Emily pulled her car to a stop just a street away from her mother-in-laws house. The clock read 5:45 PMshed arrived earlier than agreed. Perhaps this time shell appreciate my punctuality, she thought, smoothing the creases from her new dress. The giftan antique brooch shed spent months hunting down through collectorswas carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she approached the house, Emily noticed the ground-floor window slightly ajar. From inside, her mother-in-laws voice carried through:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She didnt even bother to ask what cake I like! Ordered some modern dessert Our son always adored a proper Victoria sponge, and she a pause, doesnt even understand. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet seemed to root to the pavement.
Of course, Ive told you beforeshes not right for William. Works day and night at that clinic of hers, barely home. What sort of housewife is that? Popped round theirs yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture And her, naturally, tied up with some complicated surgery!
Everything inside her stilled. Emily leaned against the fence, knees trembling. For seven years, shed tried to be the perfect daughter-in-law: cooked, cleaned, remembered every birthday, visited when her mother-in-law was ill. And all for nothing
No, I wont say a word, but is a woman like that really suited to my son? He needs a proper family, warmth, care And shes always at conferences or on night shifts. Doesnt even think of children! Can you imagine?
Her head pounded. Mechanically, she pulled out her phone and dialed her husband.
William? Ill be a bit late. Yes, everythings fine, just traffic.
She turned and walked back to the car. Sat stiffly, staring blankly ahead. The words shed just heard echoed in her skull: Could do with more salt, In my day, women stayed home, William works so hard, he needs extra tending
Her phone buzzeda message from her husband: Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile curled her lips. Fine, she thought. If they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.
She started the engine and turned back toward the house. The plan formed in an instant.
No more trying to please. It was time to show them what a proper daughter-in-law could be.
Emily swept into the house with the widest smile she could muster. Dearest Mummy! she trilled, embracing her mother-in-law with exaggerated warmth. Forgive my lateness, but I popped into three different shops to find those exact scents of candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, startled by the outburst. I thought she began, but Emily pressed on:
Oh, and guess whatI ran into your friend Margaret on the way! Such a lovely woman, always so honest, dont you think? Emily held her mother-in-laws gaze, watching the colour drain from her face.
All through dinner, Emily performed the role of a lifetime. She heaped the choicest portions onto her mother-in-laws plate, loudly marvelled at every word she spoke, and endlessly sought advice on household matters.
Mummy darling, do you think a roast should rest for twenty minutes or thirty? And the carpetsshould I vacuum in the morning or evening? Perhaps I should quit my job? After all, William needs a proper family, doesnt he?
William stared at her, bewildered; relatives exchanged glances. But Emily didnt stop:
Ive been thinkingmaybe I should take a course in homemaking? Give up this silly surgery business A woman ought to be the keeper of the hearth, shouldnt she, Mummy?
Her mother-in-laws fork tapped nervously against her plate. With every passing minute, her confidence withered. Finally, she pushed her chair back. Thats enough, Emily, she said, voice thin. You dont have to perform.
Emily leaned in, her smile softening. Oh, but I want to. I *do* want to be the daughter-in-law you deserve.
Silence settled over the table. Then, quietly, her mother-in-law whispered, I think youve been exactly that all along.
Emily reached across and gently squeezed her hand. Then maybe we can start over. As equals.
The room exhaled. William reached for Emilys hand under the table, and this time, she didnt pull away.
