**Saturday, 10th March**
The day unfolded quietly, the kind of peaceful stillness only a drizzly English afternoon can bring. Rain traced delicate paths down the windowpanes, and the flat smelled of Earl Grey and that rare Saturday calmwhen the weeks chaos finally settles. Emily curled into the old armchair, the one theyd inherited from Gran, its cushions sagging with years of use, and cradled her favourite mug. The warmth seeped into her hands, comforting.
*This is happiness*, she thought, inhaling the teas soothing scent. No demands, no chatter about bills or work, no sighs about how its about time for this or that. Just her, a steaming cuppa, and the latest series on her tablet.
These quiet moments had become her sanctuary lately. Daniel, her husband, hadnt worked in three months, and the house had slowly turned into a battleground of unspoken frustrations. He spent his days glued to the computershooters, football matches, the occasional half-hearted job search, though more often than not, the screen showed anything but job listings.
Love! His voice shattered the silence like a firework. You wont believe this! Mums picked out her anniversary gift!
He bounded into the room, grinning like a schoolboy whod aced his exams. Emily reluctantly looked up from her screen. Something in his tone set off warning bells.
A crocodile leather handbag! Daniel barrelled on, oblivious. Shes wanted one for ages!
Emily placed her mug carefully on the side table and narrowed her eyes.
A crocodile handbag? Did she choose that herself, or was she *encouraged*? And has she considered what animal rights activists might say?
The sarcasm sailed right over his head.
Shes my mother! She *deserves* it!
Deserves it? Emily felt something harden inside her. For what, exactly? Raising you? Finebut Ive got my own parents to thank. And how much is this gift costing?
Daniel coughed, suddenly sheepish, and glanced away.
Oh, nothing outrageous About five of your monthly wages.
The floor might as well have vanished beneath her.
*Five* of my wages? she repeated, her voice dangerously flat.
Well, its genuine Nile crocodile, not some cheap knock-off, he said, as if that explained everything.
And why are you telling *me*? Im not the one buying it.
He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze entirely.
Well I put it on credit.
On *credit*? Her tone was ice.
Yeah. Big thanks to my sister Lucyshe sorted it. Works at the bank, got it all approved in no time
In whose name?
A horrible suspicion crept over her.
Well yours. Obviously. Who elses? I just used your details
Emily stood without a word and took a slow step toward him. The urge to throttle himor at least hurl the teapotwas overwhelming.
So, Daniel, let me get this straight. Youve been jobless for months, decided to spoil Mummy, and *Im* stuck paying for it?
He instinctively retreated, sensing the storm brewing.
Em, its just how it worked out Youre the only one earning right now
*I* am working! And you, instead of job hunting, instead of pulling your weight, sit around like a teenager on holiday and think I havent got enough on my plate without your bloody loan!
Em, dont overreact! Its just a bit of debthardly the end of the world
Just then, his mother, Margaret, made her grand entrance. She always popped round to see the kids, though her visits were really just excuses to dispense unsolicited advice.
Whats all the fuss? she asked, sweeping in like she owned the place.
Nothing, Mum. Ems just a bit cross about the loan, Daniel muttered.
Whats there to be cross about? Margaret settled into a chair, arms folded. Families help each other. Its only natural.
Oh? Explain, please, Emily said.
Your job is to buy nice things, and mine is to foot the bill?
Whats so odd about that? Youve got a decent salary, Margaret said airily.
Right. And Daniel? Whats *his* role in this?
Daniel is my sonand your husband, might I remind you. You should stand by him.
Husband? Emily laughed bitterly. Is *that* what you call a husband? A man who takes out loans in his wifes name because he cant be bothered to work? Whos latched onto me like a bloody leech?
Emily! Daniel protested. Thats out of line! Were a *family*!
Fine, Emily said tightly. Ill sort it tomorrow. And dont worryIll make sure *everythings* fair.
She smiled faintly, a look that made Daniel uneasy. Because Emily already had a plan.
Thats the spirit, dear! Margaret nodded approvingly.
The next day, between work calls, Emily made a few of her own. By evening, shed arranged a meeting.
When she got home, she greeted Daniel with her sweetest smile.
Dan, love! Ive got news!
Oh? Whats that? He flopped onto the sofa, none the wiser.
Ive paid off that loan for the crocodile handbag.
Seriously? Brilliant! He near enough leaped up. Knew youd sort it! How? Whered you get the cash?
Simple. I sold your car.
Daniel went rigid, as if shed hit him.
You*what*? My *car*?
Sold it. Quick sale, decent price. Covered the loan *perfectly*.
Have you lost your mind?! How am I supposed to get around?
Emily blinked innocently.
Ride the handbag like a pony. I read some are made from *very* supple leatherstroke them just right, and they turn into a suitcase. Your mums isnt one of those, is it?
She bit back a laugh. Daniels face turned puce.
You cant *do* that! Tell me youre joking! That was *my* car! And you flogged it for *peanuts*thats mental!
Now youre car-free, Im debt-free, and your mums got her bag. Fairs fair, dont you think?
Margaret bustled in at the sound of shouting.
What on earths happened now?
Mumshes sold my *car*! Daniel wailed.
So? Emily shrugged. Loans are a *family* matter. Your words.
This is *outrageous*! You had no rightits *his* car! Margaret spluttered.
Did *you* ask me before taking a loan in my name? Before spending *my* money? Emily lifted her chin. Now were even.
The nerve of her! Margaret glared as if Emily had committed treason.
The *nerve* is you two treating me like a bloody ATM, Emily shot back.
Daniel tried to mediate.
Em, *think*! Were a familywere in this together!
A family? Then heres an idea: since youre the dead weight, pack your bags and move in with your mum. Let *her* pay your way. Im done.
Emily sat down and picked up her tablet, signalling the conversation was over. After a beat, she added sweetly:
Oh, and Margaretgive that bag a good rub. You never know what it might turn into.
Two days later, worn down by the frosty atmosphere, Daniel moved out. Margaret huffed and fumed, but Emily ignored her.
For the first time in ages, she breathed easy. And one thing was cleartheyd finally learned: she wasnt someone to cross.
Outside, the drizzle carried on, but now, the quiet was *hers*.
