Hold on, what did you just say? Natalie stared at Max, halfexpecting shed misheard. He let out a weary sigh, ran a hand across his face as if trying to rub the fatigue away.
Mum sold her little cottage up in the country, he repeated, quieter. She only has enough money for part of the flat, so shell be moving in with us until she figures something else out.
Natalie froze, coffee cooling in her mug, though she didnt even notice. The only thought racing through her head was how? Shed have her mum crashing in their tiny twobed flat?
Max, you remember were renting a tworoom flat, right? One of the rooms is our spare, she said.
Max turned sharply toward her, his face tight, his eyes holding a resigned look.
What am I supposed to do? Let her sleep on the street?
She set her mug down.
Im not saying that, Natalie said. We just need to sort out how to make this work. It isnt just for a week, is it?
Maxs voice quivered a little, a flicker of hope slipping in.
Maybe three or four months tops. Shell sort something out, and then were back to normal.
Natalie fell silent, remembering how her motherinlaw always found something to criticise the soup too bland, the dress too short, her job not serious enough. Now that same woman would be living under the same roof.
Max stepped closer, took her hands; his fingers were cold.
Nat, youve got to understand. Shes my mum. I cant just leave her in that mess.
She looked into his eyes and saw a pleading, almost desperate stare. She nodded, even though every part of her was shouting no.
Fine, she exhaled. But no more than four months. Deal?
Deal, Max said, relief softening his features.
Three days later, Margaret Mags Harper shuffled into the flat with three massive suitcases and a couple of duffel bags. The moment she crossed the threshold she glanced around, pursed her lips as if tasting something sour.
This flat is tiny. And its rather dark in here, she complained.
Max hurriedly grabbed the suitcases, trying to smooth over the awkward moment.
Mum, youll be in the bedroom. Nat and I will crash on the couch, thatll be fine.
Natalie stood in the doorway, stunned. Max hadnt even asked her before handing over the bedroom.
Max, can we talk about this? she whispered as Mags disappeared to start unpacking in their own room.
Max waved a hand, not even meeting her gaze.
Nat, theres nothing to discuss. Mum cant sleep on the couch, her backs shot. Well manage for a bit, its only temporary.
Natalie swallowed, her anxiety building. She tried to push it away it was only a few months, Mags would find somewhere else soon enough.
But Mags seemed intent on testing Natalies patience. Every morning she launched a new comment, each one pouring out like shed hit a faucet.
Your porridge is a bit off, love. I like mine fluffier. Add a splash more milk and a pinch of sugar, shed say, wrinkling her nose at the bowl.
Natalie clenched her teeth, ate in silence. She kept reminding herself its my husbands mum, I have to put up with it.
One evening, Mags flipped through a magazine and, without even looking up, asked, Are you still doing that marketing thing? It sounds a bit odd. I mean, a teacher or an accountant makes sense, but marketing what do you actually do?
Natalie answered calmly, I create promotion strategies, help companies boost sales and attract customers.
Mags smirked. Right. As long as its useful somehow.
Natalies fists tightened under the table, nails digging into her palms. She kept repeating a mantra: a few months, then shes out. Its not forever.
When the rent was due, Max lowered his eyes and muttered sheepishly, Nat, I cant cover my half this month. I gave my salary to Mum; she needs the money more.
Natalie froze, phone halfway to her ear. She still has the cash from selling the cottage.
Max stared at the floor, avoiding her gaze. She doesnt want to spend it. Its earmarked for her own place, you know?
Natalie nodded, paid the whole £1,200 herself. Her own salary covered it, but the weight in her chest stayed heavy.
The next month was worse. Max didnt contribute at all. Food ran out twice as fast Mags ate a lot and was very particular, constantly asking for pricier cottage cheese, extra yoghurt, the occasional organic jam. Cleaning supplies vanished like magic.
Natalie bought everything herself, lugging heavy bags from the shop. Max never offered a hand; he was always occupied looking after his mum, driving her to appointments, running errands.
At the end of the month they all sat down for dinner: Natalie, Max, and Mags. The pot of borscht on the hob was already being criticised for lacking enough parsley and garlic.
Natalie set her spoon down, took a deep breath. Max, we have to pay the rent tomorrow.
Maxs jaw tightened; his cheek muscles twitched.
Theres no money.
Natalies anger flared. No money? Two months now, Max! She snapped.
Mags frowned. Why are you nagging him? Why are you demanding money from him?
That was the last straw. Im fed up with covering everything on my own! she shouted, voice cracking. Rent, bills, groceries all on me! Three people live here and Im doing it all alone!
Mags sprang up, her face flushing. You should understand my situation! I need a proper flat, not a cramped room!
Just get a room somewhere else, then! Natalie retorted, rising. You could even take a loan, you two are young, healthy, employed. Why cant you help?
The room fell silent. Max stared at the floor, his silence heavy. Did you talk to your mum about this? Natalie asked.
He nodded, still not looking up.
Everything clicked into place, like a puzzle finally forming its picture. They’d been waiting for the right moment to pin the loan on her as well, to make her not just pay everything but also fall into debt for a mother who never said thank you.
Natalie stood, voice steady. Ive had enough.
She started stuffing her things into a suitcase, each item feeling like a tiny fire. Max lunged after her, trying to grab her wrist.
Natalie, wait. We need to talk! he pleaded.
She shook him off. Let go of me. Theres nothing to discuss. Nothing at all.
Your mum needs the money! She doesnt care about me! And youre ready to ruin our future for her!
She zipped her suitcase, grabbed her coat, and headed for the door. Mags stood in the hallway, smug as if shed just won a prize.
Well, good luck getting out, Mags sneered. Max needs a proper wife, not a selfish one.
Natalie walked past without a word, out into the stairwell and took a deep breath.
Her own mother met her at the bottom, no questions, just a hug and a gentle push toward her room.
Rest, love, she whispered. Well talk tomorrow if you want.
The next morning Natalie filed for divorce. Max called, texted, begged her to come back, promising everything would change, that Mags would move out, that hed finally get it.
But Natalie saw the truth: there was no future with this man. Hed chosen his mother and her endless demands over her, over their life together.
The divorce went through quickly. In the final hearing Max looked exhausted, whispered, Im sorry.
Natalie nodded, left the court building, and felt a lightness she hadnt felt in ages, as if a massive weight had finally lifted.
She was free from Max, from his mothers endless expectations. Now she could start fresh, for herself, not for anyone else.
