Dont go tripping, Emily, I heard my motherinlaw say, glancing at our kitchen table. Ive been thinking Ill hand the flat over to my son and move in with you lot. Youve got plenty of space, after all.
Emily froze, the teacup in her hand wobbling as if it might tumble.
What? she managed, a spark of irritation flaring. You want to move in with us? But weve got our own routine, our own household. Two heads cant share one kitchen without chaos.
My brother has nothing of his own, Mary continued, waving a hand. He and his wife are hopping from rental to rental. Its time I gave him a hand. And youve just finished building the house, why waste that extra room?
Emily realized a tough conversation was about to begin, one in which every logical point would crash against my mothers stubborn resolve.
Mrs. Clarke, I interjected quietly from the window, remember we have three kids, if you havent forgotten.
So what? They dont need much, do they? Ill look after them. As for my brother you said yourself you didnt want him sleeping rough.
I said he should sort his own problems, Emily shot back. And you know he has no intention of moving in. This is your idea, not his. You havent even asked him.
Who would ever refuse a flat? Mary snapped. Wed all be better off under one roof.
Emily thought of the countless evenings my wife and I spent hammering, digging, and painting to raise our own home. Wed just finished the last nail, poured every penny and ounce of effort into it, and now the woman who never contributed a pound wanted to barge in.
The house isnt a flat, Mum, Emily said calmly. We built it ourselves over six years. While you were busy worrying about my brother, we were actually doing the work. Were not complaining, but you never offered any help.
Oh, stop exaggerating! Ive always said a flat is cozier. I tried to warn you, I meant well. Now we cant turn back. The kids are small, youll need a hand. Im doing this for you!
I could no longer hold back. Remember when you said living in a house was a fuss? No council worker will ever come, well have to sweep the yard ourselves. Why make such sacrifices for?
Whats it to you? Mary retorted, slipping on her shoes as she spoke. I stayed with you during the lockdownclean, fresh air, a proper home. It was lovely. Yes, theres work, but the three of us can manage.
Emily recalled the night we took Mary in when David fell ill. It felt temporary then, but now it seemed shed found a new purpose for our cottage on the outskirts.
You know Davids situation is a mess, Mary tried to justify. His wife and he cant sort it out. Youve got it all so nicely here
Mum, we have our own house and our own rules. You always try to impose your own canon on everyone else. We cant just upend our lives because you wish it. Cant you see that?
Because Im a mother! Mary snapped. And I want to help my son. Youre doing well because of that help, arent you? Your husbands parents contributed to the build, didnt they?
Yes, but they never demanded we let them in, Emily replied. They gave us the freedom to choose.
So theyre strangers to you, but Im your mother! Mary declared.
The argument stalled. The next morning Emily, fed up, rang David.
Hey, Dave, you know Mum wants to move in and hand us the flat?
What? David sounded baffled. What are you on about? My wife and I are heading to Cornwall. Her aunt lives there. Does Mum even know?
Emily realised none of us were on the same page. Her brother was planning a move to Cornwall, while their mother plotted a relocation to our doorstep.
She called Mary and recounted the chat.
So you didnt know, did you? Theyre off to Cornwall. Your plans are therefore moot, Emily said, her tone sharp.
A silence stretched as Mary seemed to chew over the words.
I didnt know she mumbled, then slammed the phone down.
Emily exhaled, relieved that the clash had been avertedfor now. She feared Mum might devise another scheme.
Max, can you imagine if she actually moved in? she asked, eyes wide with worry. At least we have a breather. What now?
I shrugged. Well face whatever comes, one step at a time.
She laughed nervously. Youre always so calm. How do you do it?
I put an arm around her shoulders. Because I know we can handle anything together. Even your mum.
She leaned into me, gratitude and anxiety tangled together. I knew my motherinlaw wasnt the type to give up easily.
Weeks passed. Life settled into its usual rhythm. The kids went to school, Emily and I kept up with work and the house. I tried not to think about the recent spat, though the sting lingered.
One evening, after dinner, the doorbell rang. Emily frowned and went to answer. Standing on the porch was Mary, a large suitcase in hand.
Mum? Emily gasped. What brings you here?
Mary looked weary, shoulders slumped. Emily, love May I stay with you for a while?
Emily felt her chest tighten. She let her mother in, where Max already sat with the kids.
Grandma! the youngsters shouted, scrambling toward Mary.
Good evening, Mrs. Clarke, Max said politely. Whats happened?
Mary sank onto a chair, sighing heavily. My dear children trouble. Dave, she faltered, Dave and his wife have gone to Cornwall for good.
Emily and I exchanged a look.
What? Emily asked cautiously. You knew they were leaving.
I knew, Mary nodded, but I didnt think it would happen so fast. They sold the flat.
You sold it? Where will you live? Emily snapped.
Mary lowered her eyes. Thats why Im here. Dave said he needed the money for a fresh start, and he suggested I come to you.
Anger boiled inside me. I glanced at Emily, searching for support.
Mrs. Clarke, you understand we cant just accommodate that, I said, trying to keep my tone even.
I know, I know, she interjected quickly. Im not staying forever, just until I sort something out.
Emily stayed silent, wrestling with a swirl of feelings. She was angry at Dave for his selfishness, but also at her mother for always favouring him.
Mum, she finally said, you can stay for a bit, but we need to have a serious talk.
Mary gave a grateful nod, and the children clambered around her, delighted.
Later, after the kids were asleep and Mary had settled in the spare room, Emily and I sat at the kitchen table.
What are we going to do? I asked, looking at her.
I dont know. Im angry at Dave, but Im also angry at you, Mum. Shes always taken his side, helped him more than me. And now shes here, and we have to sort it out.
I took her hand. Maybe this is a chance to set things straight. Have an honest conversation.
She managed a sad smile. Maybe. I just fear nothing will change.
The next morning, after I dropped the kids at school, I went to speak with Mary. She was bustling at the stove, flipping pancakes.
Come on, love, Im making your favouritecrepes with ricotta, she called.
A lump rose in my throat. How many times had I woken up to that smell as a child? But nostalgia had no place now.
Mum, I need to know what really happened, I said firmly. Why did Dave do this? And why did you let him?
She sighed, sitting down opposite me.
Oh, dear Im not sure how it all unfolded. Dave told me they needed the cash for a new venture in Cornwall. I just couldnt say no to him.
But that was your flat! I exclaimed. How could you just give it away?
I thought I was doing the right thing, she whispered. Daves always been a bit fragile. He always needed a hand.
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. And what about me, Mum? Do you ever see that youve always backed him more than Emily?
She looked shocked. What are you saying? Ive loved you both equally.
Really? I sneered. Who got the better presents? Who got the extra attention? Who was defended even when he was in the wrong?
She fell silent, stunned by my words.
Mom, I continued, tears threatening, Ive always tried to be a good daughter. I studied, worked hard, built my life. Now Dave has left you, and youve turned up at our door. Ill help you, because Im not him. But it hurts, Mum. It hurts badly.
She rose and tried to hug me.
Emily, Im sorry. I didnt realise she stammered.
I stepped back. I dont want your embrace right now. I need you to understand what you did wrong, and that well both have to live with the fallout.
She sank back into her chair, covering her face with her hands. Ive messed up, she whispered. Ive ruined everything.
I took a deep breath. No, not everything. We still have a chance to fix this, but both of us must change.
At that moment Max returned with the kids. Seeing the tearstained faces, he recognised the conversation had happened.
Well then, he said, pulling Emily into a hug, shall we carry on?
She nodded. We will. As a family.
Mary looked at us with gratitude and remorse. Thank you. Ill try to be better. Im truly sorry, especially you, Emily.
Emily met her mothers gaze, held it for a long moment. I forgive you, Mum. Itll be a long road, but well walk it together.
And so a new chapter began for us. The path to understanding and forgiveness wouldnt be easy, but we were ready to face it, side by side.
