Your mother thats your burden! he shouted, but I was already at my limit. I tugged at my sons coat, clenching my jaw to keep the anger from spilling out. Today I faced the task I dread most: a visit to my motherinlaw. From the start, our relationship has been a constant battle.
Margaret Harris had never accepted me as her sons wife. No matter what I did, she could always find a flaw, a fresh criticism to hurl my way.
Again, Poppy? James sighed, watching my sullen face. You dont want to go, do you?
I let out a bitter laugh.
Are you really asking me that, James? You know exactly why I dont want to go!
My eyes flared.
Shell nag me, put me down, tell me Im a terrible mother! Shell claim Im not raising our boy properly, as if she doesnt see I work, run the house, cook, clean and pay every bill! Im the one holding this family together!
But youre at home all day, James said, shrugging.
My gaze darkened.
Oh, really? You think I just sit idle? Or that money falls from the sky?
I work too, he growled. Its not my fault Im not paid more.
The truth is, my income as a freelance designer is three times Jamess salary. Im the one keeping us afloat.
Cant you go alone? I asked, hoping for a way out.
Its Mothers Day, Poppy. You cant just ignore my mother!
I sighed, then finished dressing my son. Two hours later we were at Margarets house.
In the sitting room, Jamess niece, Olivia, was already perched on the sofa. Id long noticed Margarets clear favoritism toward Oliviatreating her like royalty while barely acknowledging her own grandson. It wasnt a surprise; Olivia lost her parents five years ago and Margaret raised her as her own.
Around them, Margarets sisters were shouting and clinking their glasses of red wine.
Then, abruptly, Margaret dropped a bomb.
Ive made a decision, she announced gravely. Ill leave my flat to Olivia. You, James, already have a home.
James didnt flinch. He merely nodded.
A few days later the paperwork was done. The flat was legally Olivias, on the condition she could only move in after Margarets death.
But fate had other plans.
A sudden stroke left Margaret paralysed, unable to look after herself.
We need to move in with Mum, James declared, his tone final. She cant be left alone.
A cold shiver ran through me. I knew what that meant.
I would have to feed, dress, wash her all while still working and caring for our son.
I said nothing.
Weeks slipped by and I reached my breaking point.
That night I finally lost it.
James, the flat belongs to Olivia. Shouldnt she be looking after Mum? I snapped.
Olivia is at university, James. She has a boyfriend. Do you expect her to bring him here? he retorted.
I let out a sharp, almost hysterical laugh.
James, I cant take this any longer!
He crossed his arms.
Oh, I see. Youre exhausted already?
My hands trembled with fury.
Im suffocating! Everything rests on meYOU, your mother, our child, my job I CANT ANYMORE!
You work from home, he muttered smugly.
My stare cut sharper than broken glass.
And so what? You think I dont actually work?
My heart pounded wildly.
You know what? From now on, its YOUR turn to look after your mother!
Its my mother, but shes also your motherinlaw! Thats your duty! You want me to wash her, perhaps?
A deathly silence fell.
Then, in a calm, icy voice, I said, I owe you nothing.
James chuckled.
In that case, hire a care worker!
Oh? Youll pay for her?
Why should I foot the bill?
So there wont be any care worker.
He crossed his arms again.
You can dip into your mothers pension. Or your salary?
His expression hardened.
And why do I even have a wife?
That was the spark.
Something in me finally shattered.
Everything became blindingly clear.
James had been using me for years.
And Olivia? She never bothered to visit her own grandmother.
That night I lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
By morning I knew what I had to do.
The moment James left the house, I packed my bag, took my son, and walked out.
I sent him one short message and then blocked his number: I will not carry this weight alone any longer.
That same evening James stormed in.
Either you come back, or Ill file for divorce!
I gave a soft smile.
Go ahead. I was about to do the same.
For the first time James looked lost.
I wasnt waiting for apologies. My decision was set.
A month later the divorce was finalised. James never apologized.
And me?
I never regretted walking away.
Six months later I received the news: Margaret had died.
Olivia? She threw James out without a flicker of remorse.
Only then did he truly understandhe had lost everything.
