Dont go falling, Emily, Barbara Thompson began, eyeing her daughter over a steaming mug of tea. Ive been thinking Ill give the flat to James, and Ill move in with you lot. Youve got plenty of space, after all.
Emily froze, the cup wobbling in her hand.
What? she managed, a flicker of irritation rising. You want to move in with us? We have our own routine, our own household. Two heads cant share one kitchen without a mess.
The brother has nothing of his own, Barbara retorted. He and his wife are shuffling from one rented place to another. Its high time I help him out. And youve just finished building that new housewhy keep two rooms empty?
Emily sensed the conversation was about to become a battle of logic versus a mothers stubborn resolve.
Barbara, Mark, Emilys husband, said quietly from the window, we have three children, if youve forgotten.
And what of that? Barbara shot back. Do they need a lot of space? Ill look after them. As for James youve told me yourself you dont want him living on the streets.
I said he should sort his own problems, Emily replied. He has no intention of moving in, thats your idea, not his. You havent even discussed it with him!
Who would ever give up a flat? Barbara countered. Itll be better for all of us in your house.
Recalling how she and Mark had built the house with their own hands, Emily barely held back a sigh. Theyd just finished the work, poured heart, soul, and cash into it, and now a mother whod never contributed a penny wanted to barge in.
A house isnt a flat, Mum, Emily said calmly. We built it ourselves over six years. While you were busy worrying about James, we were on the job. Were not complaining, but you havent offered any help either.
Oh, dont dramatise, Barbara laughed. I always said a flat is cozier. I tried to warn you, had the best intentions. Now theres no turning back. The kids are little; youll need help. Im doing this for you!
Mark, fed up, turned and replied with a hint of sarcasm, Remember when you said living in a house was a nightmare? No groundskeeper, everything we have to clean ourselves. Why make such sacrifices for
Whatever! Barbara snapped, slipping into different shoes as she spoke. I stayed with you during lockdown; everything was fineclean, fresh air! It was a dream. Yes, theres work, but well manage three of us.
Emily thought back to the time they had taken Barbara in when James fell ill. It had seemed temporary then, but now it felt like the house was turning into more than just a country cottage on the outskirts.
You know James situation is complicated, Barbara said, as if justifying herself. He and his wife cant get their act together. You have it all sorted here
Mum, we have our own house and our own rules. You always wade into other peoples affairs with your code. We cant just upend our whole life because of you, Emily retorted. Cant you see that?
Because Im a mother! Barbara snapped. And I want to help my son. Youre living well thanks to that help! Your husbands parents put money into the build, didnt they?
Yes, but they never demanded we let them move in, Emily said. They gave us the choice.
So theyre strangers to you, but Im your mother! Barbara declared.
The argument went nowhere. The next day, a fuming Emily dialled James.
Hey, James, you know Mum wants to move in and hand over the flat to us?
What?! James sounded bewildered. What are you talking about? My wife and I are heading to Cornwall. Her aunt lives there. Does Mum even know?
Emily realised her family didnt even know each others plans. Her brother was calmly plotting a move to Cornwall while their mother plotted a relocation to their house.
She called Barbara and relayed the conversation.
So you had no idea? Theyre moving to Cornwall. Your plans are basically dead, then, Emily said dryly.
Barbara was silent for a few seconds, as if digesting the news.
I didnt know she murmured before slamming the phone down.
Emily exhaled with relief, thinking the crisis had been averted, though she feared Mum might cook up another scheme.
Mark, can you imagine if she actually moved in? Wed have a real headache, Emily said, looking at her husband anxiously. For now, weve got a breather. What next?
Mark shrugged. Well deal with problems as they come.
Emily chuckled nervously. Youre always so calm. How do you do it?
Mark wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Because I know well get through anything together. Even your mum.
She leaned into him, but the unease lingered. She knew Barbara wasnt the type to give up easily.
Weeks passed. Life settled back into its usual rhythmschool runs, work, chores. Emily tried not to think about the recent motherinlaw drama, though the sting remained.
One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, the doorbell rang. Emily, eyebrows raised, went to answer it. Standing on the doorstep was Barbara, a large suitcase in hand.
Mum? Emily gasped. Whats happened?
Barbara looked flustered, eyes downcast. Emily, love could I stay with you for a bit?
Emily felt a knot tighten in her chest. She let her mother in, where a bewildered Mark waited with the kids.
Grandma! the children shouted, running to her.
Good evening, Barbara, Mark said politely. Is everything alright?
Barbara sank into a chair, sighing heavily. Oh, my dears James and his wife have gone off to Cornwallfor good.
Emily and Mark exchanged a glance.
So you knew their plans? Emily asked cautiously.
Yes, I knew, Barbara admitted, but I didnt expect it to happen so fast. They they sold the flat.
What?! Emily exclaimed. Sold it? Where will you live then?
Barbara lowered her gaze. Thats why Im here. James said they need the money for a fresh start, and he suggested I move in with you.
Emilys anger flared. She looked to Mark for support.
Mark took a deep breath. Barbara, you understand we cant just
I know, I know, Barbara interrupted. Im not staying foreverjust until I figure something out.
Emily stayed silent, battling mixed feelings. On the one hand she was angry at James for his selfishness; on the other, she remembered how Barbara always seemed to favour him.
Mum, Emily finally said, you can stay for a while, but we need to have a serious talk.
Barbara nodded gratefully, while the children clambered around their grandma.
Later, when the kids were asleep and Barbara was settled in the guest room, Emily and Mark sat at the kitchen table.
What now? Mark asked, looking at his wife.
I dont know, Emily admitted. Im mad at James, but Im also mad at Mum. She always backs him, always gives him more help. And now shes here, and we have to sort this mess.
Mark took her hand. Maybe this is a chance to set things straight? Have an honest conversation?
Emily managed a weary smile. Perhaps. I just worry nothing will change.
The next morning, as Mark took the kids to school, Emily decided to speak with Barbara. She found her in the kitchen, already busy at the stove.
Mum, we need to talk, Emily began.
Of course, love. Im just making your favourite sconescurd cheese ones, Barbara replied, wiping her hands on her apron.
Emily felt a lump rise in her throat. Shed grown up on the scent of those scones, but now wasnt the moment for nostalgia.
I want to know what really happened, Emily said firmly. Why did James do this? And why did you let him off the hook?
Barbara sighed, sitting down. I dont really know, dear. James said they needed the cash for a new venture in Cornwall. It sounded like a chance at a better life, and I couldnt say no to him.
But it was your flat! Emily snapped. How could you just hand it over?
I thought I was doing the right thing, Barbara admitted quietly. James has always been a bit fragile. He needed support.
Emilys voice rose. And what about me, Mum? Doesnt it seem you always side with him more than with me?
Barbara looked genuinely surprised. I love you both equally.
Really? Emily said, a bitter smile forming. Who got the best presents? Who got the extra attention? Who was defended even when he was wrong?
Barbara fell silent, stunned by her daughters accusations.
Mom, Emily continued, tears welling, Ive tried to be a good daughterstudied, worked, built my own life. And now, when James walks away, you show up at my door. Ill help you, but it hurts. Im not like him. It hurts a lot.
Barbara rose, attempting to hug her. Emily, Im sorry. I didnt realise
Emily stepped back. I dont want your hug right now. I want you to understand what you did wrong, and that well all have to live with the consequences.
Barbara sank back into the chair, covering her face. Ive messed up, she whispered. Ive ruined things.
Emily inhaled deeply. No, not everything. We still have a chance to fix this, but both of us will have to change.
Just then, Mark returned with the kids. Seeing the tearstained faces, he realised the conversation had finally taken place.
Well then, he said, pulling Emily into a hug, shall we keep moving forward?
Emily nodded. Together, as a family.
Barbara looked at her daughter and soninlaw, gratitude and remorse mixing in her eyes. Thank you. Ill try to be better. Im truly sorry, especially to you, Emily.
Emily met her mothers gaze, lingering a moment. I know, Mum. I forgive you. Itll be a long road, but well walk it together.
And so a new chapter began for the Thompsons. The path to understanding and forgiveness would be rocky, but they were ready to tread it side by side.
