I’m sorry, love, for the sharp words I used earlier, the wouldbe motherinlaw hurriedly pleaded. I didn’t mean them out of spite. Perhaps you could drop by sometime? Edward has been alone ever since you left, and he still hasn’t found his own path. He’s lost in video games
Emily and James had been together for almost two years. To Emily, their relationship seemed serious: she often visited James’s family home, where she was received politely, though without much warmth. She believed they had a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, was charming and could appear determined when needed.
The idyll shattered when James failed a crucial English exam. His lapse was due to negligence: during the lockdown he spent countless hours gaming, neglecting his studies. He now faced expulsion.
In the heat of the crisis, Emily couldn’t hold back and told James’s mother sharply:
I don’t need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be someone’s housekeeper; I want us to share both chores and earnings!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
James’s mother took the remark as a personal insult. She had spent her life providing for and caring for her husband and son, believing her role was to nurture, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
Oh, my! She doesn’t want to be a servant. Every woman should first be the keeper of the home, and the man the head of the family! she retorted.
Emily stayed silent, not wanting to worsen the argument. After that, the door was barely opened for her. Communication with James fell to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral places. He suffered from not being able to see her, but instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Emily, we need to talk to my mother, James insisted over the phone. You have to tell her you dont actually feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, okay?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me, and I love you. Its the only way to fix everything. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Emily agreedshe was willing to take a humiliating step for love: to try to explain herself to a strangers mother.
But things did not go as she imagined.
When Emily arrived, James let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
James, what is this girl doing here? he asked abruptly.
James froze. Emily felt her face go pale. The question sounded as if she were just an unfamiliar acquaintance, not his beloved girlfriend.
Dad, Emily, we James began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room his mother emerged:
Who’s making all that noise? James, whos with you?
Ignoring Emily, the father barked:
The one who taught you how to live.
Emily realized she was not welcome. Hurt and humiliation drove her to act on instinct.
I’m leaving, and you stay here, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of Mom! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
A stunned James didnt even try to stop her.
Immediately after she stepped into the stairwell, Emilys phone rang. Jamess voice carried no remorseonly fury:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he placed me with! You caused a scandal! Now Mom is furious, and Dad wants me to never see you again!
He then delivered the final blow:
And you know the worst part? I wont even be allowed to play on the computer any more.
Emily felt anger melt into cold determination.
You blame me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are your problems. You should have dealt with them yourself, not turned me into a scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature lad looking for someone to blame. He hadnt protected her.
I cant tolerate this any longer, James. Were done. This is the end, Emily said firmly. She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys burdens were his to bear, not hers.
A year later, Emily had healed and started a new life. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were already planning a wedding.
One day she unexpectedly ran into Mrs. Thompson in a shop.
Emily! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, rushing toward her.
Emily flinched.
Hello she managed.
Mrs. Thompson embraced her, bombarding her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows everything? I heard you and James split. Hes completely lost in his games! He wont work, just sits at the computer. When you were together, he seemed more responsible Come visit us sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Thompson, Im very busy. Work, home
Mrs. Thompson noticed a ring on Emilys finger.
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
The former motherinlaws friendly façade vanished in an instant:
Ah, so thats it! I see why James left you! We dont need someone like you!
Emily shrugged and turned back to the shelves. In a way, Mrs. Thompson was right: it was probably best that James had let her go. Still, it was a pity she had wasted time on him.
Emily learned that true partnership depends on mutual respect, not on sacrificing ones dignity for love, and that the freedom to walk away is the greatest act of selfrespect.
