Im sorry, love, for the harsh words I said earlier, the wouldbe motherinlaw hurriedly tells Blythe. I didnt mean them with malice. Maybe you could drop by sometime? Jamie is still on his own, still hasnt found his path since you left. He lives in a world of video games
Blythe and Harry have been together for almost two years. To Blythe, the relationship feels serious: she often visits the Thompson house, where shes received politely, though without genuine warmth. She believes they have a solid future. Harry, though a bit carefree, has charm and can show determination.
Their idyll shatters when Harry fails a crucial English exam. His neglect during the lockdownspending endless hours on games and abandoning his studiesputs him at risk of being expelled.
In the midst of the crisis, Blythe cant hold back and tells Harrys mother sharply:
I dont want a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share the chores and the earnings!
Her words hang in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Mrs. Harper takes the remark as a personal insult. She has spent her whole life caring for her husband and son, believing her role is to look after them, not to demand results. Now she expects Blythe to behave the same way.
Oh, dear! She doesnt want to be a housekeeper? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm! And a man is the head of the household!
Blythe stays silent, not wanting to inflame the argument. From then on, the door stops opening for her. Their communication reduces to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral spots. Harry suffers from the inability to see her, but instead of honesty he resorts to manipulation.
Blythe, we have to talk to my mother, Harry insists over the phone. You need to explain that you dont actually feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me and I love you. Thats the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Blythe agreesshe is willing to make a humiliating attempt to reason with a strangers mother.
Things do not go as she expects.
When Blythe arrives, Harry lets her into the hallway. At that moment, the father appears:
Harry, whats that girl doing here? he asks sharply.
Harry freezes. Blythe feels the colour drain from her face. The question sounds as if she were just an acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Blythe, we were Harry begins, but his father cuts him off:
I see who she is. Shes got to go!
From the living room, the mother steps out:
Whos making all that noise? Jamie, whos with you?
The father, ignoring Blythe, shouts:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Blythe realises she isnt welcome. Anger and humiliation drive her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay here, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of a mother! she hisses, storms out and slams the door shut.
A stunned Harry makes no move to stop her.
As Blythe steps into the stairwell, her phone rings. Harrys voice is not repentantonly furious.
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scene! Now my mothers raging, and my father wants me to never see you again!
He then drops the final blow:
And you know whats the worst part? I wont even be allowed to sit at my computer any longer.
Blythe feels hurt turn into cold determination.
You blame me because you cant play your games? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
Everything becomes clear: he hasnt changed. He remains an immature young man looking for someone to blame. He never protected her.
I cant tolerate this any longer, Jamie. Were done. This is the end, Blythe says firmly.
She blocks him everywhere. The breakup is sharp but necessary. His familys baggage is his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later, Blythe recovers from the split and starts a new life. She meets a new boyfriend; theyve been dating for three months and things are heading toward marriage.
One afternoon she bumps into Mrs. Harper in a shop.
Blythe! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw rushes over.
Blythe startles:
Hello
Mrs. Harper embraces her and fires off questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Its terrible you and Jamie broke up. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, spends all his time on the computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Harper, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Harper notices a ring on Blythes finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The former motherinlaws smile drops instantly:
Ah, so thats it! I see now! Good thing Jamie left you! We dont need someone like you!
Blythe shrugs and turns toward the shelving. In a way, Mrs. Harper was right: its fortunate she walked away from him. Its just a pity she spent time on someone who never grew up.
