left the kitchen.
By the time the guests arrived, Emily had managed to tidy up, set the table, and even bake an apple tarther proudest culinary achievement. Margaret Whitaker, a dignified woman in an elegant dress, surveyed the spread with a critical eye but said nothing. That alone felt like a small victory.
Please, have a seat, Margaret, Emily hurried, Oliver and Kieran will be here any minute.
Margaret lowered herself into a chair, smoothing her silvered hair.
And wheres your boy? she asked, as if speaking of a pet.
Kieran is in his room, Ill fetch him.
Studying, is he? Whats the point of all that learning if he ends up doing his fathers work? she pressed, her tone dripping with condescension.
Emily stayed silent. Margaret always dismissed Olivers first marriage, though shed never even met him. Speaking ill of the dead seemed indecent, yet she dared not contradict her motherinlaw.
A knock announced the arrival of Olivia and her husband Victor, Olivers sister and her successful businessman spouse, whose presence always seemed to aggravate Oliver.
Happy birthday, Mum! Olivia cried, embracing Margaret. You look stunninghardly fifty!
Margaret beamed; Olivia always knew the right words.
Emily, Victor kissed her hand, you look radiant. New haircut?
Yes, thank you, Emily replied shyly, catching Olivers annoyed glance.
Oliver began pouring champagne, deliberately ignoring Kieran who stood to the side.
To the birthday girl! he announced. To the most wonderful mother in the world!
And to Grandma! Olivia added. By the way we have a surprise for you.
What surprise? Margaret asked warily.
Were expecting a baby! Olivia declared, her voice bright.
Margarets hands flew to her mouth and she burst into tears of joy. Victor smiled broadly. Oliver forced a smile.
Im delighted, Emily said quietly. Thats wonderful news.
Why arent you having one yourself? Margaret blurted, turning to Emily. Olivers almost forty and has no children of his own. Only a stepson in the house.
Silence fell. Emily felt her cheeks flush.
My mum and I have talked about this, Oliver muttered through clenched teeth.
What did you talk about? That your wife is building a career? Margaret scoffed. What career does a librarian have? All my grandchildrens mothers are nannies, and here you are worshipping my grandson. If only you had a decent boy
Margaret! Emily snapped. Kieran is right here.
What? Im lying? Margaret turned to her grandson. Always in the corner, never speaking. Hes headed for London? What nonsense?
Emily stared at Kieran, stunned that his motherinlaw knew his plans.
Ill earn my own money, Kieran said calmly. Ive already found a remote gig building websites.
What websites? Oliver interjected. You should be studying properly, not chasing nonsense.
Its not nonsense, its my future profession, Kieran replied firmly. And it pays well.
Who gave you permission? Oliver raised his voice. You live under my roof, you follow my rules!
Your roof, your rules, Kieran murmured. Im not even your son, am I? So I dont have to obey.
Oliver turned beetred.
Thats exactly it! Not my son! Never will be!
Oliver! Emily shouted. Stop this right now!
What did I say? Oliver shrugged. Im being honest! Ten years Ive fed and clothed him and get nothing but gratitude. All he does is sit in his room staring at a computer. And now he wants to go to London behind my back!
Behind your back? Kieran smiled. I dont care about your opinion. Youre nothing to me.
Kieran! Emilys voice trembled as she looked between son and husband. Oliver, please, not today. Its Margarets birthday.
No, nows perfect! Oliver insisted. Ive tolerated your brat for ten years and now you want me to fund his London studies?
Margaret nodded approvingly, Olivia and Victor stared at their plates, while Kieran stood pale but composed.
Ill earn it myself, Kieran repeated. I dont need anything from you.
Really? Oliver scoffed. And what about a roof over your head? Food? Clothes? All my responsibilities! If you want to live like that, then no London! Study here under my watch. Thats my condition.
Emily felt something snap inside her. Ten years of enduring criticism, neglect, and control had been endured for the sake of stability, for the roof, for Kieran. Now Oliver was dictating terms to her son.
Enough, she whispered. Its Margarets birthday and were making a scene.
This is your sons doing, Oliver retorted. Always because of him. You always cover for him! Ungrateful whelp and overbearing mother. Is that how you want to live on my shoulders?
Emily rose slowly from the table. The room fell into a heavy hush.
Ive worked thirtyfive years in the library, she said, her voice now steady. I have two university degrees. I never asked you to support my sonwe managed before you.
Is that so? Oliver sneered. Didnt notice, did I?
Because I didnt want to, Emily replied. You needed a compliant housekeeper, not a wife. I became that, but enough.
What does that mean? Oliver asked, frowning.
It means, Emily turned to Kieran, that Kieran and I are leaving.
A tomblike silence settled over the room.
Are you serious? Oliver finally blurted. Where will you go?
First to my sisters, Emily answered calmly. Then well find a flat. Ill get a better jobmaybe even in London.
Kieran looked at his mother with awe. Hed never seen her like this.
Dont be ridiculous, Oliver laughed nervously. Youll starve. How will you afford a flat?
Thats no longer your problem, Emily shot back. By the way, Im not just a librarianIm the head librarian, and I earn a decent salary. You never bothered to ask.
What?! Oliver shouted, turning to his mother. Our house has a careerwoman now?
Your mother heard enough, Victor interjected. And perhaps its time to stop. Its my sisters birthday, not a circus.
Youre meddling now? Oliver snapped. Stay out of our family business!
What family? Victor shook his head. The way you treat your wife and stepson is there are no words.
Victor, stop, Olivia tried, too late.
Its necessary, Victor said firmly. Ive watched this nightmare for ten years. Enough. Oliver, youve become a tyrant. If Emily is leaving, its the best thing she can do.
Margaret gasped, outraged. How dare you! My son does everything for them, and they
Mom, Olivia interrupted gently. Victor is right. Look at whats happening. Its horrible.
Emily didnt wait for the argument to flare. She slipped out of the room, Kieran following. In the bedroom she grabbed a suitcase and began packing.
You serious? Kieran asked, eyes wide.
More than serious, Emily said, loading the essentials. Gather your things. Were leaving.
What about? he stammered, We cant just walk out. We need money, a place to live
I have savings, Emily said, pulling a small tin box from the wardrobesomething Oliver never knew existed. Not much, but enough for a start. My sister has offered a room, and I have youbright, talented, dreaming of coding. Well manage.
A knock at the door. Olivia stood there.
Are you really leaving? she asked softly.
Yes, Emily replied firmly. Weve had enough.
Olivia hesitated, then reached into her purse and handed Emily an envelope.
Take this. Its from Victor and me. Weve wanted to help for ages but were afraid Oliver would find out.
Olivia, I cant
You can, Olivia cut in. Youve endured my brothers abuse for ten years, and my mother isnt any better. Accept thisnot charity, but compensation for the hurt youve endured.
Emily paused, then took the envelope, her hands steady.
Thank you, she whispered. And Im sorry for spoiling the celebration.
Celebration? Olivia waved her hand. At least now Oliver might finally think about his behaviour, though I doubt it.
When Emily and Kieran emerged from the living room, tension hung thick. Oliver scowled, Margaret pursed her lips, and Victor watched with a faint smile.
Were leaving, Emily said simply. Thanks for everything, Oliver. And forgive me if anything was amiss.
Yayou Oliver tried to rise, but words stuck.
No dramas, Victor said, smirking. Weve had enough. Need a lift?
No, thank you, Emily shook her head. Well take a taxi.
The door shut behind them and Emily felt a lightness she hadnt known for a decade, as if a heavy sack had been dropped. Kieran squeezed her hand, just as he used to when she was a child.
Youre amazing, Mum, he whispered. Im proud of you.
Thanks, love, Emily smiled. You know, maybe London really is the right move. A new city, a new life
They descended the stairs onto the courtyard. Early May air was scented with blooming hawthorn.
Emilys phone rang. It was Oliver.
Dont answer, Kieran warned.
Emily looked at the screen, then at Kieran, and said, Hello?
Come back immediately! Oliver roared. I wont let you leave! If you want my son, take him, but stay here. Thats my condition!
Emily laughed, a sound free and long overdue.
You no longer have the right to set conditions for me, Oliver, she said firmly. No more conditions. Never again.
She hung up, stepped into the waiting taxi, and watched the city recede as the car pulled away toward a fresh start.
Back in the flat on the fourth floor, Oliver hurled the phone at the wall in a fit of rage and turned to his mother, expecting support. Margaret stared at him with a new, bewildered expression, as if seeing him for the first time.
You really are unbearable, Oliver, she finally said, a hint of pity in her voice. How could I have missed it all these years?
Tears slipped down her cheeksnot of bitterness, but of regret. For the first time in many years she mourned her own mistakes, the ones that had turned her son into someone who could not love. Perhaps it wasnt too late to change, but the lesson was clear: freedom and respect are earned when we stop letting others dictate our worth.
