My son lives here, so I shall stay, said Margaret, stepping into the flat.
Itll be nice to head to the market on Saturday for seedlings, suggested Evelyn, pouring tea for her husband. Well grab tomatoes and cucumbers for the garden.
Andrew nodded, scrolling through the news on his phone.
Sounds good. Lets set off early, or well end up in a queue.
Agreed, Evelyn sat opposite him. And perhaps we could see a film in the evening? Theres a new release Ive been meaning to watch.
Andrew lifted his gaze from the screen and smiled.
Of course, love. Its been ages since we went out just the two of us.
Evelyn sighed contentedly. Those were the evenings she imagined foreverquiet nights, weekend plans, no rush. After eight years of marriage they had learned to cherish that gentle domestic harmony.
The phone rang. Andrew glanced at the caller ID and frowned.
Moms calling. Odd, she doesnt usually bother at this hour.
Answer it, Evelyn prompted.
Hello, Mum, Andrew switched to speakerphone. Whats the matter?
Andrew, dear, I have news! Margarets voice crackled with excitement. Ive sold my flat!
Evelyn and Andrew exchanged startled looks.
How could you sell it? Andrew stammered. You never mentioned you were thinking of moving.
It just happened, Margaret babbled. Our neighbour Tamara mentioned her nephew was looking for a place. He offered a good price, so I agreed. The moneys already transferred; well sign the paperwork tomorrow.
Mom, wait a moment, Andrew rubbed his nose. Where will you live?
You have a spare room, dont you? Margaret replied as if it were obvious. Ill be there tomorrow with my things.
A chill ran through Evelyn. She looked at her husband, who seemed at a loss for words.
Can we discuss this calmly, Mum? Andrew finally managed. Come over, well talk.
Theres nothing to discuss, Margaret said, her tone hardening. Im your mother, I have nowhere else to go. Ill be off now, too many things to do. See you tomorrow.
The line clicked. Andrew set the phone down slowly.
Shes joking, isnt she? Evelyn whispered.
Im not sure, Andrew ran a hand through his hair. Mum can be impulsive. Perhaps shell arrive tomorrow and explain everything.
But Evelyn knew her motherinlaw well. Margaret never joked about something that affected her son. If she said she was coming to live with them, it would be so.
That night Evelyn lay awake, her mind filling with images of the futureMargaret in her kitchen, Margaret in the living room, Margaret offering endless advice and criticism. She twisted and turned while Andrew slept peacefully beside her.
In the morning Evelyn woke exhausted and defeated. Andrew had already left for work, leaving a note: Darling, dont worry. Well talk with Mum this evening. Love you.
Evelyn crumpled the paper. It was easy for him to say dont worry when it was his mother moving in and turning their world upside down.
At work she couldnt concentrate. Her colleague Laura noticed her gloom.
Whats the matter, Evelyn? You look down.
Evelyn recounted the phone call.
Oh dear, thats terrible, Laura said. My sisters husband had the same thingmother moved in and they split after three months.
Dont scare me, Evelyn whispered, her heart skipping a beat.
Im not scaring you, Im being honest, Laura replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. But perhaps yours will be different. Maybe your motherinlaw is reasonable?
Evelyn managed a bitter smile. Reasonable. Margaret believed no one could make a proper stew, wash clothes, or run a household better than she could. Every visit turned into a trialendless remarks, unsolicited tips, constant criticism.
That evening she arrived home earlier than usual, hoping for a few quiet moments before Margarets arrival. She walked through each room as if saying goodbye to the life shed known. The bedroom, bright and cosy; the sitting room where theyd watched countless films; the kitchen where she loved to cook.
The front door clicked. Andrew entered, followed byEvelyn froze.
My son lives here, so I shall stay, Margaret announced, stepping into the flat.
Behind her trailed a porter with a massive suitcase, and two more bags stood against the hallway wall.
Good morning, Evelyn, Margaret pecked her cheek. Here I am. Andrew, show me where I can settle in.
Andrew glanced at his wife, guilt plain on his face.
Mum, can we talk first? Have a cup of tea before you get settled, he suggested.
Ill talk later, Margaret brushed him off. Im weary from the journey. Show me the room, will you?
We only have two rooms, Mumone bedroom and the sitting room, Andrew began.
The sitting room will be mine then, Margaret declared as if it were selfevident. Is the sofa a pullout? Perfect. Young man, she said to the porter, take everything into that room, pointing to the sitting room.
Evelyn stood as if struck by lightning. Their sitting room? The space where they entertained friends and relaxed in the evenings?
Mum, can we discuss this calmly? You didnt ask us, you didnt check with us, Evelyn said firmly.
Margaret turned, her eyes cold with superiority.
This is my sons flat. Im his mother. I dont need anyones permission.
But Im his wife! Evelyn snapped.
Exactlywife, Margaret emphasized. And I am mother. Blood ties.
Andrew stood between them, pale and helpless. Evelyn waited for him to intervene, but he remained silent.
Fine, Margaret said, paying the porter and closing the door behind him. When shall we have dinner?
I havent cooked yet, Evelyn muttered through clenched teeth.
No matter, Margaret replied, heading to the kitchen. Ill make something myself. You two seem to survive on readymeals.
Left alone in the hallway, Evelyn tried to hold back tears.
Why did you stay silent? Why didnt you tell her she cant just move in? she asked Andrew, voice shaking.
Shes my mother, Evelyn. She really has nowhere to go. She sold her flat, Andrew replied helplessly.
And you didnt ask us? Discuss it with us? Are we just furniture in this house? Evelyns voice trembled. We own this place too.
Of course not, Andrew tried to hug her, but she pulled away. I understand this is sudden, but she wont be forever. Shell find somewhere else.
She just sold her flat! Evelyn shouted. How will she afford a new one?
Andrew hesitated. She she invested the money, I think, in some friends business.
Invested where? Evelyns pulse raced. Explain!
Im not sure, Andrew avoided her gaze. She said it was a good deal, something about a venture.
Evelyn closed her eyes. So Margaret hadnt just sold a flatshed disposed of it and vanished the proceeds into an unknown scheme, now counting on living with them.
From the kitchen came the clatter of dishes and Margarets disgruntled mutterings.
No proper saucepan! How can you cook with that?
Evelyn fled to the bedroom, slammed the door and collapsed onto the bed. For the first time in eight years she wanted to pack her things and leave. But where? And why should she have to abandon her own home?
An hour later Margaret called them to dinner. Steam rose from bowls of beef stew.
Sit down while its hot, she ordered. Andrew, slice the bread.
Andrew obeyed. Evelyn ate in silence. The stew smelled delicious, yet nothing went down.
Whats wrong? Dont you like it? Margaret asked.
Im not hungry, Evelyn replied.
Strange, Margaret mused, sipping. A working woman should eat well. Or are you on a diet? You could stand to lose a few stone.
Evelyn clenched her fists under the table. The battle had begun.
Darling, Andrew said, trying to smooth things over, Evelyn looks radiant.
I didnt say anything bad, Margaret protested. Im just looking out for you. Dont you want your wife to be beautiful?
She already is, Andrew muttered, his cheeks flushing.
After dinner Margaret announced, Tomorrow Ill give the house a thorough cleaning. It looks like you havent tidied properly for ages.
Evelyn gritted her teeth. She cleaned the flat every Saturday; the surfaces gleamed.
Its clean enough, she replied.
Thats just your impression, dear, Margaret said with a patronising smile. A naïve eye misses much. Ive always kept everything spotless. Remember, Andrew?
Remember, Mum, he replied tiredly.
In the bedroom Evelyn finally let the tears flow. Andrew awkwardly pulled her close.
Please dont cry, love. Its only temporary.
How long? A month? A year? Forever? she sobbed.
I dont know, Andrew admitted honestly. But well find a way.
You didnt defend me, she said sharply. When she mentioned my weight you stayed silent.
I said you were beautiful!
Only after she kept on about it! Evelyn pushed him away. This is my flat too. I wont stand for you letting your mother dictate my life.
Shes not dictating, shes just used to being in charge, Andrew tried to soothe.
Then let her run her own house! Evelyn snapped. Im being unfairshe has no other home now. But I cant let her take ours. Choose her or me.
Evelyn, dont be foolish, Andrew fumed. I love you, but shes my mother. I cant kick her out.
So what, I just endure her antics?
Her antics are just concern, he replied.
Concern? She tells me how to live in my own home! Evelyns anger boiled over. Enough! I cant bear this. Either she leaves, or I do.
Andrews face went pale.
I cant make you choose, he said.
Im not asking you to choose, Evelyn whispered, wiping her cheeks. Im saying I cant live like this any longer.
Margaret, seated at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, heard everything.
So thats it, she said coldly. Youre trying to turn my son against me?
I just want my own home, Evelyn replied, exhausted.
Your own? This is my sons flat. I gave him life, raised him, taught him everything. And you? Just a wife? There are plenty of wives, Margaret spat.
For eight years Ive been his wife, Evelyn said, the anger giving way to resolve. Where were you all those years? Why appear now that you need a roof?
Margarets face paled.
How dare you! Ive always thought of my son! she protested.
Really? When he had pneumonia, did you visit? Evelyn asked. When he lost his job, did you help? No, I was busy with my own troubles, Margaret admitted, her voice trembling.
I wasnt even aware you were in trouble, Evelyn said softly. You lost the flat, you were scammed, you thought you could hide it. Thats why you came here.
Margarets eyes filled with tears. I was alone after my husband died. I felt useless, and a friend coaxed me into a dubious investment. I thought I could make a quick profit, but they vanished. I was embarrassed to tell Andrew, thought I could manage on my own.
Evelyn listened, the anger ebbing into pity.
Why didnt you tell us sooner? she asked. We could have helped.
It was shameful, Margaret confessed. Ive always been independent, strong. To become helpless it was terrifying.
Evelyns heart softened. You should have spoken to us like adults, not stormed in and turned our lives upside down.
Margaret nodded. I was used to being in control. After my husbands death I was a lonely old woman with no one to confide in. I thought if I became indispensable here, youd keep me.
Its not about being indispensable, Evelyn said gently, reaching across the table. Were family, but we need boundaries.
Margaret sniffed, wiping her nose. I realise now Ive been a bull in a china shop.
At that moment Andrew entered the kitchen, seeing his mother and wife seated together.
Whats happening? he asked cautiously.
Were having a hearttoheart, Evelyn replied.
Andrew turned to his mother. Mum, why didnt you tell me about the scam?
I didnt want you to think I was foolish, Margaret answered, guilt evident.
And I would never think you were foolish, Andrew said, embracing her. But we should have been told.
Margaret sighed. The moneys gone, the flats sold. Im at fault.
Evelyn and Andrew exchanged a glance.
Lets think this through together, Evelyn suggested. Do you know anyone who could help trace the fraudsters?
Probably far away now, Margaret said. We never reported it.
Should we go to the police? Andrew asked.
Yes, Margaret agreed. I was afraid theyd laugh at an old lady.
Tomorrow well file a report, Andrew decided. And we should see a solicitor about the sale. Maybe we can challenge it if we prove you were misled.
Will you help me? Evelyn asked, surprising herself with the compassion in her voice. Even after everything Ive done?
Of course, Margaret said, tears streaming. Youre part of Andrews life, and therefore mine.
They all wept, then embraced. Margaret promised to change, to stop ordering and lecturing. Evelyn vowed to be more tolerant, perhaps even let Margaret teach her a thing or two about baking. Andrew promised to be a better protector for both women.
That night Evelyn finally slept soundly. The house still held Margaret, the police would be involved, and legal battles loomed, but at least they had spoken honestly, without hidden grievances.
The next morning Margaret was the first to rise, but she left the vacuum cleaner untouched. She quietly prepared breakfast and waited for Andrew and Evelyn to come downstairs.
Good morning, she said when they appeared. Breakfast is ready, but only if youre hungry.
Evelyn smiled. It smells wonderful.
Over tea they discussed the days plans, sharing jokes and anecdotes. The police took their statement, and the solicitor explained that there was a chance to overturn the sale if they could prove Margaret had been duped.
Later, while browsing rental listings, Evelyn pointed out a modest onebedroom flat a short walk from their home.
Well help with the deposit, Mum, Andrew offered. Dont worry.
Margaret looked grateful. Thank you both. I didnt deserve this kindness after all Ive put you through.
A week later Margaret moved into the cosy flat. Evelyn helped furnish it, bringing in potted plants and new curtains.
It feels snug here, Margaret said, admiring the space. Thank you, Evelyn.
Drop by whenever you like, Evelyn replied. Just give us a headsup first, alright?
I will, Margaret promised, keeping her word. She visited two or three times a week, always announcing her arrival. Sometimes she brought a tasty cake; other times she simply sat for a cup of tea and chatted about the news.
Gradually their relationship settled. Evelyn no longer flinched at Margarets presence, and Margaret softened her constant critiques.
One afternoon, while they were baking a Victoria sponge together, Margaret remarked, You know, Evelyn, Im glad it turned out this way. I used to think my son owed me everything, that I was the centre of his life. Now I see his wife is the heart of his world, and Im just his mother, here to support, not to dominate.
You both matter to Andrew, just in different ways, Evelyn replied. Thats all.
Margaret hugged her daughterinlaw. Thank you for taking me in and forgiving me.
Were family, Evelyn said, smiling.
That evening, Andrew and Evelyn curled up on their nowonlytheirs sofa. Evelyn rested her head on his shoulder.
You know, I thought I wouldnt get through the weeks with your mother here, she confessed.
Why? Andrew asked, surprised.
Because we finally learned to talk, to voice our grievances instead of keeping them bottled up, she answered. It made us stronger.
Andrew kissed her forehead. Youre brilliant, and I love you.
I love you too, she replied.
Outside, the spring dusk settled over the street, a warm lamp glow spilling from the windows. Life, with all its trials, felt simple again. They still had challenges, but with each otherand even a reformed motherinlawby their side, the future seemed far less daunting.
