My son lives here, so Ill be staying too, my motherinlaw announced as she stepped into the flat.
Lets go to the market on Saturday for some seedlings, Poppy said, pouring tea for me. Well pick up tomatoes and cucumbers for the garden.
I nodded, scrolling through the news on my phone.
Sounds good. Lets leave early, otherwise the queues will be endless.
Deal, Poppy replied, sitting opposite me. And how about a cinema visit in the evening? Theres a new film Ive been keen to see.
I lifted my eyes from the screen and smiled.
Of course, love. We havent had a proper night out together for ages.
Poppy sighed contentedly. It was exactly how Id imagined our eveningsquiet, weekend plans, no rush. After eight years of marriage wed learned to cherish that calm domestic harmony.
My phone rang. I glanced at the screen and frowned.
Mums calling. Thats odd; she doesnt usually ring at this hour.
Answer it, Poppy prompted.
Hello, Mum, I said, switching to speakerphone. Whats up?
Andrew, darling, I have news! Evelyn Harpers voice crackled with excitement. Ive sold my flat!
Poppy and I exchanged a startled look.
How could you sell it? I stammered. You never mentioned you were planning to move.
It just happened, Evelyn babbled. Our neighbour Tamara mentioned her nephew was looking for a place. He offered a good price, and I accepted. The moneys already transferred; well sign the papers tomorrow.
Hold on, Mum, I said, rubbing my nose. Where will you live?
You have a spare room, dont you? she replied as if it were obvious. Ill be there tomorrow night with my belongings.
A chill ran through me. I looked at Poppy, but she was silent, bewildered.
Mum, can we talk this through calmly? I managed to say. Come over, well discuss it.
Theres nothing to discuss, Evelyns tone hardened. Im your mother, Ive nowhere else to go. Ill be off now, too many things to sort. See you tomorrow.
The line clicked.
Shes joking, isnt she? Poppy whispered.
Im not sure, I ran a hand through my hair. Mum can be impulsive. Maybe shell explain everything when she arrives.
But I knew Evelyn well enough. She never joked about her sons future. If she said she was moving in, she meant it.
That night I lay awake, picturing our flat transformed: her in the kitchen, her in the sitting room, her hovering with advice and criticism. I tossed and turned while Poppy slept peacefully beside me.
In the morning I woke exhausted. Andrew was already at work, leaving a note on the kitchen table: Love, dont worry. Well sort it with Mum this evening. I love you.
I crumpled the note. It was easy for him to say dont worry when his own mother was about to upend our life.
At work I couldnt focus. My colleague Laura noticed my gloom.
Whats got you down, Poppy? she asked.
I sighed and recounted yesterdays call.
Oh dear, Laura shook her head. My sister went through the same thingher mother moved in and they split after three months. It ended badly.
Dont scare me, I whispered, my heart pounding.
Im just being honest, Laura said, laying a hand on my shoulder. But perhaps your mothers different? Maybe shes reasonable.
I smiled bitterly. Reasonable, right. Evelyn thinks shes the only one who can cook a proper stew, wash the laundry correctly, and run the household. Every visit from her turns into a lecture marathon.
That evening I arrived home early, hoping for a quiet moment before Evelyns arrival. I walked through each room as if saying goodbye to the life wed known: the bright bedroom, the cosy living room where wed watched films, the kitchen where I loved to experiment with recipes.
The lock clicked. Andrew stepped in, followed by a hulking removal man dragging a massive suitcase, with two more bags and several boxes piled in the hallway.
My son lives here, so Ill be staying too, Evelyn announced, stepping over the threshold.
Behind her stood a burly mover, and the hallway was already cluttered with her possessions.
Hello, love, she planted a kiss on my cheek. Andrei, show me where I can settle in.
I stared at Poppy, guilt evident in his eyes.
Mum, can we talk first? Have a cuppa before you unpack? he suggested.
No time for that, Evelyn brushed him off. Im knackered after the long journey. Show me the room, please.
We only have two rooms, Mum, I began. A bedroom and a living room.
So the living room will be mine, she declared, as if it were obvious. Is the sofa a pullout? Perfect. Young man, she turned to the mover, put everything in the lounge.
Poppy froze. Our living room? The space we used for guests and quiet evenings?
Mum, can we discuss this calmly? You didnt give us any warning, I said firmly.
Evelyns eyes flashed with superiority.
This is my sons flat. Im his mother. I dont need permission from anyone, she replied.
But Im his wife! I snapped.
Thats exactly why Im here, she retorted, emphasizing the word. Im his mother. Blood ties.
Andrew stood between us, pale and helpless. I expected him to defend me, but he said nothing.
Fine, she said, paying the mover and closing the door behind him. What times dinner?
I havent cooked anything, I muttered through clenched teeth.
No problem, she replied, heading to the kitchen. Ill make something myself. You lot survive on ready meals, I suppose.
Left alone in the corridor, I turned to Andrew, tears threatening.
Why did you stay silent? Why didnt you tell her she cant just move in?
Shes my mum, he said helplessly, gesturing. She really has nowhere to go. She sold her flat.
And you didnt ask us? Discuss it? My voice shook. Do we own the furniture here?
Of course not, he tried to hug me, but I stepped back. I get it, its sudden. But she wont be here forever. Shell find somewhere else eventually.
She just sold her flat! I nearly shouted. What money does she have for a new place?
He faltered. She she put the cash into an investment, I think.
Into what? I felt my head pounding. Andrew, explain!
I dont know exactly, he admitted, avoiding my gaze. Mum said it was a good deal, some friends business.
The kitchen clanged with dishes as Evelyn muttered, No proper pot! How can I cook like this?
I retreated to the bedroom, slammed the door, and collapsed onto the bed. For the first time in eight years I wanted to pack my things and leave. But where could I go? Why should I leave my own home?
An hour later Evelyn called us to dinner. A steaming pot of stew sat on the table.
Sit down while its hot, she ordered. Andrew, slice the bread.
Andrew obeyed. I sat silently, the aroma appetising but my stomach empty.
Whats wrong? Not hungry? she asked.
Just not hungry, I replied.
Strange, she said, sipping. A working woman should eat well. Maybe youre on a diet? You could stand to lose a few stones.
I clenched my fists under the table. The lecture had begun.
Mum, Andrew said, trying to be supportive, Poppy looks lovely.
I didnt say anything bad, Evelyn retorted, offended. Just looking after my sons wife, making sure shes beautiful.
She already is, Andrew muttered, blushing.
After dinner Evelyn declared, Tomorrow Ill do a thorough cleaning. Youve let the place get a bit sloppy.
I bit my tongue. I cleaned every Saturday; the flat was spotless.
Its clean enough, I protested.
In your eyes, perhaps, she replied condescendingly. My standards are higher.
Later that night, Andrew tried to comfort me.
Poppy, please dont cry. Its only temporary.
How long? A month? A year? Forever? I sobbed.
I dont know, he admitted. Well figure something out.
You didnt stand up for me when she criticised my weight, I accused.
I told you youre beautiful! he replied weakly.
Only after she said it! I shot back. This is my home too. I wont let you mother tell me what to do.
Shes just used to being in charge, he tried to explain.
Then let her be in charge of her own flat! I snapped. You cant choose between me and her.
Youre being unreasonable, Andrew frowned. I love you, but shes my mother. I cant kick her out.
So I have to put up with her antics? I retorted.
Just caring, he said defensively.
Youre right, Im staying silent, I said, turning away. I finally managed to fall asleep only after dawn.
Morning came with the whir of a vacuum. The clock read half past six. Saturday. Our day off.
I slipped on a robe and headed to the bedroom. Evelyn, apron on, was vacuuming the lounge.
Good morning! she shouted over the noise. Got up early, didnt want to waste the day!
Its half past six, Evelyn, I said, trying to stay calm. Its Saturday. You could have started later.
The early bird catches the worm! she chirped. Back in my day
I didnt listen further, retreated to the bedroom where Andrew was already awake.
Your mum, I muttered, vacuuming at seven on a Saturday.
He winced. Ill speak to her.
No need; she finished cleaning by the time we sat down for breakfast.
Now were proper people, she declared, placing a stack of golden pancakes on the table. Poppy, want some tea?
I nodded silently. The pancakes smelled delicious.
Thanks, mum, Andrew said, reaching for one.
Just as I used to make them every Sunday when you were a lad, Evelyn beamed. Remember?
I do, he smiled.
I sipped tea, thinking of the pancakes I could bake myself. Andrew always praised my cooking, but now he was relishing his mothers.
By the way, Evelyn continued, I need to sort the bathroom. Towels are a mess, cosmetics everywhere. Ill put it right.
Its fine as it is, I said coldly.
Oh, love, she cooed patronisingly. Youve got little experience yet. Ill teach you.
I stood, Excuse me, Im leaving.
Dont forget the pancakes! Andrew called after me.
I fled to the bedroom, collapsed onto the bed, and stared at the ceiling. I longed for everything to revert to how it was, for Evelyn to vanish.
A knock sounded. Andrew entered.
Whats happened? Why are you acting like this? he asked.
How am I acting? I replied, eyes up. She acts as if this is her flat!
She means well, he said, sitting beside me. She just wants to help.
Help? I laughed bitterly. Shes trying to take my place, to prove shes the better housewife, the better wife for you.
What are you talking about? Andrew looked genuinely confused.
Im saying she wont let us be, I said, exhausted. She sees me as an intruder.
Im not blind to it, he admitted, shoulders slumping. Ill talk to her.
He left, and I stayed on the bed, feeling the weight of the situation.
The days that followed turned into a nightmare. Evelyn took over the kitchen, cooking breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, never letting me lift a pot. She constantly reminded me how hard work made her strong.
Take it easy, dear, shed say. Youre exhausted from your job, and Im here to keep the house running.
Whenever I tried to cook, shed swoop in, critiquing my chopping technique, the pot I used, the spices I added.
Finally, I walked into the living room one evening and found the furniture rearranged.
Mum said its better for fengshui, Andrew explained sheepishly. For our health.
For fengshui? I snapped. This is our bedroom! The last place I can hide from her!
Its only because she wants the best, he tried to defend.
Enough! I shouted. Stop justifying her! Shes taken over the whole flat! I have no space of my own!
Mouthful, Andrew muttered, looking pale. I cant choose between you and my mother.
Im not asking you to choose, I said, tears welling. I just cant live like this.
He looked away, unable to meet my eyes.
Lets think together, I suggested. Maybe we can help Mum find another place. We could even contribute a bit to the rent.
Evelyn, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, heard everything.
So thats why youve been moving in? she asked coldly. To make us all uncomfortable?
No, I replied, my voice steadier. I just want my own home again.
She seemed to soften.
Ive always thought of my son as my everything, she confessed. After my husband died I felt lost, useless. A friend promised me a business deal, I trusted her, and now Im penniless and homeless.
What business? I asked.
Nothing, she admitted, a rueful smile appearing. Just a scam. I was led to believe Id get a good return, but they vanished.
I felt a pang of pity despite everything.
Why didnt you tell us earlier? I asked. We could have helped.
It was embarrassing, she said, wiping a tear. Ive always been the strong, independent one. Now Im a gullible old lady.
I sighed. Anger gave way to compassion.
We should have talked, I said gently. Adults should discuss things openly instead of barging in.
She nodded, gratitude in her eyes.
Andrew returned then, surprised to see us all together.
Whats happening? he asked.
Were having a hearttoheart, I replied. About everything.
He turned to his mother.
Mum, why didnt you tell me about the scam?
I didnt want you to think I was foolish, she answered, shameful.
Id never think that, Andrew said, embracing her. But we need to sort this out together.
We agreed to go to the police the next day, then see a solicitor to see if the sale could be challenged. Wed also start looking for a small onebedroom flat for Evelyn nearby, so shed be close but wed each have our own space.
The next morning Evelyn was the first up, but she didnt fire up the vacuum. She quietly made breakfast and waited for us to come down.
Good morning, she said when we entered. Breakfast is on the table, but no pressure if you dont want it.
I smiled. It smells lovely, thank you.
Over tea we discussed our plans, laughed a little, and Evelyn even recounted a funny story from her youth. For the first time in weeks I felt truly relaxed.
At the police station they took our statements seriously and opened a case. The solicitor told us there was a chance to contest the sale if we could prove Evelyn had been misled.
It wont be easy, he warned, but its worth trying.
That evening we searched online for rental properties. I found a modest onebedroom flat a short walk from our place, price reasonable.
Well help with the deposit, Mum, Andrew said. Dont worry.
Evelyn looked relieved. Thank you both. Im grateful you havent turned your backs on an old fool.
A week later Evelyn moved into the new flat. I helped her settle, bringing in potted plants and fresh curtains.
It feels cosy, she said, admiring the space. Thank you, Poppy.
Youre always welcome to visit, I replied. Just give us a headsup first.
She promised to call before dropping by. She kept that promise, stopping by two or three times a week, often with a fresh cake or a pot of tea, always announcing her arrival in advance.
Gradually our relationship improved. She stopped the constant criticism, and I stopped feeling the sting of her remarks.
One afternoon, while baking a Victoria sponge together, Evelyn said, You know, love, Im glad things turned out like this. I used to think my son owed me everything, that I was the centre of his life. Now I see that his wife is just as important.
And youre both crucial to me, I answered. Just in different ways.
Evelyn hugged me. Thank you for taking me in and forgiving me.
Were family, I said, smiling.
Later, Andrew and I sat on the sofa in our living roomnow truly oursand I rested my head on his shoulder.
Honestly, I thought I couldnt get through the weeks with your mum here, I admitted. But it made us learn to speakNow, hand in hand, we face the future together, knowing that honesty and compassion have turned a looming crisis into a stronger, united family.
