A week alone would have softened her like spun silk, yet when he saw what had unfolded in that time he froze at the doorway.
Milly had lately become a stranger to herself. Cracks were forming in her marriage, and she was lost in the painful maze of uncertainty. It all began with the smallest frictionshow it always starts.
After work, Tom started to pepper her with venomous remarks. His jokes dripped with spite; each word cut deeper than a fist. Day by day his demeanor grew harsher. Even on his holiday he offered her no respite.
Looking like a crone! he barked, never lowering his phone. Other lads have wives who look like partners, and Ive got a shrivelled prune over here!
Indeed, Milly seemed older than her years. The grind of her job left lines on her face. Hearing such blows from her own husband was a sharper sting. She earned twice what he did, so he had no financial excuse to complain.
Tom spent his money as he pleased, never consulting anyone. Where I want, I spend! he declared. No kids to save for!
Milly endured that too. Their life held together, though they werent legally wed; they lived as partners and had no rush for a wedding. Yet Toms mother, Eleanor, had long called Milly her daughterinlaw, and Milly treated her as a motherinlaw.
Eleanor proved a meddling, dissatisfied presence. She constantly inserted herself into the couples affairs, and most of her nitpicking landed on Milly.
They lived in a detached house on the outskirts of Ashford. Though the town was nearby, the garden demanded constant attention. Often Milly pleaded for help.
I simply cant keep upmy shift runs from dawn till dusk! she would say.
Its not my problem, Tom retorted. This is your home, youre the one who runs it. What does that make me?
Winter left the house buried under snow until Milly herself took up the shovel. Summer saw weeds creep up to the windows. They hired help to tidy up, yet after work Milly still finished the chores herself while Tom lounged on the sofa, checking in only occasionally to see if any progress had been made.
She forgave many things, but the final straw snapped when she returned home after a grueling day, her feet dragging, a heavy bag slung over her shoulder. She hoped Tom would meet hershe even calledbut the line stayed silent. Gasping and wiping sweat from her brow, she heard music drifting from the back garden.
She dropped the bag by the fence and hurried inside, where a raucous party thundered. Anger and resentment swirled within hertonight she would let everything spill out.
The house was a riot of sound; glass rattled, the table was laden with snacks Milly had prepared earlier to avoid fuss in the evening. Tom, oblivious to his wife, twirled with a woman who had clearly overindulged and dressed in a provocatively bright dress.
Without a word Milly crossed the room and switched off the music.
Tom blinked, his vision hazy. What are you doing? he stammered, swaying.
I was about to ask you that! Whats happening? Whos that woman?
His partner kept dancing as if nothing had changed.
What’s it to you? Tom sneered. Just an old schoolfriend I ran into, thats all. Cant I relax in my own house?
If you remember, you once said this is my home and you have no right here. So clear it out now, see your guest out, and then well talk!
I wont! Tom tried to stand, but his legs gave way.
Millys disgust had solidified; he was no longer a man to her, just a burden. Living with him out of fear of loneliness? No thank you.
She grabbed the other woman by the elbow and ushered her toward the gate. Its time for you to leave!
Turning back to the house she asked, Are you staying or going yourself?
Tom shrugged, snatched a salad and a bottle from the table, and, wobbling, made for the door.
Youll survive without me, youll call later, you hysteric thing! he shouted as he exited.
Oi, oi, oi! Toms mother wailed, clutching her head. My heads splitting!
Mother, dont shout! Milly sent me away because I didnt meet her, the son lied, knowing his mother would side with him.
Whats there to meet? the woman asked, confused.
Who knows! Shes always finding faultthis, that! Im exhausted! Do you think my job is easy? Why should I help in someone elses house?
Exactly! Eleanor encouraged. First sort out the property, claim your share, then ask! Dont let her think shes special for me to welcome her! Shes fit, she should manage herself!
I told her! And she got offended!
Let her stay offended! Dont cave in! Nothing to concede! She wants marriageshell endure! Shes not a child any more to stick her nose where it doesnt belong!
What am I to do now? Tom asked, head bowed.
Be patient, dear! his mother cooed. Shell crawl back, pouting, asking you to take her in! A week alone will make her see the mess shes made! When she returns, demand a proper address. Otherwise shell be left without you!
Thus Eleanor spun her counsel, while Tom listened, nodding in time with her words.
Youre right, mum! I wont tolerate her whims! Who does she think she is, ordering me around? Im not some servant; Im a grown man, my own master!
Following his mothers advice, Tom vanished from the house, didnt call Milly, and waited a full week.
Eleanor, however, kept pressuring him: do this, do that. When he tried to push back, she reminded him of oldfashioned discipline a swift swat of the birch stick across his back.
Youre not at your wifes, youre at your mothers! No work, no lunch! she snapped, blunt and final. He learned not to argue.
At last, after the seven days, Tom gathered himself. Ill go, Mother. Ill see how she copes without me. Shell be crawling, begging me to come back!
Go, go! Dont give up! Speak clearlyreturn on your own terms! she urged.
He left the house with the swagger of a victor, chin lifted, spine straight, steps confidentas if he were about to demonstrate who truly ruled.
He approached the gate, stepped onto the lawn and froze.
Something was off.
He looked around: the garden was immaculate, the grass trimmed like a ruler, windows gleamed, flowerbeds were perfectly edged, paths spotless, no sign of overgrowth.
Not only that, everything seemed alive, vivid, meticulously cared for.
Even the gate was newsolid oak, not the squeaky, weatherworn one he remembered.
Tom fished for his key, then realized it no longer fit. He lingered a moment, then, resolute, knocked on the door.
Inside, footsteps halted, then the door swung open.
But it wasnt Milly. Not the weary woman with dark circles. Before him stood a freshfaced, smiling lady, eyes sparkling.
I thought you were the one suffering alone At least call me! she said, tilting her head coyly.
For what? Milly replied softly, a playful grin curving her lips.
Why ask why? A husband disappears for a week and you get nothing? she laughed. I have no husband, she said calmly.
And where will he come from? Milly chuckled. There was a visitor oncefailed miserably. No point dwelling on that!
Tom turned a shade of crimson. Is that you speaking about me?! Youll get a slap and a different tone! I should have raised you better! I was lenient before!
He stepped forward, but Milly didnt flinch.
From the doorway emerged a tall man, laid his hand on her shoulder, and said firmly, Hey, mate, step back. And better yetleave peacefully.
Whats that? A lover? Tom snarled. If you chase him off, Ill forgive you and come back! I promise not to hit!
Then the world twisted. Gravity faltered, time hiccuppedTom, who had just stood, now sprinted as if chased by demons, propelled by unseen forces.
Milly stood on the porch, laughing until tears rolled, watching her older brother hurl the former roommate toward the gate. He tossed him like a sack of potatoes, the brother giving sharp kicks that sent him flying.
As soon as Tom slipped beyond the threshold, the brother slammed the gate shut and turned to his sister.
Millicent, dont you dare think of taking that fool back! Honestly, I cant fathom how you put up with him!
Milly sighed deeply. I was a fool, thats why I endured. I kept hoping things would change.
You cant change them, you can only tie them up! If you need help around the house, call me, Ill come over. And let him learn that this yard isnt for his meddling.
And if he doesnt get it?
Then Ill explain again, the brother winked, and together they entered the house.
Inside, guests watched the spectacle through a large window, raising their glasses.
Heres to the birthday girl! someone shouted.
To the nameday! echoed the crowd, crystal flutes chiming.
Milly smiled. How wonderful it was to have such a caring, strong older brother, always there in the dreamtangled night.
