Forgive me, love, for the harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw said hurriedly. I meant no harm. Perhaps youll visit sometime? Arthur is still on his own; after parting with you he never found his path. He lives only in his video games
***
Ethel and Arthur had been together for nearly two years. To Ethel their courtship seemed serious: she was often welcomed into the Thomas household, where she was received politely, though without any warmth. She believed they had a solid future. Arthur, though a bit frivolous, possessed charm and could appear determined when the occasion required it.
Their idyll shattered when Arthur failed a crucial English exam. His failure was the result of his negligence: during the lockdown he spent endless hours glued to his computer, abandoning his studies. The threat of expulsion loomed.
In the heat of the crisis Ethel could no longer hold back and, before Arthurs mother, she declared sharply:
I need a man who strives for something. I want a selfsufficient fellow, not a drudge. I wont be a housekeeper for anyone; we must share the chores and the earnings alike.
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Mrs. Margaret, Arthurs mother, took the remark as a personal affront. She had spent her life providing for her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Ethel to behave the same way.
Oh, you see! She wont be a kitchen maid. Every woman ought first to be the keeper of the hearth! And a man, the head of the household!
Ethel fell silent, unwilling to inflame the dispute. From then on the door was no longer opened to her. Communication with Arthur was reduced to furtive letters, occasional phone calls, and brief meetings in neutral spots. He suffered the lack of contact, yet, instead of honesty, he turned to manipulation.
Ethel, we must speak to my mother, Arthur pressed over the telephone. You have to explain that you dont truly feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, will you?
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 set things right. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart Ethel agreed. For loves sake she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But the night did not unfold as she had imagined.
When Ethel arrived, Arthur let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
Arthur, what is that girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
Arthur stammered. Ethel felt her face go pale. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not the mans beloved.
Dad, Ethel, we wanted Arthur began, but his father cut him short:
I see who she is. Get her out of here!
From the sitting room emerged Mrs. Margaret:
Whos making all that noise? Tommy, whos with you?
The father, ignoring Ethel, barked:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Ethel realised she was not welcome. Outrage and shame drove her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pitiful, goodfornothing son of a mother! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
Arthur, stunned, made no attempt to stop her.
As she stepped onto the pavement, her phone rang. Arthurs voice was not repentant, only furious:
Why did you say that? Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just put me in the position of a hired girl!
It doesnt matter who he placed me with or where! You caused a scandal! Mother is in a rage, and father now demands that I never see you again!
He then added the blow that finally broke her:
And you know the worst part? Ill never be allowed to sit at the computer again.
Ethel felt hurt turn to cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys troubles are yours alone. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of making me the scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he had not changed. He remained an immature lad, ever seeking someone to blame. He had offered her no protection.
I cannot endure this any longer, Tommy. We are done; this is the end, Ethel declared firmly. She blocked him on every platform. The break was abrupt, but necessary. His familys burden was his cross, not hers.
A year later Ethel recovered from the heartbreak and began a new chapter. She met a gentleman named Henry; after three months of courting they were planning a wedding.
One afternoon, while shopping, she unexpectedly ran into Mrs. Margaret.
Ethel! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, rushing toward her.
Ethel winced:
Good afternoon
Mrs. Margaret embraced her, peppering her with questions:
Its been ages! How have you been? I heard you and Tommy split; hes gone mad with his games! He never wants to work, always glued to his computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Do come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Margaret, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Margarets eyes fell on a ring on Ethels finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
A fleeting smile crossed the former motherinlaws face, turning to disdain in an instant:
Ah, I see! So its clear now. Good thing Tommy abandoned you! We dont need someone like you!
Ethel shrugged and turned toward the shelves. In a way Mrs. Margaret was right: it was fortunate she had left him in time. Yet it was a pity she had wasted any of her precious years on him.
