Youre no family of ours, said the mother-in-law, scooping the meat from her daughter-in-laws plate back into the pot.
Emily froze by the stove, the plate still in her hands. A bit of gravy from the stew Margaret had just cooked clung to it. Piece by piece, the meat vanished into the pot, as if her mother-in-law were counting each one.
I beg your pardon? Emily asked, unable to believe her ears.
Whats not clear? Margaret wiped her hands on her apron and turned to her. We never brought you into this family. You forced your way in.
The kitchen fell so silent that the bubbling of soup on the hob was the only sound. Emily set the plate on the table and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. Her hands trembled.
Margaret, I dont understand. Victor and I have been married five years! We have a daughter
And what of it? Margaret cut her off. Lizzies our blood, thats true. But youll always be an outsider.
The kitchen door swung open, and Victor walked in, his hair tousled, shirt unbuttonedclearly, hed been napping after work.
Whats going on? He looked between his wife and mother. Why the shouting?
Were not shouting, Margaret replied calmly. Just talking. Explaining how things work in *our* home.
Victor frowned at Emily. She stood pale, lips pressed tight.
Mum, what did you say?
The truth. That the meat isnt for everyone. Big family, few portions.
Emily felt a lump rise in her throat. That was it. Five years shed thought she was part of this family. Five years of bending over backward for her mother-in-law, enduring her jabs, hoping things would improve.
Vic, Im going home, she said quietly. To Mums.
What do you mean, *home*? Margaret snapped. Your home is here now. You think you can come and go as you please?
Mum, stop, Victor stepped toward Emily. What happened?
Emily stayed silent. How could she explain that his mother had just made it clear she was nothing here? That even a plate of stew was too much for her?
Ill pack Lizzies things, she said instead. Well stay with Mum for the weekend.
What for? Margaret huffed. Her grandmothers right here. Why drag the child around?
Her grandmother just said her mother isnt family, Emily replied softly. Maybe Lizzie deserves better too.
She turned to leave. Victor caught her wrist.
Em, wait! Tell me properly whats happened.
Emily turned back. Her husband looked bewildered, while Margaret stood by the hob, pretending to stir the soup.
Ask your mother, Emily said. Shell explain it better.
In the nursery, three-year-old Lizzie played with her dolls. Spotting her mum, she ran over joyfully.
Mummy! Look, Im feeding Katie!
Well done, love. Emily knelt and hugged her. Are you hungry?
Yes! Granny said theres stew tonight.
There is, sweetheart. But were going to have dinner at Grandma Sarahs instead.
Your mum? Lizzie beamed. Yay! Is Daddy coming?
No, Daddys staying home.
Emily began packing Lizzies bagdresses, tights, toys, everything theyd need for a few days. As she folded clothes, Victor appeared in the doorway.
Em, dont be ridiculous. Youre leaving over nonsense.
*Ridiculous*? Emily straightened, glaring. Your mother just told me Im not family! Took food from my plate! Is that nonsense?
She says things when shes stressed. Shell forget by tomorrow.
But *I* wont, Vic! This isnt the first time.
Oh, come off it! Mums just tired. Works been hard lately.
Emily laughed bitterly.
Tired? Shes been *tired* for five years? And Im always the one she snaps at!
Just ignore her, then.
Ignore being called a stranger in my own home? Vic, listen to yourself!
Victor rubbed his necka habit when lost for words.
Em, where will you go? Were family. We have a child.
Thats why Im leaving. I wont let Lizzie grow up hearing her mum belittled.
Whos belittling you? Mum just gave her opinion.
Her *opinion*? Emily stopped packing. Vic, she took food off my plate! Said I dont belong! Is that just an *opinion*?
Well she was harsh. But you know how she isshe raised us alone after Dad died. Shes used to controlling things.
So Im supposed to endure that forever?
Victor sat on the bed, taking her hands.
Em, lets not fight. Ill talk to her.
What will you say? That Im human? That I have feelings?
Yes. Ill tell her to back off.
Emily shook her head.
Vic, its not about her rudeness. Its that shes never accepted me. And youve let it happen.
She just needs time
Five years wasnt enough? How much longer?
From the kitchen, Margaret called:
Victor! Dinners ready!
He stood.
Come on, lets eat. Well talk after.
No, thanks. Ive lost my appetite.
He hesitated, then left. Emily heard murmurs from the kitchenvoices rising, falling.
She dialled her mother.
Mum? Its me. Can we stay a few days?
Of course, love. Whats wrong?
Ill explain later. Were leaving now.
Alright. Ive made soupplenty for everyone.
Emily smiled faintly. Mum always said thatplenty for everyone. Never counted portions.
Lizzie chattered excitedly on the bus, babbling about her dolls.
Mummy, why didnt Daddy come? she asked as they neared Grandmas.
Daddys working, sweetheart. Hell visit later.
Sarah met them at the door, hugging Lizzie tightly.
My darling! Look how youve grown!
Grandma, do you have new stories?
Of course! After dinner.
At the table, Sarah ladled soup into bowls.
Eat up, love. Youre too thin. Arent they feeding you?
They are, Mum. Just no appetite lately.
Well, youre home now. Thatll help.
*Home*. Emily glanced aroundthe cozy kitchen, the china cabinet, family photos. Here, no one called her an outsider.
Later, after Lizzie slept, they sat with tea.
Tell me, Sarah said.
Emily didthe stew, Margarets words. Sarah listened quietly.
How did Victor react?
Like always. Said she was tired, that I should ignore it.
I see. Sarah stirred her tea. And how do *you* feel?
Exhausted, Mum. Five years trying, and she still hates me.
Does she? Or is she just set in her ways?
Emily sighed.
She criticises everythingmy cooking, cleaning, how I raise Lizzie. When Lizzie was ill last month, she said I was a terrible mother.
And Victor?
He says nothing. Or defends her.
Sarah set her cup down.
Love, are you happy in this marriage?
The question stunned Emily. She stared out the window.
I dont know. I thought I was. But now? I feel like a guest in my own life.
Why didnt you tell me sooner?
I hoped itd pass. That shed accept me.
Sarah sighed. Some people never change.
Rain tapped the window.
Mum when you married Dad, how did Gran treat you?
Sarah smiled.
Your Gran Mary? Called me daughter from day one. Said, Now Ive two daughters. Loved me more than her own Alice, sometimes.
Why?
Because she saw how much your dad and I loved each other. Where theres love, theres always room.
Emily pondered. Did Victor love her? Truly?
Her phone rangVictor.
Em, where are you?
At Mums. Like I said.
When are you coming back?
I dont know. Maybe Sunday.
*Sunday*? Youve work tomorrow!
I took leave. Said I was ill.
A pause.
Em, stop this. Come home. Well talk properly.
About what, Vic? That your mother doesnt respect me?
Oh, dont be dramatic! Shes just set in her ways.
Five years, Vic. *Five years*.
Em, dont make this harder. Were family.
*Your* family, maybe. Ive got none, it seems.
She hung up. Sarah handed her a handkerchief.
Cry, love. It helps.
But no tears came. Just emptinessand strange relief, like shedding a weight.
The next morning, Sarah went to the market. Emily played with Lizziedolls, stories, playdough.
Mummy, why arent we home? Lizzie asked at lunch.
Were visiting Grandma.
How long?
Not sure, sweetheart.
Will Daddy come?
Emily hesitated.
Hes working. But he loves you.
Does Granny Margaret love me?
Yes. Youre her granddaughter.
Does she love *you*?
Emilys breath caught. How to explain cruelty to a child?
Lets play hide-and-seek, she deflected.
That evening, Victor called again.
Em, Mum wants to apologise.
Really?
Yes. She knows she was wrong.
What exactly does she know?
Well that it was unkind. That youre family.
Emily shook her head.
Shes only apologising because *you* made her. Not because she means it.
Does it matter? Shes sorry.
It *does*. Thisll happen again.
It wont. Ive talked to her.
What did you say?
A pause.
That youre my wife. She has to respect you.
Has to? By *order*?
Em, Im on *your* side!
Then why wait five years? Why let her belittle me?
I didnt
You *did*, Vic! By staying silent!
In the background, Margaret called:
Tell her I made soup! Her favourite, with dumplings!
Emily closed her eyes. Even now, Margaret couldnt just apologise.
Vic, I need time.
Time for *what*? Come home tomorrow.
Its not that simple, she said softly. I cant live like this anymore.
What do you mean?
I wont raise Lizzie where Im disrespected.
A heavy silence. Then:
Are you leaving me?
I dont know. Maybe.
Because of *Mum*?
No, Vic. Because of *you*. Because you never stood up for me. Not once in five years.
She hung up and turned off her phone. Her hands shook, but her heart felt lighter.
Sarah returned with groceries.
Help me unpack, she said. Extra mincewell make Lizzies favourite meatballs.
They worked in silence. There *was* plentyenough for everyone.
Mum whats most important in a family?
Sarah pondered.
Love, I suppose. And respect. Without those, its not a family.
And if ones missing?
Then its just endurance.
Emily nodded. Mum always had a way with words.
That night, they watched cartoons, Lizzie snuggled between them. Warm. Safe.
Mummy, are we going home tomorrow? Lizzie asked sleepily.
Maybe, love. Do you want to?
Not really. Its nicer here. Grandmas kind.
Children sensed more than adults realised.
The next morning, the doorbell rang. Victor stood there, flowers in hand.
Hi, he said uncertainly. Can I come in?
Sarah let him in and put the kettle on. Lizzie squealed, running to him.
Daddy! You came!
Of course, princess. Missed you.
Victor sat beside Emily.
Em, Ive been thinking. Youre right. I shouldve defended you.
And now?
Now Ive rented us a flat. Just for a month, to start. Well try living alone.
Emily stared.
Really?
Yes. Mum argued, but I insisted. I told her *our* family comes first.
He handed her the keys. Small, ordinaryyet they meant freedom. A chance to build their own life.
Vic what if it doesnt work? Financially?
It will. Ill work extra if needed.
Sarah brought tea.
So, she said, setting out platesequal helpings for all, shall we celebrate your new start?
Emily looked at Victor, then her mother, then Lizzie, carefully buttering her toast.
Yes, she said. We shall.
Tomorrow, theyd see their new flat. Theirs alone, where no one counted portions or decided who belonged.
Where thered always be room at the table for everyone.
(Note: The life lesson here is that love and respect are the foundations of familynot just blood ties. Standing up for those you love matters more than keeping the peace, and sometimes, creating healthy boundaries is the only way to preserve happiness.)
