In life, fate takes such unexpected turns that all one can do is marvelno one could have foreseen it.
Julia and Edward had been married for nearly a decade, deeply in love and raising two sons. Julia was a teacher by trade, once instructing history at a local school. But after their younger son, Timothy, was born with health complications, she had to resign. His condition demanded constant care, and she needed to be by his side.
“We’re off to the hospital with Timmy today,” Julia told Edward that morning as he finished his breakfast before work. “Our appointment is at eleven. Could you drive us?”
“Of course,” Edward replied. “Ill pop into the office for the morning meeting, then Ill fetch you. Ill ring when Im ready.”
“You couldve taken the bus with the boyyoure not royalty,” muttered Edwards mother, Margaret, pursing her lips disapprovingly.
Julia said nothing. Edward, nodding, grabbed his car keys and left. The family lived in Margarets flat. The arrangement wouldnt have been so bad if not for Margarets domineering natureshe was an officers daughter, used to giving orders. Everyone in the household knew crossing her was unwise, a lesson Julia had learned well when Margaret once put her firmly in her place.
“This is my home,” Margaret had snapped the moment she saw Julia step into the kitchen to cook. “I wont tolerate another woman ruling my domain. Do I make myself clear? I shant repeat it.”
Julia understood perfectly and never argued. Margaret had been widowed young and refused to let her son stray farhence the insistence they all live together.
One might think shed be contenther son married, grandchildren born, a daughter-in-law who never raised her voice. Yet her officers blood ran strong, and while she doted on Edward and the boys, she scarcely regarded Julia as more than a nuisance.
“Dont touch anything in this house You cant wash properly, you cant cook, youre a poor caretaker for my son and grandsons,” Margaret would declare, though Julia swept every floorboard, dusted with care, and kept the home spotless.
But pleasing Margaret was impossible. Her constant nitpicking wore Julia down, especially after Timothys fragile health forced her to quit work. Many nights, Julia wept in secret, and at times, shed confide in Edward.
“Ed, I respect your mother, but wouldnt it be better if we lived separately?” shed say, careful not to speak ill of Margaret.
“And what has she done wrong? The house is clean, meals are cooked, the boys are fed. You dont workyou could do all this yourself. Instead of being grateful, you grumble like an old woman,” Edward retorted.
“Ed, youve no idea how much I long to care for my own children, to cook for them, but your mother”
“Have you forgotten we cant afford our own place?” he cut in sternly. “And need I remind you, Im the sole earner?”
These conversations always ended the same way. Julia knew nothing would change, so she resigned herself to her lot.
“Julia, meet me downstairs with Timmy,” Edward called when she was ready.
“Margaret, could I stop by the shops after the hospital? We need a few things,” Julia ventured.
“Certainly not,” Margaret sniffed. “Ill fetch whats neededyoud only buy the wrong things.” She turned away with a frown.
“Lord above, will I ever please her?” Julia thought. “Shes never satisfied, never trusts me. How exhausting this is And Ed refuses to see it, deaf to anything but his dear mums words.”
After the hospital, Julia and Timothy strolled through the park, swinging on the rides and licking ice creams in the crisp autumn air. Timmy, now six, would start school next year. Julias heart swelled when the doctor reassured her:
“Alls well. Timothy will attend a regular school like any other child. Hes bright, and his condition hasnt worsened. Youve done splendidlyyour care and patience are commendable.”
“Thank you, Doctor. That means the world.”
They returned home in good spirits, though Julia knew Margaret wouldnt value the doctors praise. The final word would always be hersand it would sting. But Julia had long since learned to endure.
“How was your outing, darling?” Margaret asked her grandson.
“Lovely, Gran! The doctor said Im clever, and Mummy takes good care of me!” Timmy chirped.
“Of course he praised your mother. As if I hadnt”
Margarets sixtieth birthday loomed in March, and Julia and Edward agonised over a gift. How does one please such a woman?
“Julia, what if we celebrate at a restaurant? Give her a break from the kitchen,” Edward suggested.
“A restaurant? I doubt even that will satisfy her,” Julia sighed.
“Well keep it secret until the day before,” Edward insisted.
Julia liked the idea but knew Margaret would find fault. She couldnt fathom what would ever please her.
“Mum, Julia and I thought wed mark your birthday at a restaurant,” Edward announced the day before.
To their surprise, Margaret didnt protestthough her smile was thin. Still, her agreement felt like a small victory.
At the restaurant, the family settled at their table. The children beamed; Julia and Edward were in high spirits, all dressed smartly. But Margaret sat stiffly, her expression sour. Soon, she spoke.
“Son, well be in the poorhouse at this rate. We couldve dined at home for far less. And Julia, a proper wife wouldve talked sense into you. This is your doingwasting money.”
Julia held her tongue, unwilling to spoil the evening.
At a nearby table, an older gentleman watched them. Edward, growing irritable, nudged Julia under the table.
“Stop looking at him,” he muttered.
“Who? Where?”
“You know perfectly well,” Edward snapped, his cheeks flushing.
Before tensions could rise further, the stranger approached Margaret.
“May I have this dance?” he asked.
To everyones astonishment, Margaret accepted with a coy smile. They danced gracefully, chatting and laughing as if years had melted away.
“This is Charles,” Margaret later introduced him. “We were at school together. Hes a widower too. What a splendid birthday gift youve given me.”
That night, Margaret didnt return home. The next afternoon, the doorbell rang. Edward answered to find Margaret, radiant, with Charles beside her.
“Hello, dears! Ive come for my things,” she announced.
“Youre leaving?” Edward gaped.
“Dont look so shocked! Charles and I have decidedhavent we?” She glanced at him, and he nodded eagerly.
After packing, Margaret kissed them all goodbye and left with Charles. They married soon after. Julia and Edward were delightedespecially Julia.
“At last, Im mistress of my own home,” she said, cooking, cleaning, and tending to her family with joy.
“Darling, I never knew you were such a splendid cook,” Edward marvelled. “The house has never looked bettermy perfect little homemaker.”
“I told you I could manage,” Julia laughed.
Margaret and Charles visited occasionally. Now, Margaret showered Julia with compliments, calling her “dear girl” and praising her cooking. Edward couldnt be happier. And Margaret, gazing adoringly at Charles, often sighed,
“I always said a home should have one mistress. You, Julia, are a true homemaker. My son is fortunate indeed.”
Julia and Edward would exchange a glance and smile.
