David sets a condition
Emily eyes the flour scattered across the kitchen floor, fighting back tears. In the dim glow of the overhead lamp the white streaks on the linoleum look like odd snowflakes. Theres no time for poetic comparisons the guests arrive in an hour and the cake hasnt even been started.
Making a mess again? Davids voice cuts in as he steps into the kitchen. My mothers coming and youre as usual.
Emily presses her lips together.
It wasnt on purpose, David. The bag tore.
Everything in your world keeps breaking, falling, shattering, he says, opening the fridge and pulling out a bottle of sparkling water. Thirtyfive years old and still as clumsy as a child.
She bends down, scooping the flour into a dustpan, trying not to show her irritation. Ten years of this life have taught her to swallow her grief.
Im off to meet my mother, David glances at his watch. Set the table by seven. And try not to embarrass us tonight, okay? Its her anniversary after all.
When his door slams shut behind him, Emily perches on a stool and takes a deep breath. She remembers how she first met David at the town library where she worked. He seemed attentive showing up every day, borrowing books she recommended, staying late. Then he invited her to the theatre. She felt like a heroine from a romance a single mother from a previous marriage, loved by a handsome, independent man. Who could have guessed the fairytale would end so abruptly?
Their son Harry slips into the kitchen silently, like a ghost.
Again with the drama? he asks, nodding toward the front door.
Stop it, Emily snaps. Youre talking about your stepdad.
The one who treats you like a servant.
Emily has nothing to reply. At sixteen, Harry sees everything too clearly.
You should be doing your homework, not eavesdropping on adult conversations, she mutters, returning to the cleaning.
Harry grunts but doesnt argue. He rolls up his sleeves and begins to help his mother.
Mom, we need to talk, he says seriously. I want to apply to London for a programming course after school.
London? Emily freezes, a cloth in her hands. But we agreed on the local college, the dorms
And David, who keeps picking on you whenever he can, Harry interrupts. I cant watch this any longer, Mum.
Harry, thats adult life. Families have their quirks, Emily replies.
Its not a family, Mum. Its He waves his hand and leaves the kitchen.
By the time the guests arrive, Emily has tidied up, set the table, and even baked an apple tart a point of pride in her culinary repertoire. Margaret Whitfield, her motherinlaw, a poised woman in an elegant dress, surveys the spread with a critical eye but says nothing. That alone feels like a victory.
Please, sit down, Margaret, Emily hurries. Tom and Olivia will be here any moment.
Margaret eases into a chair, smoothing her silvertinged hair.
And wheres your boy? she asks, as if speaking about a pet.
Harrys in his room, Ill fetch him, Emily replies.
Studying all the time, I see, Margaret says. Whats the use of all that schooling? Hell end up like his father.
Emily stays silent. Margaret always disparages Davids first wife, even though she never met her. Insulting a dead man feels indecent to Emily, but she dares not contradict her motherinlaw.
A knock at the door saves her from further remarks. Olivia arrives with her husband Victor, Davids sister and a successful businessman, whose presence always makes David visibly tense.
Happy birthday, Mum! Olivia throws her arms around Margaret. You look stunning! You could never guess youre sixty!
Margaret lights up. Olivia knows exactly what to say.
Emily, Victor kisses Emilys hand, you look wonderful. New haircut?
Yes, thank you for noticing, Emily replies shyly, catching Davids disapproving glance.
David begins pouring champagne, deliberately ignoring Harry, who stands aside.
To the birthday girl! he declares. To the most amazing mum in the world!
And to Grandma! Olivia adds. By the way we have a surprise for you.
What surprise? Margaret asks, wary.
Tom and I are expecting a baby! Olivia announces solemnly.
Margaret throws her hands up and bursts into tears of joy. Victor beams. David forces a smile.
Im happy for you, Emily says quietly. Thats wonderful news.
Why arent you having children yourself? Margaret asks David, turning to Emily. Youre almost forty and have no kids of your own. Only a stepchild in the house.
Silence falls. Emily feels the colour drain from her face.
Mate, weve talked about this, David mutters through clenched teeth.
What did we talk about? That your wife is building a career? Margaret scoffs. What career does a librarian have? All my grandchildrens mums are babysitters, and Im left admiring your son. And if only he were a polite lad
Margaret! Emily cant hold back. Harrys right here.
Am I lying? Margaret turns to her grandson. Always tucked away in your corner, never saying a word. Planning to go to London? Whats that about?
Emily stares at Harry, shocked. How did his grandmother know his plans?
Ill earn it myself, Harry says calmly. Ive already found a remote gig, building websites.
What websites? David interjects. You should be studying properly, not chasing nonsense.
Its not nonsense, its my future profession, Harry replies firmly. And the pays decent.
Who gave you permission? David raises his voice. You live under my roof, you follow my rules!
Your roof, your rules Harry mutters. Im not even your son, am I? So I dont have to obey you.
Davids face reddens.
Thats the point! Not my son! And youll never be one!
David! Emily shouts. Stop this right now!
What did I say? David throws his hands up. Im telling the truth! Ive fed him, clothed him for ten years and get no gratitude. All he does is sit in his room, stare at his computer. And now hes off to London behind my back!
Behind your back? Harry smirks. I dont care about your opinion. Youre nobody to me.
Harry! Emily, desperate, shifts her gaze from son to husband. David, please, not today. Margarets birthday.
No, its the perfect time! David insists. Ive tolerated your mutt for ten years, and now I have to fund his London studies?
Margaret nods approvingly, Olivia and Victor stare at their plates, and Harry stands pale but composed.
Ill earn it myself, he repeats. I dont need anything from you.
Really? David grunts. What about a roof over your head? Food? Clothes? All mine! If you want to live like that, theres no London for you. Study here under my watch. Thats my condition.
Emily feels something snap inside. Ten years of tolerating criticism, neglect, all for stability, for a roof, for Harry. Now David is setting conditions for her son.
Maybe thats enough, she whispers. Its Margarets birthday, and were creating a scene.
Its your son whos causing the scene, David retorts. As always, its his fault. And you always cover for him! Ungrateful brat and a henlike mother. Is that how youll keep living on my neck?
Emily rises slowly from the table. The room falls into a heavy hush.
Ive worked thirtyfive years in the library, she says suddenly, her voice steady. I have two university degrees. I never asked you to support my son we managed before you.
No way, David sneers. Didnt notice, did you?
Because I didnt want to, Emily replies. You needed a compliant housekeeper, not a wife. And I became that. But enough.
What does that mean? David asks, frowning.
It means, Emily turns to Harry, that Harry and I are leaving.
A deafening silence envelops the room.
Youre out of your mind, David finally says, panic flashing. Where are you going?
First to my sisters place, Emily answers calmly. Then well find a flat. Ill get a better job. Maybe even in London.
Harry looks at his mother with awe. Hes never seen her like this.
Absurd, David laughs nervously. Youll starve without me. How much does a librarian earn? Pennies! How will you afford a flat?
Thats no longer my problem, Emily snaps. By the way, Im not just a librarian, Im the head of the department, and my salary is decent. You never cared to ask.
What are you talking about! David turns to his mother. Did you hear? We have a careerwoman in the house!
Your mother heard enough, Victor interjects, Davids brotherinlaw. And maybe thats enough. Its her anniversary, not a circus.
What are you doing meddling? David snaps. Stay out of family business!
This isnt a family, Victor shakes his head. The way you treat your wife and stepson is there are no words.
Victor, stop, Olivia tries to intervene, but its too late.
Its necessary, Olivia, Victor says firmly. Ive watched this nightmare for ten years. Enough. David, youve become a tyrant. If Emily finally leaves, thats the best thing she can do.
Margaret gasps in outrage.
How dare you! My son does everything for them, and they
Mom, Olivia cuts in softly. Victors right. Look at whats happening. Its terrible.
Emily, without waiting for the argument to spiral, slips out of the room. Harry follows. In the bedroom she grabs a suitcase and starts packing the essentials.
You serious? Harry asks, eyes wide.
More than serious, Emily nods. Gather your things. Were leaving.
What about? he stammers, we cant just walk out. We need money, a roof
I have savings, Emily pulls a small tin box from the wardrobe, something David never knew existed. Not much, but enough for a start. I also have a sister whos been urging me to move in with her for ages. And I have you, my clever, talented son who wants to be a programmer. Well manage.
A knock at the door. Olivia stands there.
Youre really leaving? she asks quietly.
Yes, Emily says firmly. Weve had enough.
Olivia hesitates, then pulls a wallet from her bag and hands Emily an envelope.
Take this. Its from Victor and me. Weve wanted to help for a while but were scared David would find out.
Olivia, I cant Emily begins.
You can, Olivia interrupts. You endured my brothers bullying for ten years, and my mothers not any better. Forgive us for staying silent. This isnt charity, its compensation for the hurt.
Emily pauses, then accepts the envelope.
Thank you, she whispers. And sorry for ruining the celebration.
What celebration? Olivia waves her hand. Maybe now David will finally think about his behaviour. Though I doubt it.
When Emily and Harry emerge from the hallway, the tension is palpable. David sits scowling, Margaret purses her lips, and Victor watches with a faint smile.
Were leaving, Emily states simply. Thanks for everything, David. And sorry if anythings amiss.
Yes, you you David jumps up, words choking.
No drama, Victor says dryly. Weve had enough. Need a lift?
No, thank you, Emily shakes her head. Weve called a taxi.
The door closes behind them. Emily feels a lightness she hasnt known in a decade, as if a heavy backpack has finally been dropped. Harry takes her hand, just as he used to when she was a child.
Youre amazing, Mum, he says quietly. Im proud of you.
Thanks, love, she smiles. Maybe London isnt such a bad idea after all. New city, new life
They descend the stairs and step out into the courtyard. Early May drifts in, the blackthorn trees filling the air with a sweet scent.
Emilys phone rings. She looks at the screen David.
Dont answer, Harry says.
Emily shakes her head and picks up.
Yes, David?
Come back right now! he roars. I wont let you walk away! Take the child or stay yourself. Thats my condition!
Emily laughs, a sound free and airy after years of restraint.
You no longer have the right to set conditions for me, David, she replies. No conditions. Never again.
She hangs up, the taxi pulling up. They climb in, and the vehicle rolls away toward a fresh start.
Back in the fourthfloor flat, David, furious, hurls his phone against the wall and turns to his mother, expecting support. Margaret watches him with a puzzled expression, as if seeing him for the first time.
You really are unbearable, David, she finally says. How did I miss that?
She sheds a quiet tear. It isnt anger or selfpity, but remorse for the years she enabled his behavior. For the first time in a long while she mourns her own mistakes, the ones that shaped a son who cant love. Whether its too late to change remains uncertain.
