**Diary Entry 18th May**
*»When can we move into your new house?»* my in-laws asked point-blank.
*»Pardon?»* Emily tensed up.
*»Well, since youve finished everything, we thought youd invite us over soon.»*
*»Daniel, do you realise this is beyond unreasonable?»* Emily could barely hold back her frustration, especially since Daniel pretended not to understand why she was so upset.
Or maybe theyd planned it all alonglet her pour years of her life and every penny shed saved into this house, only to leave her with nothing.
Unlike most young couples, they hadnt followed the trend of buying a cramped flat for an absurd price. Back when Daniel and Emily were dating, theyd decided to build a house insteadcheaper, quicker, and far more practical. Thirty square metres versus one hundred and thirty for the same money? No contest.
*»Plenty of room for children and pets,»* Emily had said happily.
Luckily, they already had the landa plot belonging to Emilys aunt, who transferred it to her niece after hearing of their plans.
*»I never gave you a proper wedding giftconsider this my contribution. Better it goes to you than sit unused another twenty years.»*
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, they took on some of the labour themselvesworking evenings, weekends, even in bad weather. Emily even dipped into her inheritance, money from her grandmothers flat sale, and poured it into the build.
But when the house was finally standing, they knew every minute had been worth it.
Admittedly, it wasnt *completely* finishedthere were still details to fix, walls to paintbut it was livable. Theyd already started spending nights there and hosting friends. The only thing that stung? Daniels parents hadnt lifted a finger to help, despite being asked repeatedly.
*»Theyre always *so* busybut with what? Theyre retired!»* Emily would mutter.
*»They wouldnt lie about it,»* Daniel would shrug.
Still, doubt gnawed at her.
*»Em, the new tellys arriving today. Can you take it?»* Daniel called over breakfast.
*»Sure. What time?»*
*»Sometime after three. Theyll ring an hour before.»*
Around four, a knock came. Oddno call.
Emily opened the door to Daniels parents, Margaret and Richard, beaming on the step.
*»Oh!»* She blinked. *»Iwasnt expecting you.»*
*»Not going to invite us in?»* Richard winked.
Flustered, she ushered them inside. Margaret gasped at the open-plan kitchen and living room.
*»Lovely! So much better than a flat. Plenty of space for everyone!»*
Emily nodded warily.
Then Richard dropped it.
*»Sowhen do we move in?»*
*»Iwhat?»*
*»Well, now its done, we assumed youd have us over soon,»* he said, as if stating the obvious.
*»We didnt design it for four,»* Emily replied stiffly.
*»Were not royalty! Just one room would do!»* Richard laughed.
*»Weve decided to rent out our placeextra pension income,»* Margaret added brightly.
*»Did you discuss this with Daniel?»* Emilys voice was ice.
*»Not yet, but he wont mind!»*
The sheer nerveignoring every request for help, then expecting to *profit* from their home?
Before she could respond, the delivery driver rangapologising for not calling earlier. She hurried to accept the massive TV.
*»Wheres it going?»* Richard asked.
*»That wall,»* Emily pointed.
*»Perfect! Well watch the news there tonight.»*
*»Actually, were not installing an aerial. Just streaming.»*
*»Who does that? Only old people watch proper telly!»* Margaret scoffed.
*»Well, thats us!»* Richard grinned. *»Well have Daniel sort an aerial.»*
Emily counted the minutes until Daniel got home.
When his car finally pulled up, she flew to the door.
*»Your parents are here. They want to move in,»* she whispered.
His face darkened.
Inside, Richard was jovial. *»Marvellous place youve got!»*
*»Thanks. Shame a babyll take up all the spare rooms,»* Daniel said flatly.
*»Nonsense! Youve two upstairs!»* Margaret protested.
*»One nursery, one guest room. We host friends often.»*
*»We dont like noise,»* Richard warned.
*»Neither do we,»* Daniel shot back. *»And no, youre not moving in. You couldnt even help move a fridgenow you want to *profit* from our house?»*
Margarets lip trembled. *»Not even for your own parents?»*
*»Were you parents when we needed help?»*
Silence. Then, stiffly: *»Come on, Margaret. Were leaving.»*
When theyd gone, Emily clung to Daniel.
*»Thank you. I was terrified youd side with them.»*
*»Why would I? I saw how hurt you were every time they refused. Extra pension income?»* He scoffed. *»Dinners thanks enough.»*
**Lesson:** Blood doesnt entitle anyone to your labouror your home.
