Mark had set a condition.
Sarah stared at the flour scattered across the kitchen floor, fighting back tears. In the dim glow of the overhead light, the white streaks on the linoleum looked like whimsical snowflakes, but there was no time for poetry guests were due in an hour and the cake hadnt even been started.
Whats this mess again? Marks voice cut in as he entered the kitchen. My mothers coming and youre as usual.
Sarah pursed her lips.
It wasnt on purpose, Mark. The bag tore.
Everything in this house always falls apart or breaks, he snapped, swinging open the fridge and pulling out a bottle of sparkling water. Thirtyfive years old and still as clumsy as a child.
Sarah began scooping the flour into a dustpan, swallowing her resentment. Ten years of this routine had taught her to swallow her sorrow.
Im off to meet my mother, Mark checked his watch. Make sure the table is set by seven. Try not to embarrass us tonight, alright? Its her anniversary after all.
When his door slammed shut, Sarah slumped onto a stool and inhaled deeply. She remembered meeting Mark at the library where she worked. He seemed attentive showing up daily, borrowing the books she suggested, staying late. Then hed invited her to the theatre. Shed felt like a heroine from a romance: a mother with a child from a previous marriage, loved by a handsome, independent man. Who could have guessed the fairytale would end so abruptly?
James slipped into the kitchen like a silent ghost.
Is he out again? he asked, nodding toward the front door.
Enough, Sarah snapped. Youre talking about your stepdad.
The one who treats you like a servant.
Sarah had no retort. At sixteen James saw everything too clearly.
You should be doing your homework, not eavesdropping on adults, she muttered, returning to the cleaning.
James huffed but didnt argue. Instead he rolled up his sleeves and started 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? Sarah froze, towel in hand. But we agreed on a local college theres accommodation and
And Mark, who will keep nagging you at every opportunity, James cut in. I cant watch that any longer, Mum.
Its adult life, James. Families have their quirks, Sarah replied.
Its not a family, Mum. Its he stopped, waved his hand, and left the kitchen.
By the time the guests arrived, Sarah had composed herself, set the table, and even baked an apple tart a pride of her culinary repertoire. Eleanor Whitman, a stately woman in an elegant dress, surveyed the spread with a critical eye but said nothing. That alone felt like a small victory.
Please, have a seat, Eleanor, Sarah chirped. Emily and Tom will be here any minute.
Eleanor sank into a chair and smoothed her silvered fringe.
And wheres your boy? she asked, as if referring to a pet.
James is in his room; Ill fetch him, Sarah replied.
Still at school, I see, Eleanor drawled. What good is all that studying? Hell end up just like his father.
Sarah stayed silent. Eleanor always dismissed Marks first marriage dismissively, though shed never met his ex. To insult a dead man seemed indecent, but she dared not contradict her motherinlaw.
The doorbell rang, sparing Sarah from further questioning. Olivia arrived with her husband Thomas Marks sister and a successful businessman, whose presence always made Mark visibly tense.
Happy birthday, Mum! Olivia threw her arms around Eleanor. You look stunning! You could pass for twentyfive!
Eleanor beamed. Olivia always knew the right words.
Darling, Thomas kissed Sarahs hand, you look wonderful. New haircut?
Yes, thank you, Sarah answered shyly, catching Marks displeased glance.
Mark began pouring champagne, deliberately ignoring James, who stood off to the side.
To the birthday girl! he announced. To the best mum in the world!
And to Grandma! Olivia added. By the way Mum, we have a surprise for you.
What kind of surprise? Eleanor asked warily.
Were expecting a baby! Olivia declared triumphantly.
Eleanor clapped her hands and wept with joy. Thomas glowed. Mark forced a smile.
Im delighted, Sarah said quietly. Thats wonderful news.
And why arent you having one yourself? Eleanor blurted, turning to Sarah. Marks almost forty and has no children of his own. Just a stepchild in the house.
Silence fell. Sarah felt a rush of heat to her face.
Its not my decision alone, Mark muttered through clenched teeth.
What decision? That your wife is building a career? Eleanor scoffed. What career in a library? All my grandsons mothers are nannies, and here I am, admiring your son James. And it would be nice if he were a polite lad
Eleanor! Sarah snapped. James is right here.
Am I lying? Eleanor turned to her grandson. You sit in your corner all day, never saying a word. London, you say? For what purpose?
Sarah stared at James, stunned. How did she know about his plans?
Ill earn my own money, James replied calmly. Ive already found a remote gig Im building websites.
What websites? Mark interjected. You should be studying properly, not fiddling with nonsense.
Its not nonsense, its my future profession, James said firmly. And it pays decently.
Who gave you permission? Mark raised his voice. You live under my roof, so you follow my rules!
Your roof, your rules, James muttered. Im not even your son, am I? So I dont have to obey.
Marks face flushed.
Thats exactly it! Not my son! Youll never be one!
Mark! Sarah shouted. Stop this right now!
What did I say? Mark shrugged. Im speaking the truth! Ive fed and clothed him for ten years, and he gives me nothing but his head in the computer. Now he wants to head to London behind my back!
Behind your back? James smirked. I couldnt care less about your opinion. Youre nothing to me.
James! Sarah, desperate, swung her gaze between son and husband. Mark, please, lets not do this today. Its Eleanors celebration.
No, nows the perfect time! Mark persisted. Ive tolerated your brat for ten years and now you expect me to fund his London studies?
Eleanor nodded approvingly, Olivia and Thomas stared at their plates, and James stood pale but composed.
Ill earn it myself, James repeated. I dont need anything from you.
You really think so? Mark snorted. What about a roof over your head? Food? Clothes? All mine! And if you keep this up, therell be no London for you. Study here under my watch. Thats my condition.
Sarah felt something snap inside her. Ten years of enduring criticism, neglect, and petty grievances had been endured for the sake of stability, for the roof, for James. Now Mark was dictating terms to her son.
Isnt that enough? she said quietly. Its Eleanors birthday, and were making a scene.
Its your son making the scene, Mark retorted. Everything is always his fault. And you always cover for him! Ungrateful whelp and a henlike mother. Is that how youll keep living off my neck?
Sarah rose slowly from the table. The room fell into a heavy hush.
I spent thirtyfive years working in a library, she announced, her voice steadier than she felt. I have two degrees. I never asked you to support my son we managed before you.
Really? Mark sneered. I must have missed that.
Thats because I didnt want to see it, Sarah replied. You needed a compliant housekeeper, not a wife. I became that, but enough is enough.
What does that mean? Mark asked, frowning.
It means, Sarah turned to James, that James and I are leaving.
An oppressive silence settled over the room.
Are you out of your mind? Mark finally snapped. Where are you going?
For now, to my sisters, Sarah said calmly. Then well find a flat. Ill get a better job, maybe even in London.
James looked at his mother with awe. Hed never seen her like this.
Dont be ridiculous, Mark laughed nervously. Youll starve. How will you afford a flat on a librarians salary?
Its not your concern, Sarah cut him off. By the way, Im not just a librarian; Im the head librarian, and my salary is decent. You never bothered to ask.
Are you serious? Mark turned to his mother. Our house is now full of careerchasers!
Your mother has heard enough, Thomas interjected. And perhaps its time to stop. Its her jubilee, not your circus.
What are you doing, Thomas? Mark snapped. Stay out of this family business!
This is a family, Thomas said, shaking his head. The way you treat your wife and stepson there are no words.
Tom, enough, Olivia tried to intervene, but it was too late.
Its necessary, Olivia, Thomas said firmly. Ive watched this nightmare for ten years. Enough. Mark, youve become a tyrant. If Sarah is leaving, thats the best thing she can do.
Eleanor gasped in outrage.
How dare you! My son does everything for them, and they
Mom, Olivia softened, Tom is right. Look at whats happening. Its terrible.
Without waiting for more arguments, Sarah slipped out of the room, James following. In the bedroom she grabbed a suitcase and began packing the essentials.
Youre serious? James asked, eyes wide.
More than you think, Sarah replied. Gather your things. Were leaving.
But we cant just he stammered, we need money, a place to stay
I have savings, Sarah pulled out a small tin box from the wardrobe, one Mark never knew existed. Not much, but enough for now. My sister in the north has offered a flat, and I have you, my bright, talented son. Well manage.
A knock sounded at the door. Olivia stood there.
Are you really leaving? she asked softly.
Yes, Sarah said firmly. Weve had enough.
Olivia hesitated, then reached into her purse and handed Sarah an envelope.
Take this. Its from Tom and me. Weve wanted to help but were afraid Mark would find out.
Olivia, I I cant
You can, Olivia interrupted. Youve endured my brothers abuse for ten years, and my mothers nonsense too. Forgive us for staying silent. This isnt charity; its compensation for the hurt youve endured.
Sarah hesitated, then accepted the envelope, seeing the determination in her sisterinlaws eyes.
Thank you, she whispered. And Im sorry for ruining the celebration.
What celebration? Olivia waved her hand. At least now Mark might finally think about his behaviour. Though I doubt it.
When Sarah and James left the living room, tension hung thick. Mark sat scowling, Eleanor pursed her lips, and Thomas watched with a faint smile.
Were leaving, Sarah said simply. Thank you for everything, Mark, and Im sorry if anything went wrong.
Yyou you Mark stood abruptly, his words choking.
No drama, Thomas, he snarled. Weve had enough. Need a lift?
No, thanks, Sarah shook her head. Well get a taxi ourselves.
The door closed behind them, and Sarah felt an unexpected lightness, as if a heavy pack had finally been set down after ten years. James took her hand, just as he used to when she was a child.
Youre amazing, Mum, he whispered. Im proud of you.
Thanks, love, Sarah smiled. You know, maybe London isnt such a bad idea after all. A new city, a fresh start
They descended the stairs and stepped out into the courtyard. Early May was dawning, and the scent of blackthorn filled the air.
Sarahs phone rang. She saw Marks name on the screen.
Dont answer, James urged.
Sarah shook her head and answered.
Sarah? Mark barked. Come back at once! I wont let you go! If you want the brat, take him, but you stay here. Thats my condition!
Sarah laughed, a sound that hadnt escaped her lips in years.
You no longer have the right to set conditions for me, Mark, she said. No conditions. Never again.
She hung up, hailed a taxi, and slipped inside. The car pulled away, carrying them toward a new life.
Back in the fourthfloor flat, Mark, fuming, smashed the phone against the wall and turned to his mother, expecting support. Eleanor stared at him with a strange new expression, as if seeing him for the first time.
You really are unbearable, Mark, she said softly. How did I miss that?
She began to weep, not from spite but from genuine regret. For the first time in years she mourned her own mistakes the ones that had turned her son into a selfish man unable to love. Whether it was too late to mend anything, only time would tell.
