Emily was still sitting at the kitchen table, tea gone cold, while the words James had thrown at her that morning kept looping in her head like a stuck record.
My mums moving in. I dont like the idea of her in that spare room, James had said, slamming the front door so hard the hallway light flickered.
In twentythree years of marriage hed never spoken to her like that. Theyd argued, theyd have rows, but never with that cold, detached tone. It felt as if a stranger was standing in front of her instead of her husband.
She got up, rinsed the cup and walked over to the window. From the ninth floor she could see the park below, dressed in autumn gold and burgundy. Theyd chosen this flat together, saved for ages, giving up a lot. Three rooms a spacious living area and two bedrooms. One for us, one for the kids when they come, theyd dreamed. No kids ever arrived. The second bedroom became Jamess home office, where hed stay late hauling paperwork home from the office.
Now it was going to become Eleanor Hartleys room his mothers.
Emily sighed. Eleanor had always been a tough nut bossy, used to running the show. James was her only child, the late one, born when hope seemed thin. Shed dote on him, keep an eye on his every step. When he announced he was marrying Emily, Eleanor smiled at the wedding but her eyes stayed icy.
After the wedding Eleanor kept to her own life, teaching maths at a local school, popping over only now and then. Three weeks ago shed had a mild stroke. She recovered quickly, but doctors insisted she needed constant supervision she couldnt be left alone at her age.
Emily didnt mind helping, but shed suggested hiring a livein carer. James flatout refused I wont let anyone else look after my mum. Then, just yesterday, he dropped the bomb that his mum was moving in with them, no discussion, no consultation. This morning, when she tried to push back, he let rip the same line.
The phone rang, snapping Emily out of her thoughts. The screen showed her best mate Megans name.
Hey, Emily, Megans voice sounded weary.
Hey, Meg, you sound like youre not happy to hear me, Megan replied, a hint of worry in her tone. Whats up?
Eleanors moving in, Emily said, dropping onto the sofa. James just told me its a fait accompli. Either you accept it or you go.
Wow! Whens the move? Megan whistled.
This Saturday. James has already booked the removal guys. Bed, wardrobe, armchair all the lot, Emily sighed. You know how we get on. How are we supposed to live under the same roof?
Right, I remember her berating you at your birthday last year for oversalting the soup in front of everyone, Megan laughed. Imagine that every day.
Exactly, Emily said, a bitter smile tugging at her mouth. What should I do?
Talk to James calmly, lay out your worries, Megan suggested. Or maybe try a fresh start with Eleanor herself? Shes elderly, shes had a hard time after the stroke.
Emily thought about it. A fresh start after years of mutual dislike? Could she really do that?
Im not sure shell see any of my attempts as anything but weakness, Emily admitted.
Dont know till you try, Megan said philosophically. How about we meet up tonight? A coffee, a chat, get your mind off things.
Sounds perfect. The Willow Café at seven? Emily agreed.
Deal. Dont worry, itll sort itself out, Megan reassured.
After hanging up, Emily felt a little lighter. Megan had always known how to lift her spirits. Theyd been friends since school, survived first loves, university, weddings, breakups. Megan had gone through a divorce, Emily had faced a string of failed attempts at motherhood. Theyd always been there for each other.
She still had to decide what to do. Leave? But where would she go? Her whole life was tied to this flat and to James. Despite the fights, she loved him, and she knew he loved her. He was torn between his wife and his mother, and hed chosen his mum. Could she blame him?
That evening, at the café, Megan listened, nodding occasionally.
So, whats your plan? she asked once Emily had aired everything.
Honestly, I dont know, Emily said, stirring the cold tea. I cant just walk out after twentythree years.
Of course not, Megan said. But you cant stay in constant tension either. I know Eleanor well shell control everything, from your cooking to your hair.
I know, Emily sighed. I just dont see a way out.
What about a compromise? Find her a flat nearby and visit each day? Help with chores?
I suggested that, Emily shook her head. James said no. Mum must live with us, he said. Its nonnegotiable.
Maybe you need to try to build a relationship with her, for the sake of the family, Megan nudged. Think of her not as a rival but as a lonely old lady whos scared after her stroke.
Emily hadnt considered that angle before. Shed always seen Eleanor as an opponent.
Maybe youre right, she finally said. It cant get any worse.
Exactly, Megan smiled. Start small. Invite her for tea before the move, discuss how to share the space.
Emily headed home and found James on the sofa with his laptop, brow furrowed over some documents. He looked up as she entered.
Hey, he said, unsure.
Hey, Emily replied, hanging her coat and moving towards the kitchen.
James followed her.
Tanya, we need to talk, he began, stopping by the cupboard where she was pulling out mugs. I went too far this morning. I shouldnt have put it like that.
You were right to say it, Emily said calmly, setting the kettle on.
But you understand I cant leave Mum alone, he said, moving a little closer. After what happened
I get that, Emily turned to face him. Im not against helping her, but you shouldve discussed it with me first. Im scared we wont get along under one roof.
He lowered his eyes. I knew youd push back, so I hid my fear. Im sorry.
Ill try, Emily said gently. But you have to support me too. Dont let me face her alone. Be the middle ground.
James sighed, his greying temples catching the light. He remembered courting her at university, dreaming of a future on a park bench. Twentythree years felt real.
Alright, he said, pulling her into a hug. Well sort this together.
The next day Emily called Eleanor and asked if shed come over for tea. Eleanor was surprised but agreed. Emily booked a minicab, as the older lady still avoided buses after the stroke.
At three oclock the doorbell rang. Eleanor stood there, posture straight, silver hair neatly tucked, eyes sharp.
Good afternoon, Eleanor, Emily greeted, forcing a smile. Come in.
Hello, Emily, Eleanor replied, stepping in, coat in hand. Is James home?
Hes at work, overdue on a project, Emily said, leading her to the sitting room where a tray of tea, scones and fruit was set.
New curtains? Eleanor asked, eyeing the drapes.
Yes, just put them up last autumn, Emily answered, pouring tea. How are you feeling?
Better, though I still get the occasional dizziness and my blood pressure spikes, Eleanor said, taking a sip. The doctor says Im recovering well for my age.
A brief silence settled. Emily gathered the courage to address the elephant in the room.
James mentioned Id be moving in with you, she began. Im worried well clash. Were very different.
Eleanor looked at her, a softening in her voice. I know Im a bit of a control freak. Ive always looked after my son, and now Im scared of being a burden. I wanted a carer, but James insisted I stay here. I didnt expect you to be so hostile.
Ive never seen you as a threat, Emily said, surprised. Just hard to deal with.
Lets try to make this work, Eleanor said. Youll have your own space, Ill have mine. I can help with the kitchen Im still good at chopping veg, though I cant stand at the stove for long. I could even knit a scarf if you like.
Emily smiled. I have a sweater you made for James when he graduated. He still treasures it.
Eleanors eyes widened. He still has that? That means a lot to him.
They talked for another hour, sharing stories about Jamess school days, Emilys work at the library, plans for a book club, and Eleanors favourite pupils. For the first time in decades, motherinlaw and daughterinlaw were just two people having a proper conversation.
When James got home later, he found the three of them at the kitchen table, rolling out dough for an apple crumble. Did you both just become friends? he asked, halfincredulous.
Just getting to know each other, Eleanor replied with a grin. And teaching Emily how not to burn the pastry.
James laughed, hugging Emily. I should have trusted you both more. Im sorry for putting you in the spot.
Emily rested her head on his shoulder. Well keep talking, keep compromising. It wont be perfect, but well manage.
Saturday arrived. Eleanors belongings a bed, an armchair, a few boxes of books and photo albums were moved into Jamess former office, now a cosy bedroom. It feels quite homely, Eleanor said, looking around.
Its yours now, Emily replied. Make yourself comfortable.
The first week wasnt smooth. Eleanor criticised how Emily ironed Jamess shirts; Emily protested the TV volume. But each time they remembered their little agreement and apologized. Small compromises emerged a shared thermostat, a knock before entering rule, meals adjusted for Eleanors sensitive stomach.
A month later, Emily found Eleanor in the living room, leafing through an old photo album.
Can I join? Emily asked.
Sure, Eleanor said, turning a page. Heres James at ten, winning a maths competition.
Emily laughed. He was always the diligent one.
Eleanor nodded. Your father, Victor, died when James was fifteen. A heart attack. It left a scar. Ive been overprotective ever since, maybe too much.
Emilys eyes softened. I never knew that. No wonder you were so guarded.
Now I see youre not the enemy, Eleanor said quietly. Ive been keeping you at arms length because I feared losing him again.
Thank you for saying that, Emily whispered, a tear slipping down. It means a lot.
That evening, James walked in to find his mother and wife kneading dough together. Whats happening here? he asked, eyes wide.
Were making the family crumble, Eleanor quipped. Emilys finally learning the proper way to bake an apple pie.
James shook his head, smiling. Looks like you both have finally found a way to get along.
Later, in the bedroom, Emily turned to James. I think well be alright. It wont be flawless, but well keep working at it.
I knew you could, he replied, pulling her close. Thanks for staying, for trying with my mum.
They fell asleep that night feeling a little more hopeful. Living with Eleanor wouldnt be a walk in the park, but theyd learned that stepping forward, even when its uncomfortable, can change everything. And maybe, in time, a genuine affection will grow because family isnt just about blood, its about learning to accept each others flaws, to forgive, and to find a middle ground.
If any of this hits home, let me know. Id love to hear how youve managed with your own inlaws. Take care.
