Emily stared at the flour scattered across the linoleum, fighting back tears. In the dim glow of the kitchen lamp the white specks looked like strange snowflakes, but there was no time for poetryguests would arrive in an hour and the cake hadnt even been started.
What a mess again? Davids voice cut through the room as he stepped in, sharp as a knife. My mothers coming, and youre as usual.
Emily pressed her lips together.
It wasnt on purpose, David. The bag ripped, she said.
Everything you touch falls apart, he snapped, opening the fridge and pulling out a bottle of sparkling water. Thirtyfive years old and still as clumsy as a child.
She began scooping the flour into a dustpan, swallowing the sting of his words. Ten years of this life had taught her to swallow her hurt.
Right, Im off to meet my mother, David checked his watch. Make sure the table is set by seven. Try not to embarrass us, alright? Its her anniversary after all.
When the door slammed shut behind him, Emily sank onto a stool and drew a deep breath. She remembered the first day they met in the town library where she worked. He seemed so attentiveshowing up daily, borrowing books on her recommendations, staying late. Then hed invited her to the theatre. Shed felt like a heroine from a romance novel: a single mother with a son from a previous marriage, loved by a handsome, independent man. Who could have guessed the fairytale would collapse so quickly?
James appeared silently in the doorway, a ghostlike figure.
Did you bring it again? he asked, nodding toward the front door.
Stop it, Emily snapped. Youre talking about your stepfather.
The one who treats you like a servant.
Emily had nothing to retort. At sixteen James saw the world with brutal clarity.
You should be doing your homework, not listening in on adult fights, she muttered, returning to the cleaning.
James snorted but didnt argue. Instead he rolled up his sleeves and began helping his mother.
Mom, we need to talk, he said seriously. I want to apply to a university in London after school. To study computer science.
London? Emily froze, a rag in her hands. But wed planned for a local college, the dormitory, everything
And David, wholl keep nagging you whenever he can, James cut in. I cant watch that any longer, Mum.
James, thats adult life. Families are messy, Emily tried to smooth.
Its not a family, Mum. Its He stopped, waved his hand, and left the kitchen.
By the time the guests arrived, Emily had managed to tidy up, set the table, and even bake an apple tartthe pride of her modest culinary repertoire. Margaret Sinclair, a dignified woman in an elegant dress, surveyed the spread with a critical eye but said nothing. That alone felt like a small victory.
Please, sit down, Margaret, Emily hurried, trying to sound cheerful. Tom and James will be here any moment.
Margaret lowered herself into a chair, smoothing back her silvery hair.
And wheres your boy? she asked, as if referring to a pet.
James is in his room; Ill fetch him, Emily replied.
Oh dear, still studying? Margaret drawled. Whats the point of all that learning? Hell end up just like his father.
Emily stayed silent. Margaret never spoke kindly of her late husband, though shed never even met him. Insulting the dead seemed a breach of decorum, yet she dared not contradict her motherinlaw.
The doorbell rang, sparing Emily further explanations. Claire and her husband SimonDavids sister and her successful businessman husbandstepped in, and David visibly tightened at the sight of Simon.
Happy birthday, Mum! Claire exclaimed, hugging Margaret. You look stunning! No one would guess youre sixty!
Margarets face brightened. Claire always knew the right words.
Emily, Simon kissed Emilys hand, you look wonderful. New haircut?
Yes, thank you, Emily answered shyly, catching Davids annoyed glance.
David began pouring champagne, deliberately ignoring James, who stood off to the side.
To the birthday girl! he announced. To the most amazing mother in the world!
And to Grandma! Claire added. By the way we have a surprise for you.
What sort of surprise? Margaret asked, wary.
Were expecting a baby! Claire announced, beaming.
Margaret clapped her hands and burst into tears of joy. Simon smiled proudly. David forced a strained grin.
Congratulations, Emily whispered. Thats wonderful news.
Why arent you having one yourself? Margaret blurted, turning to Emily. Davids almost forty and still has no children. Only a stepson in the house.
Silence fell. Emily felt a flush rise to her cheeks.
Mom, weve talked about this, David muttered through clenched teeth.
What did we talk about? That your wife is building a career? Margaret sneered. What career in a library? My grandchildrens nannies all work, and here I am watching your son. And if only you had a polite boy
Margaret! Emily snapped. James is right here.
And Im lying? Margaret turned to her grandson. Always tucked away in that corner, never saying a word. London, they say? What nonsense?
Emily stared at James, stunned. How did she know his plans?
Ill earn it myself, James said calmly. Ive already found a remote gig building websites.
What websites? David interjected. You should be studying properly, not chasing fantasies.
Its not a fantasy, its my future profession, James replied firmly. And the pays decent.
Who gave you permission? David raised his voice. You live under my roof, you follow my rules!
My roof, my rules James muttered. Im not even your son, am I? So I dont have to obey.
Davids face flushed crimson.
Thats exactly it! Not my son! Youll never be one!
David! Emily shouted, desperate. Stop this right now!
What did I say? David spread his arms. Im speaking the truth! Ten years Ive fed and clothed him, and what do I get? He sits in his room staring at a screen. And now he wants to run off to London behind my back!
Behind my back? James smirked. I couldnt care less about your opinion. Youre nothing to me.
James! Emilys voice cracked as she looked from son to husband. David, please, not today. Margarets birthday.
No, nows perfect! David persisted. Ive tolerated your brat for ten years, and now I have to fund his London studies?
Margaret nodded approvingly, Claire and Simon ate in silence, while James stood pale but composed.
Ill earn it myself, James repeated. I dont need anything from you.
Really? David snorted. And the roof over your head? Food? Clothes? All mine! If you want to keep living like this, there will be no London. Youll study here under my watch. Thats my condition.
Emily felt something snap inside her. Ten years of putting up with criticism, neglect, and the pretense of stabilityjust for a roof and for James. Now David was dictating terms to her son.
Maybe thats enough, she said quietly. Its Margarets birthday, and weve turned this into a spectacle.
Its your son whos making a scene, David retorted. Everythings always his fault. And you always cover for him! Ungrateful whelp and a motherhen. Is that how youll keep living off my shoulder?
Emily rose slowly from the table. The room fell into a heavy hush.
I spent thirtyfive years in the library, she said, her voice suddenly firm. I hold two degrees. I never asked you to support my sonwe managed before you came.
Is that so? David replied sarcastically. I must have missed that.
Because I didnt want to see it, Emily answered. All you needed was a docile housekeeper, not a wife. I became that. But enough.
What does that even mean? David asked, frowning.
It means, Emily turned to James, that James and I are leaving.
A tomblike silence settled over the room.
Youre out of your mind? David finally shouted. Where do you think youre going?
First to my sisters place, Emily replied calmly. Then well find a flat. Ill get a better jobmaybe even in London.
James looked at his mother with awe. Hed never seen her like this.
Impossible, David laughed nervously. Youll starve. What will you pay for a flat on your paltry librarian salary?
My salary is decent nowIm the head librarian, Emily said. You never bothered to ask.
Dont talk to me, David snapped, turning to his mother. Did you hear? We have a careerwoman in the house!
Your mother heard enough, Simon interjected, stepping forward. And perhaps its time to stop. Its a birthday, not a circus.
Why are you meddling? David hissed. This is our family business!
What family? Simon shook his head. The way you treat your wife and stepson is indescribable.
Simon, stop, Claire tried to intervene, too late.
No, Simon, we must, he said firmly. Ive watched this nightmare for ten years. Its over. David, youve become a tyrant. If Emily decides to leave, thats the best thing she can do.
Margaret gasped, horrified. How dare you! My son does everything for them, and they
Mother, Claire interrupted gently. Simon is right. Look at whats happening. Its terrible.
Without waiting for further argument, Emily slipped out of the kitchen, James trailing behind. In the bedroom she grabbed a suitcase and began packing essentials.
You serious? James asked, eyes wide.
More than serious, Emily nodded. Gather your things. Were going.
How can we we dont have money, a place
I have some savings, Emily said, pulling a small tin box from the wardrobesomething David never knew existed. Not much, but enough for a start. My sisters house is an option, and I have you, my clever boy, dreaming of being a programmer. Well manage.
A knock came at the door. Claire stood there.
Youre really leaving? she asked softly.
Yes, Emily answered firmly. Enough is enough.
Claire hesitated, then pulled a wallet from her bag and handed Emily an envelope.
Take this. Its from Simon and me. We wanted to help but were scared youd hear it from David.
Claire, I cant
You can, Claire cut in. Youve endured my brothers abuse for ten years, and my mothers nonsense too. Accept this. Its not charity, its compensation for the hurt youve endured.
Emily paused, then took the envelope, gratitude and sorrow mixing in her throat.
Thank you, she whispered. And Im sorry for ruining the birthday.
Birthday? Claire waved a hand. At least now David might finally think about his behavior. Though I doubt it.
When Emily and James emerged from the hallway, the tension in the living room was palpable. David sat scowling, Margaret pressed her lips together, and Simon watched with a faint smirk.
Were leaving, Emily said simply. Thank you for everything, David. And Im sorry if anything went wrong.
Yyou you David sprang up, but the words stuck in his throat.
No dramatics, Simon snapped. Weve had enough. Need a lift?
No, thanks, Emily shook her head. Well take a cab.
The door shut behind them, and Emily felt a strange lightness, as if a decadelong weight had been lifted. James took her hand, just as he used to when she was a child.
Youre amazing, Mum, he whispered. Im proud of you.
Thank you, love, Emily smiled. Maybe London isnt such a bad idea after allnew city, new life.
They descended the stairs and stepped into the courtyard. Early May painted the air with the sweet scent of hawthorn.
Emilys phone buzzed. It was David.
Dont answer, James said, grabbing her wrist.
Emily stared at the screen, then shook her head and said, Hello?
Come back at once! David roared through the handset. I wont let you walk away! If you want a troublemaker, take him, but you stay. Thats my condition!
Emily laughed, a sound free and bright after years of suppression.
You no longer have the right to set conditions for me, David, she replied. No conditions. Never.
She hung up, and a taxi pulled up. They climbed in, and the vehicle rolled away toward whatever future awaited them.
Back in the flat on the fourth floor, David hurled the phone against the wall, his fury echoing. He turned to his mother, expecting support, but Margaret stared at him with a bewildered look, as if seeing him for the first time.
You really are unbearable, David, she finally whispered. How did I never notice before?
Tears slipped down her cheeksnot of resentment, but of remorse. For the first time in years she mourned her own mistakes, the ones that had shaped a selfish son unable to love. Whether it was too late to amend remained an ache left unanswered.
