Emily jolted when her phone rang sharply. The screen displayed Anne Stevenson. It was the third call of the morning from her motherinlaw. Emily inhaled deeply, gathered her resolve and pressed the green answer button.
Hello, Anne, she said.
Emily, why arent you answering? Annes voice carried a thinlyveiled reprimand. Ive been calling all morning!
I was making porridge for Mabel, my hands were busy, Emily replied, though the truth was she simply dreaded another lecture about how she was raising her child.
Again with the porridge! Ive told you a child needs meat. My son grew up on steak and look how strong he is. Your little Mabel looks pale; a gust of wind will blow her away, Anne scolded.
Emily closed her eyes and counted to five. Mabel was only three, and the paediatrician had confirmed she was developing normally. Her slight build was a trait from her fathers side.
We do give her meat. Today shell have meatballs for lunch, Emily said.
Thats why Im calling. Ill bring you some homemade chicken broth, bones and all, just the way Simon likes it. Ill also make my special meat patties, not those you know, those meatballs, Anne replied, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
Emily forced a smile. We have everything we need, she tried to reassure.
Dont worry about a thing. Im coming over to check on my granddaughter. You wont refuse, will you? Annes question left no room for a negative answer.
Of course, come along, Emily yielded.
When the call ended, Emily rested her forehead against the cool window pane. Outside, sparse snowflakes drifted down onto bare branches. November was bleak and damp.
Mum, who were you talking to? Mabel peeked from her bedroom, clutching a wellworn plush rabbit.
Grandma Anne is coming today, Emily said, trying to sound cheerful.
Will she say I dont eat enough again? the little girl frowned.
Emilys heart tightened. Even the child sensed the constant criticism.
Grandma loves you very much and just wants you to grow up healthy and strong.
Mabel gave a halfhearted nod and returned to her toys.
Emily set about cleaning. Although she and Simon preferred a relaxed, creative clutter, the flat had to sparkle for Annes visit, or else she would remark that it looks like a barn and will attract germs. In two hours she swept the floors, dusted the surfaces and even baked an apple crumblethe only dish Anne ever praised.
Simon was due back from work around noon. Both worked from homehe as a software developer, she as a graphic designerbut today he had an important client meeting and was heading to the office.
Exactly two hours later, the doorbell rang. Anne was punctual as a Swiss watch.
Well, look whos here, my dear daughterinlaw! the short, plump woman with chestnutcoloured hair announced, stepping into the flat laden with bags. Wheres my little princess?
Mabel timidly poked her head out of the room.
Come here, sweetheart! Grandma has brought a treat! Anne cooed, extending a hand for a kissa gesture she insisted every little girl learn to be a proper lady.
Only grownup girls get kisses on the hand, Anne declared, hugging Mabel. When youre sixteen youll be offering your hand to suitors. Until then, just say hello to your grandma.
Emily rolled her eyes behind Annes back. The contradictory advice kept coming.
Emily, let me help with the bags, she offered.
Take them to the kitchen, dear. Ive prepared a lot. Simon needs proper food, not just whatever is handy.
In the kitchen Anne immediately began issuing orders.
Emily, fetch a large pot. Not that plastic one, a proper metal one. And where do you keep bread? In the fridge? You cant store bread in the fridge; it gets stale!
Emily complied, handing over the requested items. After six years of marriage she was accustomed to Annes certainty about everything.
Mabel looks a bit pale, Anne observed while arranging containers of homemade sauces. Do you take her for walks? Give her vitamins?
Yes, we walk whenever the weather permits and we give her the vitamin mix the paediatrician prescribed.
The paediatrician, eh? What do those young doctors know? In my day Anne began, her voice rising.
Children were kept outside from sunrise to sunset for fresh air, and we hardened them up. Id take Simon out in any weather, and he grew strong.
Emily remained silent, though she could have reminded Anne that Simon suffered from chronic bronchitis each winter and had battled tonsillitis as a child.
Emily, Ive baked a crumble. Would you like some tea?
First lunch, then tea. And wheres Simon? Why isnt he here yet?
Just then the hallway lock clicked.
Here he is! Anne exclaimed.
Simon entered, eyeing the shoe rack in the hallway.
Mum, why didnt you tell me you were coming?
Didnt I? I called Emily this morning! Anne retorted.
Emily gave a guilty smile; she had forgotten to text Simon about the visit.
Hey, Mum, Simon said, hugging his mother. How are you feeling?
Oh, the usualblood pressure spikes, my legs swell by evening, but I dont complain. We manage ourselves, we dont burden anyone, Anne replied, a line she used often, followed by a litany of ailments.
Get undressed, dear, Im heating up the lunch. Ive been at the stove since dawn, making your favourite dishes.
Simon cast a apologetic glance at Emily, aware of how stressful these visits were for her.
During lunch Anne reminisced about how brilliant a child Simon had been at four, reciting poems.
Emily, does Mabel know any poems?
She knows a few, Emily answered, encouragingly. Mabel, tell Grandma about the bear.
I dont want to, Mabel muttered, pouting.
Anne seized the moment. See, Simon? The child is so quiet. She should go to nursery and interact more.
Weve already decided to wait until shes four, Simon interjected. No need to push her.
Push? I handed you over at two, and look how he turned out! Your little one is shy, eats nothing Anne snapped.
Mabel pushed her plate away.
Can I go play now? she asked.
No, you must finish, Anne insisted.
Finish your meatball, sunshine, Emily encouraged softly, though anger simmered beneath.
Mabel forced a bite.
Much better, Anne remarked, satisfied. Youre spoiling her. Children need routine and discipline. When I raised Simon
After lunch Anne insisted Mabel take an afternoon nap, declaring it essential for a childs schedule. Emily wanted to argue that Mabel no longer napped and forcing her would ruin her nights sleep, but Simon shook his head, preferring peace over conflict.
Let her rest a bit, he whispered to Emily.
While Anne wrestled with Mabel, Emily brewed tea and sliced the remaining crumble.
Useless, Anne returned after half an hour. Shes completely out of reach. In our day children always obey!
Emily barely held back a retort about spanking for disobedience but stayed silent.
Emily, try the crumble, Simon suggested. Anne, you finally learned to fry an egg.
Anne eyed the slice suspiciously. I hope there are no artificial additives. Those storebought mixes
Its all naturalflour, eggs, apples from our garden, the same ones you gave us, Emily assured.
Annes tone softened. Youve improved. I remember when you first married you couldnt even scramble an egg.
Emily stayed quiet, though she could have reminded Anne of her ten years living independently before marriage, during which shed become an excellent cookjust not in Annes traditional style.
Simon, Anne turned to her son, could you pop over next week? The kitchen tap is leaking, the cupboard light is out, and Im scared to climb a ladder.
Ill be there on Wednesday, Simon said, looking guilty.
Wednesday I have Aunt Nancy over perhaps Tuesday?
I have a client meeting Tuesday, Simon replied, spreading his hands.
Fine, Ill deal with the tap then, Anne sighed. Its not the first time.
Emily bit her lip. The same subtle blackmail, the endless reproaches.
Ill go with you to check the tap, Simon offered, unable to bear another sigh from his mother.
Annes face lit up with satisfaction. Excellent! While youre at it, could you look at the hallway wallpaper? Its been up five years; its time for a change.
Where is Mabel playing? Its awfully quiet, Emily asked suddenly.
In her room, looking at books. I told her not to scatter her toys, Anne replied.
Emily peeked into the bedroom and froze. Mabel was carefully cutting pictures from a brandnew picture book they had just ordered online.
Mabel! What are you doing?
The girl looked up, unflushed. Grandma gave me scissors so I could cut pictures for an album.
Emilys heart sank. The book was a costly, highquality volume theyd been excited to read together.
Mabel, thats a new book! We just started it yesterday! Emily said, tears welling in the girls eyes.
Its… Grandma said Mabel sobbed.
Emily took a deep breath, soothing herself. Its all right, love. Next time, if you want to cut anything, ask Mum or Dad first, okay?
She returned to the kitchen where Anne was animatedly chatting about a neighbour on the fifth floor who had a serious health scare.
Anne, did you give Mabel the scissors? Emily asked calmly.
Yes, why not? Children need to learn handiwork. We glued and cut all the time when we were kids. Everyones glued to phones now.
But she ruined a brandnew book we ordered, Emily replied, fighting back frustration.
Books are just paper. Shell have a lovely album, Anne waved dismissively.
Simon, caught between his mother and wife, tried to mediate.
Mum, couldnt you have asked us first? he said gently.
Anne flared. So I have to ask permission before I spend time with my own granddaughter? Who am I here, a stranger?
No one talks like that, Simon attempted to calm her.
Yes, exactly! Im the one who raised Simon alone, and I know how to bring up children better than anyone sitting at home who cant even cook a decent lunch! Anne shouted.
Enough, Mum! Simon raised his voice. Stop right now!
Silence fell. Mabel peeked out, eyes wide. Grandma is shouting, she whispered.
Annes tone softened instantly. Come here, my dear. Im not shouting, just adults talking. Lets finish that album together, shall we?
Emily stood firm. No more cutting books. Mabel will go watch a film with Simon, and well have a word, Anne.
Anne tried to protest, but Simon already took his daughters hand.
Lets go, princess, watch Frozen?
When they left, Emily offered Anne a seat.
Anne, I know you love Mabel and want the best for her, but Simon and I have our own parenting style. Please respect our boundaries.
So I should stay silent when I see a child being raised the wrong way? Anne snapped.
You may suggest, you may advise, but decisions are ours. And please, dont tell Mabel she cant do things we normally forbid.
What, like cutting books or having a nap? Anne asked, narrowing her eyes.
Exactly. And not giving sweets before lunch.
So I shouldnt spoil my granddaughter? Whats a grandma for?
Emily sighed. You can spoil her, just within reason and after we discuss it.
Anne pursed her lips, gathered her bags and announced, Ill be going then. Nothing left for me here if I cant even have a proper chat with my granddaughter.
Dont dramatise, Emily said, weary. Just please, lets respect each other.
Anne, a thirtyyear veteran teacher who had raised Simon alone, muttered about having to ask permission to let her granddaughter cut pictures, and slipped into her coat.
Simon entered, hearing the hallway commotion.
Mum, youre leaving already?
Yes, dear. Your wife doesnt like how Im with Mabel.
Dont start, Mum, Simon said, grimacing. Let me give you a ride and check the tap?
Annes face brightened. If it isnt too much trouble just grab a screwdriver, the cupboard hinge is loose.
After they departed, Emily slumped onto the sofa. Mabel slipped quietly onto her lap.
Mum, I wont cut books again, she said solemnly. I didnt know it was wrong.
Of course, love, Emily hugged her. Youre not at fault. Next time, ask Mum or Dad first, okay?
Mabel nodded, snuggling into her mother.
Simon returned about an hour and a half later, tired but satisfied.
I fixed the tap, replaced the bulb, tightened the hinge. Mum sends her apologies and says she wont interfere with parenting again.
And I should believe that? Emily teased.
Simon sat beside her, embracing her.
Surely not. But at least well have a quiet week.
They laughed. Perhaps one day the relationship with Anne would smooth out, perhaps not. Yet they had their little family, their home, their rules, and they would guard them fiercely.
A few weeks later Anne called, eager to teach Mabel how to bake pies, insisting the girl needed proper lady skills or else shed grow into a useless modern youth. Emily exchanged a glance with Simon; they both knew the battle would continue.
But they also knew that love, patience, and clear boundaries could turn even the stormiest visits into moments of mutual respect. In the end, families thrive not when everyone agrees, but when each member honors the others space while holding fast to their own values.
