When will we be able to move into your new house? the in-laws asked bluntly. Excuse me? Emily tensed. Well, since youve finished everything, we assumed youd invite us soon.
Edward, do you realise this is beyond acceptable? Emily could no longer hold back her frustration, especially as her husband pretended not to understand why she was so upset.
Or had they planned it all along? Let her pour years of her life into this build, sink every penny shed earned into it, only to leave her with nothing?
Unlike their peers, the young couple hadnt followed the trend of buying cramped flats at outrageous prices. Back when Edward and Emily were dating, theyd decided to build their own home. It was cheaper, faster, and far more practical. Instead of thirty square metres, theyd get a hundred and thirty for the same money.
Therell be room for children, even pets, Emily had rejoiced.
Luckily, the land was already theirs. It belonged to Emilys aunt, who transferred it to her niece after learning of the couples serious plans.
I never gave you a proper wedding gift, so consider this mine. A place to raise your children, shed said. This plots been sitting idle for twenty yearsbetter it goes to you.
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, they took on some of the work themselves, labouring after their day jobs, on weekends, even in bad weather.
Emily had to dip into her inheritancemoney from her grandmothers flat saleand she poured it all into the build.
But when the house was finally finished, they knew every minute of sweat had been worth it.
Of course, it wasnt entirely complete. There were still finishing touches needed. But the fact they could live there properly filled them with pride.
Theyd already started spending nights there, inviting friends over. The only thing Emily regretted was that Edwards parents had never lifted a finger to help, despite repeated requests.
His parents always had some urgent mattertoo busy to assist with the fence, planting trees, or even delivering the fridge. They owned a large SUV with a trailer, perfect for such tasks, yet the couple had to pay for delivery.
Are they really *that* busy? Theyre retired! Emily wondered.
They wouldnt lie, Edward shrugged.
Emily told herself they must genuinely be occupied, that their timing was just off. But a nagging doubt gnawed at her.
Em, the new tellys arriving today. Can you take it? Edward wolfed down his sandwich at their pristine kitchen island before heading to work.
Sure. What time?
Between three and eight. I gave them your numbertheyll call an hour before.
Alright. Heres your lunch.
Cheers, gotta dash. He pecked her cheek and hurried out.
Around four, a knock came.
Emily assumed it was the delivery, though it was odd they hadnt called first.
She opened the doorEdwards parents, Margaret and Robert, stood there.
Oh! She startled, barely managing a greeting.
Hello, love! Forgotten us? Margaret beamed.
No, of course notjust didnt expect you.
Arent you going to let us in? Robert winked.
Rightcome in.
They stepped into the spacious open-plan living area, admiring it.
What a beauty! Margaret gushed. So much better than a poky flat. A proper *home*room for everyone!
Well, yes Emily nodded warily.
So, when do we move in? Robert cut straight to it.
Pardon? Emily stiffened.
Now that youre settled, we thought youd have us over soon, Robert reasoned.
We didnt plan the house for four, Emily said, bewildered.
Were not royalty! One rooms plenty, Robert chuckled.
Weve decided to top up our pensions by letting out our flat, now theres somewhere to stay, Margaret explained.
Have you discussed this with Edward? Emilys voice sharpened.
Not yet, but he wont mind.
Emily was speechless at their audacity. Not once had they helped, and now they expected to move in*and* profit from it?
She couldnt bring herself to refuse them outright, but she prayed Edward would stand firm.
Are we strangers? Robert huffed. Not even offering tea?
Of course. She complied stiffly.
They lounged at the dining table, sipping tea, when the phone rang.
The delivery driver apologised for not calling aheadhe was already outside.
Emily excused herself to accept the TV. The couriers hauled in the massive box and left politely.
Blimey, thats huge! Robert marvelled. Wheres it
There. Emily pointed to the blank wall.
Brilliant! Well watch the news together tonight.
Actually, we werent planning to install an aerial.
Whatll you watch, then? A blank screen?
No. Films, series, streaming. No one uses aerials anymoreunless youre ancient.
Thats us! Margaret laughed. Ill have Edward sort it.
Emily counted the minutes until Edward returned, praying he wouldnt be late. Mercifully, he wasnt.
Edwards here! she called the second his car sounded.
She rushed to meet him in the hallway.
Your parents are herethey want to move in, she whispered, clinging to him.
*What?*
Shh. Theyll explain.
Since when? Edward demanded, stepping inside.
We came to admire your palace, Robert said jovially.
Palace? A kid comes along, and well be squeezed, Edward countered.
Nonsense! Youve got two spare rooms upstairs! Margaret cut in.
Ones a nursery, the other for guests. We host friends oftenwere young, after all.
We dont care for noise, Margaret said pointedly.
Youll have to keep it down, then, Robert added.
Whys that?
Weve told Emily. Were moving in, letting our flat for extra income, Robert declared.
Theres no room.
Son, how can you say that? No space for your own parents? Margarets voice trembled.
Was there time to help *us*? Edward shot back. You couldnt even deliver a fridge! Not once did you show up, and now you want to profit off our home? No. I love you, but its not happening.
Robert and Margaret exchanged glances.
Come on, Margaret. Were leaving, Robert said curtly.
They stood, silent and stiff, and marched out.
The moment they left, Emily flung her arms around Edward.
Thank you! I was terrified youd take their sidetheyre your parents!
Why would I? I saw how hurt you were every time they refused to help. Why should we let them waltz in now for some scheme?
Thank you. She squeezed him tighter.
Dont mention it. He smiled. They stood in the quiet of their home, the weight of the uninvited visit settling like dust after a storm. Outside, the evening light softened over the garden Emily had planted piece by piece, her hands still sore from digging holes in stubborn soil. Edward poured two glasses of wine, handing one to her as she sank onto the sofa. This is *our* place, he said, more to himself than to her. No one else gets to decide what that means. Emily nodded, sipping slowly, the warmth spreading through her chest. Later, they unpacked the TV together, laughing at the absurdity of the instructions, and when they finally turned it on, they chose a filmsomething loud, something joyfuland cranked the volume just a little too high.
