My son lives here, so Ill be staying as well, said my motherinlaw as she stepped into the flat.
Lets go to the market on Saturday for some seedlings, Emma suggested, pouring tea for me. Well pick up tomatoes and cucumbers for the garden.
I nodded, scrolling through the news on my phone.
Sounds good. Lets head off early, otherwise the queue will be a nightmare.
Deal, Emma said, sitting opposite me. And maybe we could catch a film in the evening? Theres a new release Ive been wanting to see.
I looked up from the screen and smiled.
Sure thing, love. Its been ages since we went out just the two of us.
Emma let out a contented sigh. That was the life Id always imaginedquiet evenings, weekend plans, no rush. After eight years of marriage wed learned to cherish this calm domestic harmony.
My phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and frowned.
Its Mum, I said.
Answer it, Emma prompted.
Hello, Mum, I switched to speakerphone. Whats happened?
James, dear, Ive got news! my mothers voice crackled, excited. Ive sold my flat!
Emma and I exchanged a startled look.
How could you sell it? I stammered. You never mentioned you were thinking of moving.
It just came up, she babbled. Our neighbour Tamara mentioned her nephew was looking for a place. He offered a good price, I agreed. The moneys already transferred, and well sign the papers tomorrow.
Mum, wait, I said, rubbing my nose. Where will you live?
You have a spare room, dont you? she replied as if it were obvious. Ill be there tomorrow with my things.
A chill ran down my spine. Emma looked at me, but I could only manage a bewildered silence.
Mum, can we discuss this calmly? I finally managed. Come over and well talk.
Theres nothing to discuss, my mothers tone took on a metallic edge. Im your mother, I have nowhere else to go. Alright, Im off, lots to do. See you tomorrow!
A few beeps later I put the phone down slowly.
Shes joking, isnt she? Emma whispered.
Im not sure, I ran a hand through my hair. Mum can be impulsive. Maybe shell explain everything tomorrow.
But I knew my motherinlaw well. Helen never joked about moving in when it involved her son. If she said she was coming to live with us, it would be as good as done.
That night I lay awake, picturing the future Helen in our kitchen, in our living room, constantly offering unsolicited advice. I turned over, while James slept peacefully beside me.
In the morning I rose feeling crushed and exhausted. James had already left for work, leaving a note: Emma, dont worry. Well sort it out with Mum tonight. Love you. I crumpled the note. It was easy for him to say dont worry when his mother was about to upend our lives.
At work I couldnt concentrate. My colleague Laura noticed my gloom.
Whats got you down, Emma? she asked.
I sighed and recounted yesterdays call.
Oh dear, Laura shook her head. My sister went through the same thing mother moved in, they split after three months.
Dont scare me, I muttered, my heart skipping.
Im not scaring you, Im being honest, Laura said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. But maybe yours will be different. Perhaps your motherinlaw is reasonable?
I managed a bitter smile. Reasonable. Helen believed she was the only one who could properly cook a roast, wash the laundry, and run a household. Every visit turned into a barrage of critiques and suggestions.
That evening I arrived home earlier than usual, hoping for a few quiet hours before Helens arrival. I walked through each room, as if saying goodbye to the life Id known: the cosy bedroom, the sitting room where James and I watched films, the kitchen where I loved to experiment with recipes.
The lock clicked. James entered, followed by a hulking mover with a massive suitcase, and two more bags in the hallway.
My son lives here, so Ill be staying as well, Helen announced as she stepped inside.
Behind her, the mover began unloading a huge suitcase, while more boxes waited by the door.
Hello, Emma, Helen pecked me on the cheek. Here I am. James, show me where I can settle in.
James looked at me, guilt plain on his face.
Mum, can we talk first? Have a cuppa before you get settled?
Later, Helen brushed off. Im tired after the long journey. Show me the room, will you?
We only have two rooms, Mum, James began. The bedroom and the sitting room.
The sitting room will be mine, of course, Helen said as if it were a given. Is the sofa a pullout? Perfect. Young man, she turned to the mover, take everything into that room.
I stood there, stunned. Our sitting room? The place we entertained friends and relaxed after work?
Mum, can we at least discuss this properly? I said firmly. You didnt warn us, you didnt ask.
Helen turned to me, her eyes cold and superior.
This is my sons flat. Im his mother. I dont need anyones permission.
But Im his wife! I blurted.
Exactly, wife, she emphasized. And Im mother. Blood ties.
James hovered between us, pale and helpless. I expected him to defend me, but he stayed silent.
Fine, Helen said, paying the mover and closing the door behind him. Whats dinner time?
I havent cooked, I snapped through clenched teeth.
No problem, she replied, heading to the kitchen. Ill make it myself. You lot survive on ready meals, do you?
Alone with James in the hallway, I fought back tears.
Why did you stay silent? Why didnt you tell her she cant just move in?
Emma, shes my mother, James gestured helplessly. She really has nowhere to go. She sold her flat.
And you didnt ask us? Discuss it? My voice trembled. Are we just furniture in this flat?
Of course not, James tried to hug me, but I stepped back. I know this is sudden, but it wont be forever. Shell find somewhere else soon.
She just sold her flat! I shouted. How does she plan to get a new place?
James fumbled. She she says shes put the money into some investment, I think.
Where? I demanded, my mind racing. James, explain!
Im not sure, he admitted, avoiding my gaze. Mum said it was a good deal, a friends business venture.
I closed my eyes. So Helen hadnt just sold a flat; shed vanished the proceeds into whoknowswhat and now expected to live with us.
From the kitchen came the clatter of dishes and Helens muttering.
Not a single decent saucepan! How can you cook with this lot?
I fled to the bedroom, slammed the door, and collapsed on the bed. For the first time in eight years I wanted to pack my things and leave. But where? And why should I have to abandon my own home?
An hour later Helen called us to dinner. The table was steaming with shepherds pie.
Sit down while its hot, she ordered. James, slice the bread.
James obeyed. I sat silently, the aroma pleasant but my appetite gone.
Whats the matter? Helen asked. Dont you like it?
Just not hungry, I replied.
Strange, she said, taking a spoonful. A working woman should eat well. Perhaps youre on a diet? You could stand to lose a few stone.
I clenched my fists under the table. The tirade had begun.
Mum, James said, trying to smooth things over, Emma looks lovely.
I didnt say anything wrong, Helen retorted, offended. I just care. You want your wife to look attractive?
She already does, James muttered, cheeks flushing.
After dinner Helen announced, Tomorrow Ill do a deep clean. It looks like you havent bothered properly in ages.
I gritted my teeth. I cleaned this flat every Saturday; everything gleamed.
Its clean enough, I said.
Only you think so, dear, Helen replied condescendingly. A novice eye misses much. Ive always kept a spotless home. Remember, James?
I remember, Mum, he said, weary.
In the bedroom I finally let the tears flow. James gave me an awkward hug.
Emma, please dont cry. This is only temporary.
How long? A month? A year? Forever? I sobbed.
I dont know, he admitted. Well figure something out.
You didnt stand up for me when she mentioned my weight, I said sharply. You stayed silent.
I told her youre beautiful! he replied, but it sounded hollow.
Only after she kept on, I retorted, pulling away. This is my flat too. Im not going to let my motherinlaw dictate how I live!
Hes just used to his mums ways, James tried to explain. Shes always been the one running the household.
Then let her run her own house! I snapped. Im not being fair I have nowhere else to go, but I cant keep letting her take over everything. Choose her or me.
Emma, dont be ridiculous, James frowned. I love you. But shes my mother. I cant throw her out.
And what am I supposed to do? Put up with her antics?
Her only problem is caring for us, he said, irritated. Shes just looking out for us.
Caring? Shes telling me how to live in my own home! I shouted.
Lets try to get along, James pleaded, taking my hands. Please, for my sake.
I turned away, finally managing to sleep only at dawn.
Morning found me awake to the whir of a vacuum. The clock read 6:45 a Saturday, our day off.
I slipped on a robe and left the bedroom to see Helen in an apron, vacuuming the sitting room.
Good morning! she called over the noise. Got up early, didnt want to waste the day!
Its half past seven, Helen, I tried to stay calm. Its Saturday. Couldnt you start a bit later?
The early bird catches the worm! she chirped cheerily. You youngsters love to lounge about. In my day
I didnt finish the sentence. I retreated to the bedroom, where James was just waking.
Youve got your mother vacuuming at seven on a Saturday, I muttered.
James winced. Ill speak to her.
But before I could, Helen finished cleaning and called us to breakfast.
Now that everythings proper, James, have a seat. Ive made crumpets. Emma, want a cup of tea?
I nodded wordlessly. A stack of golden crumpets sat on the table.
Look, they smell brilliant, James said, reaching for one.
Indeed, Helen beamed. I used my secret family recipe. Remember how I used to make them every Sunday when you were a child?
I do, James smiled.
I sipped tea in silence, thinking of the crumpets I could bake just as well. James gobbled his, oblivious to my thoughts.
By the way, Helen said, turning to me, I need to sort the bathroom. Towels are all over, cosmetics everywhere. Ill tidy it up.
Its fine as it is, I replied coldly.
Oh, love, she said patronisingly. You havent had much experience yet. Ill show you how.
I stood, Excuse me, Ill be in my room.
Emma, you havent even tried the crumpets! James called after me.
I slipped into the bedroom, closed the door, and collapsed onto the bed. For the first time in months I wanted to pack my bags and walk out. But where? And why should I abandon my own home?
A knock on the door announced James.
Whats happening, Emma? Why are you acting like this? he asked.
How am I acting? Shes behaving as if this is her house!
Shes not doing it out of malice, James said, sitting beside me. She just wants to help.
Help? Shes trying to take my place, to prove shes the best housekeeper, the best wife for you.
What are you talking about? James looked genuinely confused.
Im saying shes keeping you under her thumb, making you her child forever while Im the outsider who stole his wife, I said, exhausted.
Its nonsense, James protested. Mum respects us.
Respect? She just told me I have no experience, that shell teach me! I retorted. In my own home!
The silence stretched. Helens eyes were fixed on her teacup, her hands trembling slightly.
I I really didnt know about the pneumonia or the redundancy, she began, voice shaking. I just thought I was being helpful.
Because you never asked, I said, trying not to sound cruel. You just assumed.
She looked down, tears welling. After my husband died I felt lost, lonely. I thought if I was useful, I wouldnt be a burden. A friend suggested I invest in a business promised big returns. I believed her, and now the moneys gone, the flat sold, and Im left with nothing.
What business? I asked, wary.
None. It was a scam, she admitted, a bitter smile crossing her face. They vanished after three months. I was terrified to tell James, thought hed think I was foolish. I hoped I could sort it out quietly.
I listened, the pieces falling into place.
Why didnt you tell us straight away? I asked. We could have helped.
It was embarrassing, she said, voice soft. Ive always been independent, strong. Suddenly Im a helpless old lady who got swindled.
I felt the anger draining, replaced by a strange pity for the frightened woman behind the domineering façade.
Helen, next time you should have just talked to us, like adults, I said gently. Not barged in and turned our lives upside down.
She nodded, tears slipping. Im used to controlling, giving orders. After my husband died I was alone, no one to speak to. When I came here I thought if I was useful, you wouldnt send me away. Cooking, cleaning, teaching you I thought that would keep me needed.
I dont need lessons, I said, smiling faintly. Im an adult with my own ways. Your constant corrections hurt.
I see that now, she murmured. I was a bull in a china shop.
At that moment James entered the kitchen.
Whats going on? he asked cautiously.
Were having a hearttoheart, Emma answered.
Mum, why didnt you tell us about the scam? James asked.
I didnt want you to think I was foolish, she replied, guilt evident.
James, Ill never think youre foolish, he said, pulling her into a hug. But you should have told us straight away. We could have figured something out.
What now? Helen asked, sighing. The moneys vanished, the flat gone. Im at fault.
James looked at me. Tomorrow well go to the police and file a report.
Also we should see a solicitor, I added. Maybe we can challenge the sale if we prove you were misled.
Helen stared at me, surprised. You want to help me after everything Ive done?
Of course, I said. Youre part of our family now.
She broke into genuine tears. Im sorry, Emma. Ive been terrible, criticised you, meddled where I shouldnt.
Its alright now, I said, rubbing her back. The important thing is weve talked.
Ill try to change, she promised. No more ordering around.
Ill try to be more patient, I said, meeting her eyes. And maybe youll finally teach me those crumpets you brag about?
She laughed through her tears. Sure thing, love.
James exhaled in relief. Im glad youve made peace. Ive been worrying.
Mum, Helen said sharply, dont keep quiet when your wife is upset. A man should protect his family, and a wife is family too.
I understand, Mum, James replied, nodding. Im sorry, Emma. I was wrong.
I embraced him. Its over now.
That evening the three of us drafted a plan. Tomorrow police station; the day after solicitor. Simultaneously wed look for a small onebedroom flat for Helen nearby, so shed be close but wed each have our own space.
For now Ill stay, Helen said, but I wont intrude. I can still cook dinner if you like.
Fine, I replied. Well take turns, or you can teach me new recipes.
She smiled. Deal.
That night I finally slept soundly. Yes, Helen still lived with us, and we still had legal hassles ahead, but at least wed finally spoken openly, without hidden resentments.
The next morning Helen was the first up, but she didnt fire up the vacuum. She quietly prepared breakfast and waited for us toAnd as we shared tea and laughter, the house finally felt like a true home.
