**Payback in Kind**
You have no right to behave like this in my home! Emilys voice trembled with barely contained fury. She stood in the hallway, clutching her handbag to her chest like a shield.
This is *my* flat, Margaret! *Mine!*
Something like contempt flickered in her mother-in-laws eyes.
What else am I supposed to do when you cant keep things tidy? Margaret hissed through clenched teeth. Dust on the shelves, dirty dishes in the sink. Is this how decent people live?
Emily gripped the handle of her bag until her knuckles turned white. Resentment and helplessness burned inside her.
I *work*, Margaret! I dont always have time
You *make* time for what matters, Margaret cut her off, chin lifted as she turned toward the door. Im only trying to help, and this is the thanks I get?
The door clicked shut, leaving Emily alone in the silent flat. The quiet pressed against her ears, but inside, a storm still raged. Kicking off her heels, she wandered into the lounge, then the kitchen, and finally the bedroomeverywhere marked by Margarets tidying.
And the bedroom Her mother-in-law must have finished just moments before she arrived. The hand cream was gone from the nightstand. The little ornament from their holiday was no longer on the dresser.
Emily paced like a trapped animal, hands shaking with anger. Shed come home exhausted, longing for a shower, a cup of tea in her favourite mug Now, in her own home, she couldnt find anything. Nothing was where it should be.
The front door clicked. Daniel was home from work. One look at his wifes stricken face in the kitchen, and he knew something was wrong.
Em, whats happened? He reached for her, but Emily twisted away.
Your mother was here again! Her voice cracked. She *tidied* our bedroom, Dan! *Our bedroom!* Do you have any idea how insane that is?
Daniel sighed heavily, running a hand through his haira gesture Emily knew well. He did it when he didnt know what to say.
Love, she means well
*Means well?* Emilys eyes darkened. I cant find my phone charger! My favourite mugs goneIve been looking for half an hour! And shes *hidden* the bathroom towels somewhere!
Daniel reached for her hands, but Emily stepped back toward the window.
She *throws things away*, Dan! Emily blinked back tears. Things that *m
