We didnt invite her, whispered my daughter-in-law when she saw me at the door.
Mum, when is Granny Sophie coming? asked little Emily, smearing the last bits of porridge around her plate.
I dont know, love. Maybe she wont come at all, replied Claire, clearing the breakfast dishes.
Daniel looked up from his newspaper and shot his wife a disapproving glance.
What dyou mean, she wont come? Mums always come for Emilys birthday. Its practically tradition.
Well, she can keep that tradition in your dreams, Claire muttered, clattering the mugs into the sink.
Seven-year-old Emily frowned, glancing between her mum and dad. She hated it when they spoke to each other like thatespecially when it was about Granny Sophie.
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 or well be late for nursery, Claire cut in.
The little girl pouted but obediently slid off her chair and shuffled off to the bathroom.
Claire, what are you playing at? Daniel said quietly, stepping closer to his wife. Shes been looking forward to it.
And thats my fault, is it? Claire spun around. Your mum decided she wasnt coming anymoreafter that chat last time.
What chat? You just told her exactly what you thought about her parenting advice!
I told her the truth! Claires voice rose. She spoils Emily rotten! Every time she visits, it takes me a week to get her back to normal. Granny buys me this, Granny lets me do that!
Daniel clenched his fists, then unclenched them, taking a deep breath.
Mum just loves her. Shes lonely since Dad passedEmilys her only joy.
Joy? And Im the one who has to deal with the fallout!
From the bathroom came the sound of splashing water and Emily singing a nursery rhyme.
Look, lets not do this in front of her, Daniel pleaded. Emily doesnt need to hear this.
Claire wiped her hands on a tea towel and sank into a chair, her head dropping.
Dan, Im not a monster. I feel for your mum, too. But shes always interferingcriticising me, making little digs. Last time, she outright said I was a bad mother because I wouldnt let Emily have ice cream before bed!
Shes just trying to help
Her way! Claire cut him off. And what, my way doesnt count? Shes my daughterI know whats best for her!
Emily burst out of the bathroom, her chin damp, grinning.
Mum, Dad, lets ask Granny to come ourselves! Tell her we really, really miss her!
Claire and Daniel exchanged a glance. In his wifes eyes, he saw exhaustionand something like defeat.
Em, hurry up and get ready, Claire said softly. Or well be late, and Miss Thompson will tell us off.
The day passed as usualClaire dropped Emily at nursery, then drove to her job at a small accounting firm, crunching numbers at her desk. The work wasnt thrilling, but the pay was reliable, and that mattered.
At lunch, her colleague Jess asked, You alright? You seem off.
Just family drama, Claire sighed. Mother-in-laws upset and wont visit. Emilys heartbroken.
What happened?
Claire stirred her lukewarm soup absently.
Jess, maybe I am a bit of a cow. But shes always telling me how to raise my kid! Last time, it was, Claire, whys Emily wearing that cardigan? Its too cold, Claire, why are you putting her to bed so early? Claire, you should take her swimming moreshe looks peaky!
She just loves her granddaughter, Jess offered.
Oh, I know all about her love. When Dan was little, she dragged him to the doctor every other weekwrapped him up like a mummy, never let him play outside in case he caught a chill. He grew up scared to make his own decisions!
Jess raised an eyebrow.
And now shes doing the same with Emily?
Exactly! And I wont let her. Honestly, Id rather she didnt come at all than have her nitpick everything I do.
But she didnt say it with conviction. Deep down, she pitied her mother-in-lawand Emily, and even Dan.
That evening, after Emily was in bed, the couple sat at the kitchen table with tea. Dan flicked through a magazine; Claire did a crossword. Silence.
Listen, Dan finally said. Maybe we should call Mum. Emilys birthdays next week.
Claire looked up sharply.
You want to call her?
I dont know. You told her if she didnt like how we parent, she shouldnt come. She took it to heart.
Dan, I didnt kick her out! I just asked her to back off a bit. And she stormed out, saying horrible things!
Mum was just upset
Mum, Mum, Mum! Claire exploded. Youre thirty-two, Dan! Youve got your own family! When are you going to be a husband and father instead of a mummys boy?
Dan went pale, jaw tightening.
Dont make this personal.
Im not! Im stating facts! Your mums always ruled your lifeeven picked your girlfriends, and I didnt fit her perfect daughter-in-law mould!
Thats not true
Isnt it? Remember what she said when we got married? Well, Daniel, lets see how Claire handles married life. Like I was on probation!
Dan stood, pacing the kitchen.
Fine, maybe Mum oversteps sometimes. But shes not our enemy! She cares
She controls! Claire shot back. And you know ityoure just too scared to admit it.
Dan sighed.
Alright. We wont call. If youre that against it
Im not against it! Claire burst out. I just want her to respect boundaries! To visit as a grandmother, not a dictator!
So what do you suggest?
Claire slumped back into her chair, head in her hands.
I dont know. Honestly, I dont.
The next day, there was trouble at nursery. Emily had scrapped with a boy named Liam. The teacher pulled Claire aside.
Mrs. Harper, Miss Thompson said sternly, Emilys been very aggressive lately. Fighting, shoutingwhats going on at home?
Claire felt her face burn.
Nothing unusual. Just normal family life.
Children pick up on tension. Emily keeps asking when Grannys comingtoday, she yelled at Liam, Youre as mean as Mummy!
Claires stomach dropped. Emily had heard more than shed realised.
Ill talk to her, she promised.
We have a lovely child psychologist
No, thank you. Well handle it.
At home, Claire sat beside Emily, who was silently building with Lego.
Em, lets talk.
About what? Emily didnt look up.
What happened at nursery. Miss Thompson said you hit Liam.
He said Grannys never coming back because you chased her away! Emily burst into tears. I said he was lying, but he laughed!
Claire pulled her close.
Oh, sweetheart, no one chased Granny away. Grown-ups just disagree sometimes.
Whats disagree?
When people see things differently. But we still love Granny.
Then why isnt she coming?
Claire hesitated. How could she explain something she barely understood herself?
Emily looked up, eyes swimming.
Mum, can we go visit Granny? On the bus, like last time?
Love, its a long way, and she might not expect us
Lets call and ask! Emily brightened. Right now!
Claire looked at her daughters hopeful faceand her heart ached.
Alright, she said softly. Well call.
The phone rang for a long time. When Sophie finally answered, Claires mouth went dry.
Sophie? Its Claire.
Silence. Then, coolly:
Yes?
Emilys birthdays coming up. Shed love to see you.
Ill wish her happy birthday over the phone.
But she wants you there! She misses you
And you? Sophie cut in.
Claire faltered.
I I do too. Sophie, lets talk properly. No shouting, no grudges.
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 her daughters face fell.
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, lip trembling.
She wants to talk to you.
Claire, Sophies voice was tired. Emily shouldnt suffer because of us.
I agree.
Then tell mewhat do I do thats so terrible? Why cant you stand me?
Claire leaned her forehead against the wall.
Sophie, its not that. I just feel like you dont trust me as a mother. Always correcting me, criticising
Im trying to help! I raised Dan
But shes my child! Claires voice broke. I get to raise her my way!
And I get to have an opinion!
Claire took a steadying breath.
Sophie, when you constantly correct me, it makes me feel like Im failing. But Im trying my bestI love her more than anything.
A long silence. Then, quietly:
So do I. Maybe we just see best differently.
Maybe.
Claire if I come, and I step back a bit, can you try to be less prickly?
Something in Claires chest loosened.
I can try.
Then Ill come for the party. Just for two days.
Thank you, Sophie.
No. Thank you. For not cutting me out of her life.
When Claire hung up, Emily was watching her closely.
Mum, is Granny coming?
She is, sweetheart.
And you wont be cross with her?
Ill try not to be.
Emily hugged her tightly.
Ill be extra good so you dont argue!
That night, telling Dan about the call, Claire felt oddly calm.
Maybe we were both wrong, she admitted. I overreacted; your mum overstepped.
Shes always struggled with boundaries, Dan said.
And Ive struggled with sharing control.
Think itll work?
I dont know. But we owe it to Emily to try.
On the day, Sophie arrived with a huge cake and a small bouquet for Claire.
We didnt invite her, Claire whispered automaticallythen smiled and said louder, But were so glad youre here.
Sophie handed her the flowers.
Lets start over. Ill stick to being Granny.
And Ill try to be less defensive.
Emily rushed over, clinging to Sophie.
Granny! You came! I thought you didnt love me anymore!
Silly girl, Sophie choked out. How could I ever stop loving you?
Watching them, Claire realisedtheyd never lost the love. They just had to learn how to show it without stepping on each others toes.
The party went smoothly. Sophie bit back her advice; Claire bit back her reactions. Emily was happythat was enough.
As Sophie left, she said,
Thank you for the second chance.
Thank you for loving my daughter.
Our daughter, Sophie correctedand smiled.
For the first time in years, Claire thoughtmaybe they could be a proper family after all.
