Don’t meddle, thats my life!
You live off the money while I scrape by in holes! Youre a grandmother! A mother! Can you ever actually help? Kat shouted, wounded.
The absurdity of the scene lay in the fact that, at that very moment, Kat was sitting at her mothers kitchen table. Margaret had thrown together a modest spread: ham and cheese sandwiches, thick slices of cheddar, smoked salmon, and fresh rolls from the corner bakery. A bowl of fruitgrapes, pomegranate, mandarinssat beside them. No exotic berries or pineapples, but Margaret was still serving her guest with dignity.
The grandson was glued to cartoons in the living room, dressed in the new tracksuit his grandmother had bought him just days before.
Kat, stop ruining the comedy, Margaret snapped, irritation flashing in her eyes. I put shoes on your son, dress him, drive him to his earlylearning class, even buy his medicines. He depends entirely on me. And you still want more?
Its your grandson, after all. Who else? Tom and I are already at our wits end trying to stretch every pound. Loans, mortgage, council tax, nursery fees After all that, whats left barely covers bread and spaghetti.
So what business is that of mine? Did I take out your loans? Push you into having children? Did I force you to sell the flat? You told me not to interfere, so I stayed out. Now you expect me to owe you something else?
Mum! Kats brow furrowed. Look at how we live! I cant even do my own manicure because the polish is finished. My boots fall apart; a single puddle and my feet are soaked, then I catch a cold. Tom has only one decent shirt left. Were surviving, not living. And you think you can suddenly start raising me? Its easy for you, you have salmon for breakfast every day!
Margaret listened, lips pressed together. Perhaps she bore some blameher love was fierce, almost smothering. But love alone could not fix the cracks; reality would have to bite.
Kat, havent I given you enough in life? the woman said, narrowing her eyes with displeasure. You had everything. You wanted a touchscreen phone when everyone else still used button phonesyou got it. You asked for a mink coatwe bought it. I gave you a roof over your head. Youre no longer a little girl; you must learn to fend for yourself.
Kat puffed up in hurt and turned away, just as she had as a child when the next toy was denied because there was no room left in the house.
Margaret remembered little Kat racing around the flat in that glittery tracksuit, a brandnew computer humming in her room, a box of film in the wardrobea New Years gift. Kats wishes changed faster than the pounds exchange rate. One day she wanted to be a photographer, the next a hairdresser, then an actress. Margaret could only open her purse and sign her up for extra lessons.
Let the girl enjoy it. Childhood only comes once, her husband James joked, a grin on his face.
James, a respected officer in the local regiment, earned enough that the family never wanted for anything. Margaret also worked, but mainly for the pleasure of it. She could have stayed at home, yet she preferred to be among people, to feel useful.
I want to try felting wool! Kat declared after watching a video on YouTube.
So Margaret took her to a craft shop, handed her a basket, and within half an hour it was brimming with yarn. Other parents might have given just a couple of skeins and the cheapest needles, but Margaret believed her daughters development was sacred. They could afford it, so why not?
Kat clutched each new hobby with zeal, only to abandon it weeks later for something else. It baffled Margaret, but she trusted that her daughter was simply exploring. Kat grew accustomed to getting everything at the snap of a finger.
Then James died, leaving Margaret alone. She mourned, yet she was sure of the solid ground beneath her feet. James had left her an astonishing estate. The interest from his savings could have funded a comfortable life, but Margaret kept working until her health began to fail.
Kats conscience was clear. She paid for her daughters studies in London, bought a onebedroom flat in a new development, and oversaw a topnotch renovation. Having crossed off every box on the good mother checklist, Margaret declared, Ive given her everything she needs to start. Ill help while she studies, then shell manage on her own. She felt resolute.
But things went sideways.
Kat had just started her second year when she announced she had a boyfriend. Tom also owned an iPhonethough not the latest modeland was penniless, his parents as welloff as hers. He wore an overconfident grin and seemed utterly clueless about everyday life.
Kat, finish your studies first, Margaret urged after Kat introduced Tom. If you want to live together, go ahead, but dont rush. Get a qualification, stand on your own, then think about a family.
Mum, dont interfere, Kat snapped, eyes narrowed. This is my life.
Margaret kept her distance, yet Kats life unfolded far from her expectations.
At first it was all sunshine. They lived in Kats flat, with Margaret covering the council tax and handing over pocket money for food and clothes. The young couple simply enjoyed lifebingewatching series and wandering the streets until dawn.
Then Tom dropped out of university. I only enrolled because my parents wanted me to, he said. Studying now is a waste of time. Im not going down that path.
Kat followed suit, quitting her course. It wasnt for the same reasons, but the result was the same.
Mum, Im pregnant, she whispered over the phone one day. Tom and I have decided. Ill keep the baby, maybe take a year off, then see what happens.
Kat Margaret sighed, covering her face with her hand, then holding back. If youre sure, go ahead.
Will you help us? Kat asked, hope trembling in her voice.
Ill help my grandson. You two are adults now. You have more than I ever did at your age. Manage yourselves, Margaret replied, though her heart clenched.
A heavy silence fell.
Hmm youre something else, Kat, Margaret muttered.
Kat hung up.
The next weeks were a storm of tantrums, manipulations, and careful probing. Kat complained about a broken fridge, a wornout coat, low iron levels from poor nutrition. Margaret only reacted to the last, and that solely because of the pregnancy.
My grandson shouldnt suffer because his parents are idiots, she grumbled, lugging grocery bags.
Then Kat dropped another bombshell.
Weve decided to sell the flat and buy a twobedroom house.
Kat, think it through. You dont need to rush; the baby will still be with you, Margaret urged.
No, Mum. Weve made up our minds. We want a wedding, a honeymoon, a proper start, Kat insisted.
Margaret clenched her teeth but said nothing.
Money slipped through their fingers like sand. A wedding with a banquet and photoshoot, the latest iPhones, laptops, a holiday in Spain, a deposit on a mortgage The young couple even took out loans.
Mortgage payments exploded. Debts multiplied. Soon Kat was pleading, Were short before the month ends.
Margaret continued to fund the grandsonbuying formula, baby food, nappies. He had been living with her for six months.
Tom got a job as a camera operator and does courier work on the side. Ill start freelancing from home, well manage somehow. Can you look after Leo for now? Kat asked.
Margaret agreed, but only minimally. The child had everything; the adults would have to fend for themselves.
Kat stared out the window, then turned to her mother.
If you dont help, Ill take Leo away, she threatened. And youll never see him again.
Margaret laughed, though anxiety tightened her chest.
Fine. Lets see how quickly theyll get the sack and what youll survive on. Do you even have money for nursery fees, my dear?
Kat huffed, breathing hard, unable to argue. In a few days shed have to return, hand out another payment.
You had everything. Im not to blame for you blowing it all, Margaret went on. And you expect to drag Leo and me down with you? No. Youre adults; scramble on your own.
Kat left her sandwiches untouched, stood, grabbed her coat, and walked out. Margaret didnt stop her.
When the door shut, Margaret slipped into the lounge. Leo was asleep on the sofa, clutching a plush owl pillow. She turned off the TV so he wouldnt wake. For his sake Id move mountains, she thought, but for the two of them let life be the teacher.
