Emma sat at the kitchen table, watching silently as her motherinlaw, Ethel Thompson, sliced apples for an apple crumble and chatted animatedly. Emma didnt listen; shed had enough of her for a month now that Ethel had been staying with them. Their marriage to James had been happy for five years, but lately Emma wondered whether she had made a mistake marrying the son of a woman who never seemed to give her space.
Emma, youre not listening to me at all! Ethel snapped, pausing her story and pursing her lips. Im saying James needs a new job. His firm is a joke. I spoke to a friend who will take him into her construction companybetter pay, better prospects. He could be promoted within a year, and you could stay at home.
Emma inhaled deeply, trying to keep her irritation in check. Ethel, James decides where he works. Hes an adult.
Of course hes an adult, but youre his wife! You should steer him, give him advice. This design work, those sketchesthose arent proper mans work! Ethel huffed.
Hes a designerarchitect and hes good at it, Emma said, teetering on the edge of a breakdown. The firm is great, and he loves what he does.
Loves it? Ethel flailed her hands. What about the money? They pay peanuts! And what about children? Youll have to raise them. What will you teach them?
Were not planning children yet, Emma replied quietly, even though the topic had come up many times. We have enough saved.
No children yet? Ethel set the knife down and turned to Emma. I knew it! My God, what am I to do with you? Five years of marriage and no babies! I was raising James at your age!
Emma fell silent. She wanted childrenvery muchbut not now. She had just defended her doctoral thesis and secured a senior lecturer post in the universitys architecture department. She and James had agreed to wait three years, just enough time for her to establish herself academically. She told James everything, and he fully supported her plan.
Ethel, assuming silence meant consent, went on. Look at Lucy, my friends daughtershe already has three kids, and her husbands a builder who put a solid roof over their family.
Ethel, Emma tried again to stay calm, James and I will decide our own lives. I respect you, but
What do you mean decide ourselves? Ethel barked. Im his mother! I know whats best for himand for you! Youre still young and green. A mother never gives bad advice.
Emma shook her head and left the kitchen. Arguing was pointless. She climbed the stairs to the modest but cosy terraced house theyd bought two years earlier with a mortgage and lay down on the bed, closing her eyes. She was exhaustedlecturing, grading, and constant motherinlaw criticism had drained her.
That evening James came home, looking tired but pleased. Guess what? Theyve named me lead designer on a new project! he announced, kissing Emma.
Congratulations, love! she said, genuinely happy for him.
James, whats the project? How much will they pay? Ethel interjected.
Its a highend residential development, James replied, buoyed. The salary will go up, of course.
Ethel pressed on, And the mortgage? The car? You need a new car; yours is falling apart!
James grimaced, Mother, its not a big deal. We manage.
Later, at dinner, the tension rose again. Emma felt a growing knot of irritation. After the meal, when they were alone, Emma finally exploded. James, I cant take this anymore! Your mother is meddling in everythingyour job, our plans, our life! When is she leaving?
Its only temporary, love, James sighed. Shes staying while her flat is being renovated.
How long does a renovation in a onebedroom flat take? Emma asked.
She likes things perfect. Just a little longer, James smiled weakly.
The next morning, as Emma hurried to the university, Ethel appeared in the bedroom doorway. Emma, we need to talk now, she said, perching on the edge of the bed.
Im in a rushcan we do it this evening? Emma replied.
No, its urgent. You should quit your job.
What? Why? Emma stared, hairbrush in hand.
To have children, of course! You cant postpone forever. I spoke to James yesterday; he wants a baby too.
James? Emmas heart raced. Did he actually say that?
Ethel hesitated, Not directly, but I can see it. Hes my son; I know his dreams.
Emma set the brush down. I appreciate your concern, but weve decided to wait three years. Its not the right time now.
Ethel waved her hands. When will it be right? When youre forty? I was raising James at your age
I know you raised James, but times have changed, Emma said.
Ethel nodded, Exactly! In my day, family came first, now everyone chases a career. Youth today
Emma glanced at the clock. I have to go. Well finish this conversation tonight with James.
The day slipped by in lectures, meetings, and departmental duties. Yet a nagging worry lingered: what if Ethel was right? What if James secretly wanted a baby now?
When they got home, Ethel had set a festive spread on the dining table. Whats the occasion? James asked, removing his shoes.
A family council! Ethel declared cheerfully.
Emma braced herself. The conversation she dreaded was about to begin over a celebratory dinner.
Ethel poured wine and announced, I have news! Ive spoken to Gillian Edwards, and she wants to hire James for her firm!
James choked on his glass. Mother, what are you talking about?
Its a promotionhead of the design department at her construction company. The salary is double what you earn now! Ethel beamed, handing him a flyer.
Im happy where I am, James said firmly, pushing the papers away. I dont need a new job.
Ethel raised her voice, Think of the future! How will you raise children on your current pay?
We dont have children yet, James reminded her.
Ethel turned to Emma, You said youd quit your job, didnt you?
No! I never said that, Emma protested. We agreed to discuss it this evening, and were still planning to wait three years before having kids.
James gave a weary nod. He loved his mother, but her interference was wearing thin.
After dinner, Emma asked James, Do you really want a child now?
He looked down at his plate. No, love. Weve planned it for three years. Im upset because of your mothers pressure.
What if we talk to her? Emma suggested.
I will tomorrow. Tonight she wont listen.
The next day, Ethel acted as if nothing had happened, asking about Emmas plans and making breakfast. That evening, Emma found her at the computer, typing furiously.
What are you doing? Emma asked.
Ethel flinched, quickly closing the browser. Just writing to a friend.
Emma caught the page title: How to convince a couple to have a baby. She sighed. Ethel, we need to talk about this.
About what? Ethel feigned innocence.
About you trying to control our lives, Emma said, steady.
Ethels eyes widened. Im not controllingIm helping! Im a mother!
Youre Jamess mother, not mine. Were adults and we make our own choices, Emma replied firmly.
Ethel muttered, Mothers always know best.
Sometimes, but the decisions belong to us, Emma answered.
James entered, looking uneasy. My director called. Someone asked about my salary and prospects.
What? Emma gasped.
The call was from a woman trying to find out if I was happy in my job, James said, his fists clenching. It crossed a line.
Ethel gasped, I was just checking on you! I care!
James calmly said, We need boundaries, Mum. We have a right to a private life.
Ethel looked hurt. Ive raised you my whole life. How can there be boundaries?
James placed a hand on her shoulder. I love you, but we have to live our own lives. Well have children in three years, and Im staying at my firm because I love the work.
Ethels eyes softened, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. I just dont want you to make mistakes.
Even mistakes are ours to learn from, James said gently.
The room fell quiet. Emma poured tea, breaking the tension. They all sipped, the atmosphere easing.
The following morning Ethel announced she was moving back to her flat now that the renovations were complete. Emma felt a mix of relief and sadness. She admired Ethels devotion but was glad for space.
Ethel, youre always welcome to visit, Emma said as they said goodbye. Justdont intrude on our decisions.
Ethel nodded, I understand now. I only ever wanted what was best.
Emma smiled. And we appreciate that, but we need to choose whats best for us.
Months later, after three years, Emma and James welcomed a baby girl named Willow. Ethel, finally holding her granddaughter, beamed. Shes perfect, she whispered. You made the right choice.
Emma and James exchanged a look, realizing the journey had taught them both patience and the value of respecting each others autonomy.
In the end, the family gathered for tea, and Ethel remarked, Ive learned that being a good mother means letting my children decide their own paths. James replied, And a good partner means supporting each others dreams. Emma added, True happiness comes when we honour each others choices, even when they differ from our own.
The lesson lingered: love is strongest when it gives space for growth, and wisdom lies in trusting the decisions of those we cherish.
