Either your mum moves out, or were getting a divorce, I said, giving my wife an ultimatum after yet another of her antics.
How long are we gonna wait? Well be late! Poppy glanced anxiously at the clock, shifting from foot to foot in the hallway.
Im ready, just need to fix my tie, called Andrew from the bedroom. Wed have been out the door already if you hadnt changed your outfit three times.
Dont even start! Poppy snapped, a hint of irritation in her voice. I want to look proper at your office party, not like a drab mouse!
Andrew stepped into the doorway, tightening his knot. At fortyfive he still kept a trim figure, though a few silver strands were showing at his temples.
You always look great, he said softer. Especially when youre not nervous.
Poppy opened her mouth to reply, but just then her mother, Eleanor Harris, appeared from the kitchen, a steaming mug of tea in her hands.
Going somewhere all dressed up? she asked, giving them a keen look.
Its Andrews office party, Mum, Poppy corrected, fixing her earrings. I mentioned it this morning.
Right, Id forgotten, Eleanor sipped her tea. And why so late? Its already nine.
Thats why were in a rush, Andrew tried to stay calm, though his blood was already boiling. Poppy, should we grab a taxi or drive?
A taxi, please. Id like you to relax a bit too. Poppy fished her phone out.
Exactly, Eleanor interjected. These men are always first to drink, but the moment its about taking responsibility they disappear into the bushes.
Andrew clenched his teeth, counting to ten. Every comment from his motherinlaw felt like a accusation, even the weather talk.
Mum, please, Poppy whispered, giving Andrew an apologetic glance.
Fine, Ill be quiet, Eleanor said, retreating to the kitchen but leaving the door ajar to eavesdrop.
The taxi should be here in five minutes, Poppy said, slipping her phone into her evening bag.
Got the keys? Andrew asked, slipping on his jacket.
Yep, all set.
Eleanor popped back into view. And when will you be back? Should I lock the door for the night?
No need, Mum. We have a spare set.
What if you lose them? Or have a few too many drinks? she eyed Andrew skeptically.
We wont lose them, Andrew snapped. I know my limits.
Everyone says that, then… she started, but the doorbell cut her off. The taxi pulled up, and Andrew exhaled a sigh of relief. Another night without Eleanors endless commentary.
Dont stay out too late! she shouted after them.
In the back seat, Poppy squeezed Andrews hand. Sorry about my mum. She just worries.
Of course, he replied, watching the dark street lights flicker past. Sometimes he imagined just being one of those strangers on the pavement, free from the feeling that every step was being judged.
Three months earlier Eleanor had moved in after Poppys dad passed away. It was meant to be temporary, just until she got used to life without him. But what was supposed to be a stopgap turned into a permanent arrangement, and Andrew felt their threebedroom flat turning into a cramped cage.
The office party was at a swanky restaurant in the heart of London polished décor, live jazz, colleagues in their best evening wear. Andrew started to unwind, chatting with coworkers and their partners. Poppy looked radiant in a dark navy dress, turning heads all night.
The husbands a real gentleman, said Victor Sinclair, the company director, as they lingered by the bar. A true lady.
Thanks, Andrew said proudly, watching Poppy animatedly talk with Victors wife. Im lucky.
How long have you two been married?
Fifteen years this April.
Impressive. Any kids?
Nope, Andrew shook his head. We never managed.
That was a sore spot. Theyd tried for years, gone through tests, treatments. Doctors kept saying everything was fine, just a matter of patience. Eventually Poppy decided they were happy as they were.
The evening went on. Andrew had a couple of glasses of wine, never more he always knew his limit, despite Eleanors nagging. By eleven he was ready to head home.
Want to stay a bit longer? Poppy asked, eyes bright. We just started dancing.
Give us half an hour, then well go, he agreed. Tomorrows a work day.
She smiled and pulled him onto the dance floor. To a slow tune they swirled like they used to in their younger days, Andrew holding her close, inhaling the scent of her perfume, feeling for a moment that everything was alright. He thought, Just a bit of motherinlaw drama, nothing we cant handle.
They got back around midnight. The flat was still lit, though they hoped Eleanor was already asleep.
Finally, youre back, Eleanor called from the hallway as they stepped inside. I thought Id have to call the police.
Its just a party, Mum, Poppy sighed. Nothing to worry about.
In my day respectable people didnt come home that late, Eleanor muttered, pursing her lips. And youre not bringing any booze home, Andrew.
Just two glasses for the whole night, he managed calmly.
Everyone says that.
Mom, were exhausted, Poppy intervened. Lets talk tomorrow.
Of course, of course, Eleanor huffed dramatically. Im nobody here, my opinions dont matter.
Andrew slipped off to the bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the days tension. Fifteen years of marriage and hed never felt so strained. When he returned, Poppy was already in bed.
Dont mind Mum, she whispered. Shes still hurting after dads death.
I get that, Andrew lay down beside her. But this has been three months now. Shes always here, always commenting.
Give her time, Poppy rubbed his arm. Shell adjust.
Andrew wanted to tell her he was scared to get used to constant criticism, to having to account for every move, to losing any personal space. He kept quiet. Poppy drifted off, and he faced another long workday.
Morning started with the smell of fried fish a scent Andrew had hated since childhood, which Eleanor knew all too well.
Good morning, Eleanor grumbled, setting a plate down. Breakfast is almost ready.
Thanks, but Ill grab a bite at the office, Andrew said, pouring himself a coffee. Im in a rush.
Always the same, she sighed dramatically. My cooking isnt good enough for a senior manager.
Its not about the food, he took a sip. I really have to go.
Poppy will have breakfast at home like a proper wife, Eleanor said, placing a hefty piece of fish on the plate. Not like some people who fly around like lunatics.
Andrew finished his coffee in silence and headed out. In the hallway he ran into a halfasleep Poppy.
Leaving already? she asked, surprised.
Lots to do, he kissed her cheek. Your mum made fish again.
Ugh, not again, Poppy wrinkled her nose. Ill talk to her.
No need, Andrew sighed. It wont change anything.
The workday dragged. He couldnt focus, his mind kept drifting back to home. At lunch, Poppy called.
Hey, hows it going? her voice sounded tense.
Fine, working. Whats up?
Mum was sorting through your wardrobe, saying she was tidying up. I told her you hate it when anyone touches your stuff, and she got upset.
I’m fed up, Andrew blurted. Why does she think she can manage our house?
She just wants to help, Poppy defended. Shes always busy, needs something to do.
Let her mind her own business! he snapped, then realized colleagues might hear. Ill call back later.
He hung up, staring out the window. Maybe they should ask her to move back into her own flat? Shed sold hers soon after her husband died, saying too many memories lingered. Now there was nowhere for her to go.
That evening Andrew stayed late at the office, avoiding the flat. When he finally got home, Poppy met him looking guilty.
Did something happen? he asked, slipping off his shoes.
Mum accidentally broke your model airplane, she said quietly. The one you brought back from Germany.
Andrews heart stopped. The rare Messerschmitt hed spent months restoring lay shattered on the floor.
Accidentally? he asked, voice tight.
She was vacuuming, hit the wardrobe, and it fell.
Why was she vacuuming in my study? he asked, anger rising. We agreed that was offlimits!
She wanted to do something nice, Poppy whispered, eyes down. She knew Id be home late and tried to tidy up.
Where is she?
At a neighbours. She said shed come back once youre calm.
Andrew walked into his study. The models wings were snapped, the fuselage split in two. Months of painstaking work reduced to fragments.
This is the last straw, he muttered, staring at the wreckage.
Andrew, please, Poppy pleaded from behind. She didnt mean it.
Its not about the plane, he turned to her. Its about your mother not respecting our space, our rules, our relationship. Shes always meddling.
Shes only looking out for us, Poppy defended, but the confidence had drained from her voice.
No, shes not looking out for us. Shes controlling, and I cant live like this any longer.
What do you mean? Poppys eyes widened with fear.
Either your mum moves out, or we get a divorce, he said, the words hanging heavy. Im serious. Ive reached my limit.
Poppy recoiled as if struck. You cant be serious! Kick my own mother out?
Im not kicking her out. She can rent a flat nearby. Well help financially, visit, anything. But I cant keep living under the same roof.
What if I choose my mum? she asked quietly.
Then well have to part ways, Andrew answered, equally quietly. Fifteen years Ive put you first, but the last three months I feel like a guest in my own home.
Tears streamed down Poppys cheeks. Its not fair! Mum is alone, she needs support!
My wife, Andrew said gently, moving closer. I need my home, a place where I can unwind without another comment or intrusion.
Just then the front door slammed open Eleanor stormed in, having heard the voices from the study.
Oh, here you are, she started, as if announcing a surprise. Probably already said all those nasty things about me, huh? I was only trying to help. And that dusty little toy of yours was already gathering cobwebs, nothing useful about it.
Mum! Poppy shouted. Not now, please.
When? Eleanor retorted. When will your husband finally listen to the truth? He
Enough, Andrew interrupted, surprisingly calm. Eleanor, lets sit down and talk like adults.
She fell silent, surprised. They moved to the living room, Andrew taking a chair, Poppy and her mother settling on the sofa.
I understand this is hard for you, Andrew began. Losing a partner after so many years is tough. But you need to see our side too. Poppy and I have built a life together for fifteen years, and now its under threat.
Because of me? Eleanor snapped.
Yes, Andrew replied straight. Because of the constant control, the remarks, the interference. I feel like a stranger in my own house.
This is my house now, too, she said stubbornly.
Thats exactly why we need to talk, Andrew continued, keeping his tone steady. I think it would be better if you lived separately.
Youre throwing my daughter out onto the street? Eleanor shouted, hands flailing. Thats absurd!
No ones being thrown out, Andrew replied patiently. We can find a nearby flat, visit, help with the rent.
And if I refuse? she crossed her arms.
Then, Im afraid Poppy and I wont be able to live together, Andrew said, looking at his wife. Ive already told her that.
Youre a blackmailer! Eleanor wailed. Poppy, youre letting this happen?
Poppys tearstreaked face lifted. I dont know what to do, Mum. I love you both, but Andrews right the last few months have been terrible for everyone.
So you want me to leave? Eleanors voice trembled with hurt.
I want us all to be happy, Poppy whispered. Right now, no one is happy not you, not Andrew, not me.
Silence fell. Eleanor stared between her daughter and soninlaw, as if seeing them for the first time.
I never thought it would get this bad, she finally said. I thought I was helping.
We appreciate the care, Andrew said gently. But sometimes caring can be overbearing.
Eleanor lowered her head. After your dad died I was terrified of being alone. The silence, the emptiness. Thats why I shoved myself into everything, tried to control things, just to feel needed.
Poppy wrapped her arms around her mother. We love you, Mum. Youll always be part of our lives. But maybe Andrews right maybe it would be better if you lived nearby, but separately?
Eleanor stayed quiet for a long moment, then sighed. Youre probably right. I didnt want to admit it, but Ive been overstepping. Its hard to accept that Im no longer the centre of my little girls world.
Youll always be important to us, Andrew said. We just need to respect each others boundaries.
They talked for agesplans, the future, how to rebuild ties. For the first time in three months Andrew felt truly heard. He began to see his motherinlaw not as an enemy, but as a lonely woman scared of being irrelevant.
The next day Poppy found an advert for a onebed flat in the next street. They viewed it, paid the deposit, and helped Eleanor move in a week later.
Are you still mad at me? Poppy asked when they returned to their flat after the move.
For what? Andrew replied, puzzled.
For the ultimatum. It was harsh.
Sometimes you have to be firm to protect what really matters, he said, pulling her into a hug. I didnt want to lose you, but I couldnt keep going like that.
You know, Poppy mused, Mum sounds almost happy now. She said shed joined a seniorcitizen club.
See? She needed her own life, not just looking after us.
They settled onto their sofa, the house finally quiet. Poppys phone buzzed with a message from her muma picture of her new cosy living room, flowers and photographs everywhere.
Looks like weve got it right, Poppy smiled.
Andrew nodded, feeling the tension of the past months ease away. Sometimes you have to reach the edge to find a new path. Sometimes you have to take a risk to keep what matters most. And sometimes, even the toughest ultimatums can lead to a happy ending for everyone.
