Since my son lives here, Ill be staying too, said my motherinlaw as she walked into the flat.
Lets head to the farmers market on Saturday and pick up some seedling trays, Emily suggested, pouring tea for Andrew. Well grab tomatoes and cucumbers for the garden.
Andrew glanced at his phone, scrolling through the news.
Sounds good. Lets leave early so we dont get stuck in a queue.
Deal, Emily said, sitting opposite him. And maybe we could pop into the cinema later? Theres a new film Ive been meaning to see.
Andrew looked up, smiled.
Sure thing, love. It feels like ages since we had a night out just the two of us.
Emily let out a contented sigh. Just like thatquiet evenings, weekend plans, no rush. After eight years of marriage theyd learned to cherish this gentle, steady family rhythm.
Andrews phone rang. He glanced at the screen and frowned.
Mums calling. Odd, she rarely bothers at this hour.
Pick it up, Emily prompted.
Hello, Mum, Andrew switched to speaker. Whats up?
Andrew, darling, I have news! his mothers voice burst with excitement. Ive sold my flat!
Emily and Andrew exchanged a startled look.
How could you sell it? You never mentioned any plans, Andrew stammered.
It just happened, Margaret his mum chattered on. Our neighbour Tamara said her nephew needs a place. He offered a good price, so I agreed. The moneys already transferred; well sign the papers tomorrow.
Hold on, Mum, Andrew rubbed his nose. Where will you live then?
You have a spare flat, dont you? Margaret replied as if it were obvious. Ill be over tomorrow with my things.
Emily felt a chill run through her. She looked at Andrew, who seemed at a loss for words.
Mum, can we talk about this calmly? he finally managed. Come over and well sort it out.
Theres nothing to discuss, Margarets tone grew sharp. Im your mother, Ive got nowhere else to go. Right, Im off, lots to do. See you tomorrow!
A series of beeps followed. Andrew set the phone down slowly.
Is she joking? Emily asked quietly.
Im not sure, Andrew ran a hand through his hair. Mum can be impulsive. Maybe shell arrive tomorrow and explain everything properly.
Emily knew her motherinlaw well enough. Margaret never joked about a move that affected her son. If she said she was coming to live with them, it would be on her own terms.
That night Emily tossed and turned, picturing Margaret in their kitchen, in the lounge, offering endless advice and comments. She turned over in bed while Andrew slept peacefully beside her.
In the morning she woke feeling exhausted and bruised. Andrew had already left for work, leaving a note: Emily, dont worry. Well talk with Mum this evening. Love you. She crumpled the note. It was easy for him to say dont worry when the very person who might upend their life was about to move in.
At work she couldnt focus. Her colleague Laura noticed her gloom.
Whats got you down, Emily? she asked.
Emily explained the phone call. Laura shook her head.
Oh dear, thats terrible. My sisters husband had the same thingher mum moved in and they split after three months.
Dont scare me, Emily whispered, her heart rattling.
Laura put a gentle hand on her shoulder. Im not trying to frighten you. Maybe your mums actually reasonable?
Emily let out a bitter laugh. Reasonable? She thinks no one else can make a proper banger, wash laundry correctly, or keep a house in order. Every visit turns into a marathon of criticism.
That evening Emily got home early, hoping for a few quiet moments before Margaret arrived. She walked through the rooms, saying goodbye to the life shed built: the bright bedroom, the cosy lounge where theyd watched films, the kitchen where she loved to cook.
The lock clicked. Andrew stepped in, followed by a hulking mover with a massive suitcase, and two more bags in the hallway.
Hello, love, Margaret said, planting a quick kiss on Emilys cheek. Here I am. Andrew, show me where I can settle.
Andrew gave Emily a guilty look.
Mum, can we have a word first? Have a cuppa and a sitdown?
Later, Margaret brushed him off. Im knackered from the journey. Wheres the spare room?
We only have two rooms, Mumbedroom and lounge, Andrew began.
The lounge will be mine, of course, Margaret declared, as if it were obvious. Is the sofa a pullout? Perfect. Young man, she said to the mover, put everything in there, pointing to the lounge.
Emily stood frozen. Their lounge? The place where theyd entertained friends and relaxed after work?
Mum, cant we discuss this properly? You never gave us a headsup, Emily said firmly.
Margaret turned, her eyes cold and superior.
This flat belongs to my son. Im his mother. I dont need anyones permission, she snapped.
But Im his wife! Emily snapped back.
And thats exactly why Im here, Margaret replied, emphasizing the word. Im the mother; youre the daughterinlaw.
Andrew stood between them, pale and unsure. Emily waited for him to defend her, but he stayed silent.
Fine, Margaret said, paying the mover and closing the door behind him. What times dinner?
I havent cooked anything yet, Emily muttered through clenched teeth.
No worries, Margaret said, heading to the kitchen. Ill whip something up. You lot are always on those readymade meals, you know?
Left alone with Andrew in the hallway, Emily struggled not to cry.
Why didnt you say she couldnt just move in? she asked him.
Shes my mum, Andrew shrugged helplessly. She really has nowhere to go. She sold her flat.
And didnt she ask us first? Discuss it? Emilys voice trembled. Is this even our flat?
Of course not, Andrew tried to pull her into an embrace, but she stepped back. I get it, this is sudden. She wont be forever. Shell find somewhere else eventually.
She just sold her flat! Emily shouted. Wheres the money for a new place?
Andrew hesitated. She invested it somewhere. Supposedly a good business.
Invested where? Emilys mind raced. Andrew, explain!
Im not sure, he admitted, avoiding her eyes. Mum said it was a solid venture, a friends startup.
Emily closed her eyes, realizing Margaret hadnt just sold a propertyshed likely vanished the proceeds, counting on them to host her.
From the kitchen came the clatter of pots and Margarets disgruntled muttering.
No proper saucepan! How can you cook with that?
Emily retreated to the bedroom, slammed the door, and collapsed onto the bed. For the first time in eight years she wanted to pack her things and leave. But where? And why should she have to go?
An hour later Margaret called everyone to dinner. The table was set with steaming bowls of stew.
Sit down while its hot, she ordered. Andrew, slice the bread.
Andrew obeyed. Emily sat silently; the stew smelled lovely, but she couldnt swallow a bite.
Whats wrong? Not hungry? Margaret asked.
Just not hungry, Emily replied.
Strange, Margaret said, sipping. A working woman should eat well. Maybe you need to watch your figure a bit?
Emily clenched her fists under the table. The nightmare had begun.
Andrew, youre lucky Emily looks great, Margaret added.
I didnt say anything bad, Andrew protested. Im just looking after my wife.
Later Margaret announced shed do a deep clean the next morning, claiming the flat hadnt been tidied properly in ages. Emily bit back a retort.
It looks clean to me, she said.
Its just your perspective, love, Margaret replied condescendingly. My standards are higher. Remember when I first moved in?
Andrew nodded wearily.
In the bedroom Emily finally let the tears flow. Andrew tried to comfort her.
Please dont cry. This is only temporary.
How long? A month? A year? Forever? she sobbed.
I dont know, he admitted. But well figure something out.
You didnt stand up for me when she criticised my weight, Emily accused.
I told her youre beautiful! he countered, his cheeks flushing.
It was only after she kept going on, Emily shot back. This is my flat too. I wont have yous mum telling me how to live!
Shes just used to being in charge, Andrew tried to smooth things over. She could do that in her own place.
Then let her do that in her own place! Emily snapped, realizing she was being harshMargaret had nowhere else. Are you choosing her or me?
Emily, dont be ridiculous, Andrew warned, his brow furrowed. I love you, but shes my mother. I cant just evict her.
So Im stuck between you and her?
Dont force me to pick, he said, pale.
Im not forcing, Emily said, wiping her cheeks. Im just saying I cant live like this.
Andrew sighed, then said, Alright, Ill talk to her.
Emily walked to the kitchen for a glass of water. Margaret was sitting at the table, tea in hand, clearly having overheard everything.
So you think Im trying to drive a wedge between you? Margaret asked coldly. I just want a roof over my head.
I just want to stay in our home, Emily replied, voice steady. We can help you find somewhere else, even chip in for rent. But you cant just move into our living space.
Margarets face went pale.
This is my sons flat. I raised him, Ive given him everything. Who are you? she snapped.
For eight years Ive been his wife, Emily said, anger giving her strength. Where have you been all that time? Why only now, when you need a place?
Margarets eyes welled up.
How could you say that? Ive always cared for him! she whispered.
Did you show up when he was ill? When he lost his job? Emily asked. No, I was the one at his bedside, the one who helped him find a new job.
I didnt know, Margaret stammered. I wasnt involved.
Because you never asked, Emily said, the words spilling out. You only called once a month for a quick how are you? and then talked about your own problems. Now you stroll in as if this is your home.
A heavy silence settled. Margaret looked at her tea, hands trembling.
I I didnt know about the pneumonia, the job loss, she began. I was out of the loop.
Exactly why you didnt know, Emily replied, fighting back tears. You didnt care until you needed a flat.
Margarets voice cracked. After my husband died I felt lost, useless. A friend suggested I invest my money in a business. I trusted her and it turned out to be a scam. I sold my flat, thought I could hide the loss and move in with you, hoping Id still be useful.
What business? Emily asked sharply.
None. They disappeared with the cash, Margaret confessed, a bitter smile forming. I was embarrassed to tell Andrew, thought I could sort it out on my own.
Emily listened, the anger softening into pity.
Why didnt you tell us earlier? We could have helped, she asked.
It was shameful, Margaret admitted. Ive always been independent, strong. Suddenly I was a helpless old lady, duped by strangers. I didnt want you to see me that way.
Emily sighed. Im not angry at you now, just sad. You should have spoken to us like adults, not barged in.
Margaret nodded, tears spilling.
Ive always tried to control everything, to be needed. After my husband died I was alone, no one to talk to. When I came to you I thought if I were indispensable, you wouldnt send me away.
I dont need you to control us, Emily said gently, reaching across the table. Youre Andrews mother, but were a family too. We just need to agree beforehand.
Margaret sniffed, wiping her eyes. I see now Ive been like an elephant in a china shop.
Just then Andrew walked in, surprised to see them holding hands.
Whats happening? he asked cautiously.
Were having a hearttoheart, Emily replied.
Andrew turned to his mum. Mum, why didnt you tell me about the fraud?
I was scared youd think I was foolish, she said, looking down.
And Id never think that of you, Andrew said, pulling her into a hug. Well sort the money, well go to the police tomorrow.
Emily added, We should also see a solicitor, see if the sale can be challenged since you were misled.
Margaret looked up, surprised by the offer of help. Youd actually help me after everything?
Of course, Andrew said. Youre family.
Margaret burst into genuine tears. Im sorry, Emily. Ive been a terrible motherinlaw, always criticizing, always telling you what to do.
Its alright now, Emily soothed, patting her back. The important thing is weve talked.
Margaret promised, Ill try to change, stop ordering and lecturing.
Ill try to be more patient, Emily replied with a smile. And maybe you can finally teach me those famous scones you brag about?
Margaret laughed through her tears. Id love that.
Andrew let out a relieved breath. Glad were all on the same page.
Later that night the three of them sat down and mapped out a plan: tomorrow to the police, the day after to a solicitor, and simultaneously start looking for a small onebed flat for Margaret nearby, so shed be close but not in their space.
Until then, I wont get in the way, Margaret said. I can still cook dinner now and then, if you like.
Sure, Emily agreed. Well take turns. Maybe youll finally show me that perfect scone recipe.
Deal, Margaret replied, a grin spreading.
That night Emily finally slept soundly, something she hadnt managed in weeks. Yes, Margaret was still living with them, and there were legal headaches ahead, but at least theyd finally opened up, speaking honestly instead of bottling things up.
The next morning Margaret was the first up, but she didnt rush the vacuum. She quietly made breakfast and waited for Andrew and Emily to rise.
Morning, she said as they shuffled into the kitchen. Breakfasts ready, but no pressure if you dont want it.
Emily smiled. It smells lovely.
Over tea they chatted about the days plans, laughed about a goofy story from Andrews work, and Margaret recounted a funny mishap from her youth. For the first time in a month Emily felt genuinely relaxed.
At the police station they gave a clear statement, and the officer opened a file. The solicitor told them there was a real chance to contest the sale if they could prove Margaret was misled.
That evening they browsed listings for rental flats.
This ones not far from us, and the rents reasonable, Emily pointed out.
Well help with the deposit, Mum, Andrew said. Dont worry.
Margaret looked grateful. Thank you both, truly. I didnt expect anyone to stick by an old fool like me.
You’re not a fool, Emily replied. Just someone who fell into a bad spot. It could happen to anyone.
A week later Margaret moved into a cosy onebed flat in the next street. Emily helped set it up, bringing over potted plants and new curtains.
Its lovely, Margaret said, admiring the space. Thank you, Emily.
Drop by whenever you like, but give us a headsup, okay? Emily laughed.
I will, Margaret promised, and kept her word, visiting twice a week, always alerting them first. Sometimes shed bring a tasty cake, other times just a cuppa and a chat.
Gradually the tension eased. Margaret stopped critiquing everything, and Emily felt less irritated by her presence.
One afternoon, while they were baking a Victoria sponge together, Margaret said, You know, Im glad it turned out this way. I used to think my son owed me everything, that I was the centre of his life. Now I see his wife is just as important, and Im just his mum, here to support, not to control.
You both matter to Andrew, just in different ways, Emily replied. Thats fine.
Margaret gave Emily a warm hug. Thanks for taking me in and forgiving me.
Were family, Emily said.
Later, curled up on their nowonlytheirs sofa, Emily rested her head on Andrews shoulder.
You know, I thought I couldnt get through the time your mum lived with us, she whispered. But Im glad we went through it.
Why? Andrew asked, surprised.
Because we learned to speak up, not shut down, and that made us stronger, she answered simply.
Andrew kissed her forehead. Youre amazing. I love you.
I love you too, Emily replied, smiling.
Outside, the spring dusk settled, a warm lamplight glowed in the flat, and life felt simple again. There were still challenges, of course, but with Andrew by her side and even Margaret turned from adversary to ally, EmilyAnd as the evening settled, Emily felt a quiet certainty that love, honesty, and a little patience could turn even the most tangled family knots into a tapestry of shared strength.
