«We didnt invite her,» whispered the daughter-in-law when she spotted me at the door.
«Mum, when is Granny coming?» asked little Emily, smearing the last of her porridge around her plate.
«I dont know, sweetheart. Maybe not at all,» replied Claire, clearing the breakfast dishes.
Andrew glanced up from his newspaper and shot his wife a disapproving look.
«What do you mean, not at all? Mums always come for Emilys birthday. Its practically tradition.»
«Well, let it stay a tradition in your dreams,» Claire muttered, clattering the cups into the sink.
Seven-year-old Emily frowned, looking between her parents. She hated it when they spoke to each other like this, especially when it was about Granny.
«But I want Granny to come! She always brings me presents, and we go to the park, and she tells me stories about princesses!»
«Emily, go brush your teeth. Well be late for school,» Claire interrupted.
The girl pouted but obediently slid off her chair and trudged to the bathroom.
«Claire, whats gotten into you?» Andrew said quietly, stepping closer. «Shes been looking forward to seeing her gran.»
«And whose fault is that? Your mum decided she wasnt coming back after that talk last time.»
«What talk? You just told her what you thought about her parenting advice!»
«I told her the truth!» Claires voice rose. «She spoils Emily rotten! Every time she visits, Emily spends the next week whiningGranny buys me this, Granny lets me do that!»
Andrew clenched his fists, then forced them to relax, taking a deep breath.
«Mum just loves her granddaughter. Shes been lonely since Dad passed. Emilys her only joy.»
«Oh, joy! Never mind that Im the one left dealing with the fallout!»
From the bathroom came the sound of splashing water and a nursery rhyme. Emily was brushing her teeth and humming to herself.
«Lets not argue in front of her,» Andrew pleaded. «Emily shouldnt be caught in the middle.»
Claire wiped her hands on a tea towel and slumped into a chair.
«Andrew, Im not a monster. I feel for your mum too. But shes always meddling in how we raise her, criticising me, making snide remarks. Last time, she actually said I was a bad mother because I wouldnt let Emily have ice cream before bed!»
«Shes just trying to help in her own way»
«Her own way!» Claire cut in. «And what, my way doesnt count? Shes my daughter, and I know whats best for her!»
Emily burst out of the bathroom, her chin still damp, beaming.
«Mum, Dad, lets call Granny ourselves! Tell her we really, really miss her!»
Claire and Andrew exchanged glances. In his wifes eyes, he saw exhaustion and resignation.
«Em, hurry up and get ready,» Claire said softly. «Or well be late, and Mrs. Thompson will tell us off.»
The day passed as usual. Claire dropped Emily at school, then headed to her job as an accountant at a small construction firm. The work wasnt thrilling, but the pay was steady, and that was what mattered.
At lunch, her colleague Natalie asked, «Claire, youre awfully quiet. Trouble at home?»
«Just family stuff,» Claire sighed. «Mum-in-laws upset and wont visit anymore. Emilys heartbroken.»
«What happened?»
Claire stirred her now-cold soup absently.
«Nat, maybe Im just a horrible person. But shes always telling me how to raise my child. Every visitClaire, why is Emily wearing that jumper, its too thin, Claire, arent you putting her to bed too early? Claire, you should try some vitamins, she looks peaky.»
«She means well,» Natalie said.
«Does she? Andrew told me how she dragged him to doctors every week as a kid, wrapped him up in layers, never let him play outside in case he caught a chill. And look how he turned outstill cant make a decision without second-guessing himself!»
Natalie smirked. «And now shes doing the same with Emily?»
«Exactly! Id rather she didnt come at all than have her undermine me!»
But even as she said it, Claire didnt sound convinced. Deep down, she pitied her mother-in-lawand Andrew, and Emily.
That evening, after Emily was in bed, the couple sat at the kitchen table with tea. Andrew flipped through a magazine, Claire worked on a crossword. The silence stretched.
«Listen,» Andrew finally said. «Should we call Mum? Emilys birthdays next week.»
Claire looked up sharply. «You want to call her?»
«I dont know. You were the one who told her if she didnt like how we parent, she shouldnt come. She took it to heart and left.»
«Andrew, I didnt throw her out! I just asked her to respect our choices. Shes the one who stormed off!»
«Mum was just upset»
«Mum this, Mum that!» Claire snapped. «Youre thirty-two, with a family of your own! When will you start being a husband and father instead of a mummys boy?»
Andrew paled, jaw tight. «Thats low, Claire.»
«Truth hurts. Your mums been making decisions for you your whole lifeeven chose your first girlfriend, but I didnt fit her perfect daughter-in-law mould!»
«Thats not true»
«Remember what she said when we got married? Well, Andrew, lets see how Claire handles married life. Like I was on probation!»
Andrew stood and paced the kitchen.
«Fine, maybe Mum oversteps sometimes. But shes not the enemy. She worries, she wants to help»
«She wants control!» Claire shot to her feet. «And you know it. Youre just too scared to admit it.»
«Fine,» Andrew said wearily. «We wont call. If youre so against it»
«Im not against it!» Claire burst out. «I just want her to respect boundaries! To visit as a grandmother, not a dictator!»
«Then what do you suggest?»
Claire sank back into her chair, head in her hands.
«I dont know. Honestly, I dont.»
The next day, there was trouble at school. Emily had fought with a boy named Daniel from the older class. The teacher pulled Claire aside.
«Mrs. Harper,» Mrs. Thompson said sternly, «Emilys been acting out latelyhitting, shouting at the other children. Whats going on at home?»
Claires face burned.
«Nothing unusual. Just normal family life.»
«Children pick up on tension. Emily keeps asking when Grannys coming, crying that she misses her. Today she yelled at Daniel, Youre as mean as Mum!»
Claires stomach dropped. Emily had heard more than shed realised.
«Ill talk to her,» she promised.
«You might consider a child psychologist. We have an excellent one»
«No, thank you. Well manage.»
At home, Claire sat beside Emily as she silently played with blocks.
«Em, lets talk.»
«Bout what?» Emily didnt look up.
«What happened at school. Mrs. Thompson said you hit Daniel.»
«He said Grannys never coming back cause you chased her away!» Emily burst into tears. «I called him a liar, but he laughed!»
Claire pulled her close.
«Oh, sweetheart, nobody chased Granny away. Grown-ups sometimes disagree»
«Whats disagree?»
«When people see things differently. But that doesnt mean we dont love Granny.»
«Then why isnt she coming?»
Claire hesitated. How could she explain something she barely understood herself?
Emily looked up, her eyes wet.
«Mum, can we visit Granny? Take the bus like last time?»
«Darling, its a long way, and Granny might not be expecting us»
«Lets call and ask!» Emily brightened. «Right now!»
Claire looked at her daughters hopeful face and felt her heart twist.
«Alright,» she said softly. «Well call.»
The phone rang for a long time before a familiar voice answered. Claires mouth went dry.
«Margaret? Its Claire.»
Silence. Then, stiffly:
«Yes?»
«Emilys birthdays coming up. Shes been asking for you»
«Ill phone my congratulations. Give her my love.»
«But she wants you here! She misses you»
«And you?» Margaret interrupted.
Claire faltered.
«I… I do too. Margaret, lets talk properly. No shouting, no blame.»
Another pause.
«Put Emily on.»
«Granny!» Emily squealed. «Granny, when are you coming? I can read a whole book now!»
Claire only heard Emilys side, but by her daughters face, the conversation wasnt going well.
«But Granny, I want you at my party! All my friends ask where you are… Why cant you come? …Whats grown-up problems?»
Emily handed the phone back, her lip trembling.
«Granny wants to talk to you.»
«Claire,» Margarets voice was tired. «She shouldnt suffer because of us.»
«I know.»
«Then tell mewhat do I do thats so terrible? Why do you resent me?»
Claire leaned her forehead against the wall.
«Margaret, I dont resent you. But it feels like you dont trust me as a mother. Always giving advice, criticising»
«I just want to help! I raised Andrew»
«But shes my child! Mine! And I have every right to raise her my way!»
«You do. And I have every right to my opinion!»
Claire took a steadying breath.
«Margaret, when you correct me constantly, it makes me feel like a failure. But Im trying my best. I love Emily more than anything.»
A long silence. Then, quietly:
«So do I. But perhaps we see best differently.»
«Perhaps.»
«Claire… if I visit, and I… step back a bitcould you try to be less sharp with me?»
Something in Claires chest loosened.
«I can try.»
«Then Ill come for Emilys birthday. Just for two days.»
«Alright. Margaret… thank you.»
«No. Thank you. For not cutting me out of her life.»
When Claire hung up, Emily was watching her intently.
«Mum, is Granny coming?»
«Yes, sweetheart.»
«And you wont be cross with her?»
«Ill try not to be.»
Emily threw her arms around Claires neck.
«And Ill be extra good so you dont argue!»
That night, as Claire told Andrew about the call, she realised she felt calmer than she had in months.
«You know,» she said, «maybe we were both wrong. I overreacted, and your mum overstepped.»
«Shes never been good at balance,» Andrew admitted. «Always needed control.»
«And Ive always needed to do things my way. Stubborn, I suppose.»
«Think itll work?»
«I dont know. But for Emilys sake, well try.»
On Emilys birthday, Margaret arrived with a giant cake and a small bouquet for Claire.
«We didnt invite her,» Claire murmured at first, then smiled and said louder, «But were so glad you came.»
Margaret handed her the flowers.
«Claire, lets start fresh. Ill stick to being Granny.»
«And Ill be more patient.»
Emily barrelled into the room and hugged her grandmother fiercely.
«Granny! Youre here! I thought you stopped loving me!»
«Silly girl,» Margaret choked out. «How could anyone stop loving you?»
Watching them, Claire realised theyd kept the most important thinglove. They just had to learn how to show it without stepping on each others toes.
The party passed peacefully. Margaret held back her advice; Claire bit back her retorts. Emily was happy, and that was enough.
As Margaret left, she said to Claire,
«Thank you for the second chance.»
«Thank you for loving my daughter.»
«Our daughter,» Margaret corrected with a smile.
For the first time in years, Claire thought they might just manage to be a family after all.
