Dorothy Peterson had decided to hand over her flat to her son and move in with her daughter, ignoring her childrens opinions.
Dont drop anything, Emily, Dorothy began, eyeing her daughter over a steaming mug. Ive just thought Ill give the flat to my son and move in with you lot. Youve got plenty of space, dont you?
Emily froze, the teacup nearly slipping from her fingers.
What? she managed, feeling irritation rise like a tide. You want to move in with us? But we have our own routine, our own family. Two housewives in one kitchenhardly a recipe for peace.
My brother doesnt even own a place! He and his wife are hopping from rented flats. Its high time we helped him. And you just finished building your housewhy waste all that space on two of you?
Emily sensed a tough conversation ahead, one where every logical argument would smash against her mothers iron resolve.
Dorothy, interjected Emilys husband Mark from the window, we have three children, if you havent forgotten.
Fine, and what do they need? Ill still help, I can look after them. As for the brother you once said you didnt want him living on the streets.
I said he should sort his own problems. You know he has no intention of moving in. Thats your idea, not his. You havent even talked to him about it!
Would anyone really give up their flat? Dorothy retorted. Well all be better off in your house.
Remembering how she and her husband had erected the house with their own hands, Emily struggled to contain herself. They had just finished the build, pouring sweat and savings into it, and now a mother who hadnt 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 fussing over the brother, we were hard at work. Were not complaining, but you havent offered any help.
Oh, come off it! I always said a flat is cozier. I meant well, warned you, tried to be nice. Now its too late. The kids are small, youll need help. Im doing this for you!
Mark, fed up, turned and sneered, Remember when you said living in a house was a joke? No caretaker will turn up, well have to do everything ourselves. Why sacrifice yourself for
Whats that to you? Dorothy snapped, changing shoes as she spoke. I stayed with you during lockdown; everything was fineclean, fresh air! It was a dream. Sure, theres work, but we three can manage.
Emily recalled the time theyd taken her in when the brother fell ill. It seemed a temporary measure then, but now something had shifted. Dorothy suddenly saw the house as more than just a cottage on the edge of town.
You know how messy things are for David, Dorothy said, as if justifying herself. He and his wife cant sort themselves out. Youve got it all nice here
Mum, we have our own house and our own rules. You always march into other peoples lives with your own rulebook. We cant just overhaul our whole way of living. Cant you understand that?
Because Im a mother! Dorothy shot back. And I want to help my son. Youre doing well because of help, arent you? Your husbands parents invested in the house, didnt they?
Yes, but they never demanded we let them in, Emily replied. They gave us the choice.
So theyre strangers to you. Im your mother!
The argument went nowhere. The next day, a frustrated Emily called her brother.
David, are you aware Mum plans to move in and hand you the flat?
What? David sounded bewildered, as if hearing a joke. What are you on about? Were moving to Cornwall; my wifes aunt lives there. Does Mum even know?
Emily froze, realizing none of them knew each others plans. Her brother was calmly discussing a move to Cornwall, while Mum plotted a relocation to them.
She phoned Dorothy and relayed the conversation.
So you didnt know they were heading to Cornwall? Your plans are basically obsolete, Emily said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Dorothy was silent for a few seconds, as if chewing over the news.
I didnt know she murmured, then slammed the phone down.
Emily exhaled a breath of relief, glad the conflict had been avertedfor now. She feared Mum might cook up another scheme.
Mark, can you imagine if she actually moved in? Emily asked, eyeing her husband anxiously. At least we have a breather. What now?
Mark shrugged. Well take things as they come.
Emily laughed nervously. Youre always so calm. How do you do it?
Mark walked over, draping an arm around her shoulders. Because I know well manage anything together. Even your mum.
She leaned into him, but the worry lingered. She knew her motherDorothy wasnt one to give up easily.
Weeks passed, life settled back into its usual rhythm. The kids went to school, Emily and Mark juggled work and the house, and she tried not to think about the recent motherinlaw drama.
One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, a knock sounded at the door. Emily, eyebrows raised, opened it to find Dorothy standing there with a large suitcase.
Mum? Emily exclaimed, surprised. Whats happening?
Dorothy looked flustered and a bit downcast. Emily dear May I stay with you for a while?
Emily felt her chest tighten. She let her mother in, where Mark and the children were already waiting.
Grandma! the kids cheered, running to hug her.
Good afternoon, Dorothy, Mark greeted politely. Everything alright?
Dorothy sank onto a chair, sighing heavily. Oh, my dears Trouble. David and his wife have gone off to Cornwall for good.
Emily and Mark exchanged a glance.
So? Emily asked cautiously. You knew about their plans.
I knew, Dorothy nodded, but I didnt think it would happen so fast. They they sold the flat.
What?! Emily shouted. How did they sell it? Where will you live now?
Dorothy lowered her eyes. Thats why Im here. David said they need the money for a fresh start. He suggested I move in with you.
Emilys anger boiled over. She looked to Mark, seeking support.
Mark took a deep breath. Dorothy, you understand we cant just take you in like that
I know, I know, Dorothy cut in. Im not staying forever. Just until I sort something out.
Emily stayed silent, torn between fury at David and resentment toward her mother, who always seemed to favour him.
Mum, she finally said, you can stay for a bit, but we need a serious talk.
Dorothy nodded gratefully, while the children bounced around their newfound grandma.
Later that night, after the kids were asleep and Dorothy had settled in the guest room, Emily and Mark sat at the kitchen table.
What now? Mark asked, looking at his wife.
I dont know. Im angry at David, but also at you, Mum. Shes always been his cheerleader. And now shes here, and we have to deal with her problems.
Mark took her hand. Maybe this is a chance to set things straight? Have an honest conversation?
Emily gave a rueful smile. Maybe. But Im scared nothing will change.
The next morning, as Mark dropped the kids off at school, Emily decided to speak with her mother. She found Dorothy in the kitchen, already bustling over the stove.
Mum, we need to talk, Emily began.
Of course, love. Im making your favourite sconescream cheese filling, Dorothy replied, wiping her hands on a tea towel.
Emily felt a lump rise in her throat. Shed grown up on the smell of those scones, but now was no time for nostalgia.
Mum, I want to know what really happened. Why did David do this? And why did you let him?
Dorothy sighed, sitting down at the table.
Oh, Emily Im not sure how it got this far. David said they needed cash for a new venture in Cornwall. I just couldnt say no to him.
But thats your flat, Mum! How could you just give it away?
I thought I was doing the right thing, she whispered. Davids always been fragile. Hes needed support.
Emilys anger flared again.
And what about me, Mum? Doesnt it seem like you always backed him more than me?
Dorothy looked surprised. I loved you both equally.
Really? Emily sneered. Who got the better presents? Who got the extra attention when things went wrong?
Dorothy fell silent, taken aback by her daughters words.
You know, Mum, Emily continued, tears welling, Ive tried to be a good daughter. I studied, worked, built my life. Now Davids left you with nowhere to go, and you show up at my door. Ill help you, because Im not him. But it hurts. It hurts a lot.
Dorothy rose and moved toward Emily, attempting an embrace.
Emily, Im sorry. I didnt realise
Emily stepped back.
Mum, I dont want your hugs right now. I want you to understand what you did wrong, and that we both have to live with it.
Dorothy sank back into her chair, covering her face with her hands.
Ive messed up, she whispered. Ive ruined things.
Emily breathed deeply.
No, Mum, not everything. We still have a chance to fix this. But we both need to change.
Just then, Mark returned with the children, seeing the tearstreaked faces.
Well then, he said, pulling Emily into a hug, shall we carry on?
Emily nodded. Well carry on, together.
Dorothy looked at her daughter and soninlaw with a mixture of gratitude and remorse.
Thank you, she said softly. Ill try to be better. Im truly sorry, Emily.
Emily met her mothers gaze for a long moment.
I forgive you, Mum. It wont be easy, but well manage.
And so a new chapter began for the family. The road to understanding and forgiveness would be rocky, but they were ready to walk ittogether.
