My son lives here, so Ill be staying too, said Evelyn Harper as she stepped into the flat.
Lets go to the market on Saturday to pick up some seedlings, offered Emily, pouring tea for her husband. We can get tomatoes and cucumbers for the garden.
Andrew glanced at his phone, scrolling through the news.
Sounds good. Lets leave early, otherwise the queues will be massive.
Deal, Emily said, sitting opposite him. And maybe we could go to the cinema tonight? Theres a new film Ive been dying to see.
Andrew lifted his eyes from the screen and smiled.
Of course, love. It feels like ages since we went out just the two of us.
Emily let out a contented sigh. Thats how she imagined lifequiet evenings, weekend plans, no rush. After eight years of marriage theyd learned to cherish this calm domestic harmony.
Andrews phone rang. He glanced at the screen and frowned.
Moms calling. Thats odd; she usually doesnt bother at this hour.
Answer it, Emily prompted.
Hello, Mum, Andrew switched to speaker. Whats wrong?
Andrew, darling, I have news! Evelyns voice crackled with excitement. Ive sold my flat!
Emily and Andrew stared at each other.
How could you sell it? Andrew stammered. You never mentioned you were planning to move.
It just happened, Evelyn babbled. Neighbour Tamara told me her nephew is looking for a place. He offered a good price, so I agreed. The moneys already transferred; we sign the paperwork tomorrow.
Mom, wait a minute, Andrew said, rubbing his bridge of the nose. Where will you live?
You have a spare room, dont you? Evelyn replied as if it were obvious. Ill be there tomorrow with my boxes.
A chill ran through Emily. She looked at Andrew, who was at a loss for words.
Mum, can we discuss this calmly? he finally managed. Come over, well talk.
Theres nothing to discuss, Evelyns tone hardened. Im your mother; I have nowhere else to go. Im off, lots to do. See you tomorrow.
A click. Andrew set the phone down slowly.
Shes joking, right? Emily whispered.
I dont know, Andrew ran a hand through his hair. Mum can be impulsive. Maybe shell explain everything when she arrives.
Emily knew her motherinlaw well. Evelyn never made jokes about moving in with her son. If she said she was coming, it meant she was coming.
That night Emily lay awake, picturing their future: Evelyn in the kitchen, the living room, constantly offering unsolicited advice. She tossed and turned while Andrew slept peacefully beside her.
In the morning Emily awoke exhausted and broken. Andrew had already left for work, leaving a note: Emily, dont worry. Ill sort everything with Mum this evening. Love you.
Emily crumpled the note. It was easy for him to say dont worry when his mother was about to upend their lives.
At work she could barely focus. Her colleague Charlotte noticed her downcast mood.
Whats got you looking so glum, Emily? she asked.
Emily recounted the phone call.
Oh dear, Charlotte shook her head. My sister had the same thingher mother moved in and they split after three months.
Dont scare me, Emily gasped, heart pounding.
Im not trying to frighten you, just sharing what I know, Charlotte soothed, placing a hand on Emilys shoulder. Maybe yours will be different. Maybe your motherinlaw is reasonable.
Emily managed a bitter smile. Reasonable, she repeated. Evelyn thought she alone could perfect stew, wash laundry, and run a household. Every visit turned into a barrage of critiques.
That evening Emily got home early, hoping for a quiet few hours before Evelyns arrival. She walked through each room as if saying goodbye to the life shed known: the bright bedroom, the cosy lounge where theyd watched films, the kitchen where she loved to cook.
The lock clicked. Andrew slipped in, followed by Emily froze.
My son lives here, so Ill be staying too, Evelyn announced, stepping over a stack of suitcases.
A mover stood by, lugging a massive suitcase, while two more bags and several boxes lingered in the hallway.
Hello, Emily, Evelyn planted a kiss on her cheek. Im here. Andrew, show me where I can settle in.
Andrew looked guilty.
Mum, can we at least have a word first? Have a cup of tea before you unpack?
Later, Evelyn brushed him off. Im tired from the journey. Show me the room.
We only have two rooms, love, Andrew began. The bedroom and the lounge.
The lounge will be mine, then, Evelyn declared, as if it were obvious. Is the sofa a pullout? Perfect. Young man, she said to the mover, take everything into that room.
Emily stood, stunned. Their loungewhere they entertained friends and unwoundwas being claimed.
Mum, can we discuss this properly? You didnt ask or warn us, Emily said, voice trembling.
Evelyn turned, her eyes cold with superiority.
This is my sons flat. Im his mother. I dont need permission.
But Im his wife! Emily snapped.
Exactly, Evelyn emphasized. Im the mother, the blood.
Andrew stood between them, pale and helpless. Emily waited for him to defend her, but he remained silent.
Fine, Evelyn paid the mover and closed the door behind him. When shall we have dinner?
I havent cooked anything yet, Emily managed through clenched teeth.
No problem, Evelyn replied, heading to the kitchen. Ill do it myself. You two must be surviving on ready meals.
Left alone with Andrew in the hallway, Emily tried not to cry.
Why didnt you tell her she cant just move in? she asked, voice shaking.
Shes my mother, Andrew shrugged helplessly. She truly has nowhere else. She sold her flat.
And you didnt ask us first? Discuss it? Emily pressed. Are we just furniture?
Of course not, Andrew tried to hug her, but she pulled away. Emily, I know this is sudden, but she wont be forever. Shell find a place eventually.
She just sold her flat! Emily shouted. How will she afford a new one?
Andrew fumbled. She invested the money somewhere, I think.
Invested where? Emilys heart raced. Explain!
Im not sure, he admitted, avoiding her gaze. She said it was a good investmentsome friends business.
Emily closed her eyes. So Evelyn hadnt just sold a flat; shed dumped the proceeds into something unknown and now expected to live with them.
From the kitchen came the clatter of pots and Evelyns disgruntled mutterings.
Not a single decent saucepan! How can anyone cook in this?
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 was she forced out of her own home?
An hour later Evelyn called them to dinner. Steaming bowls of stew sat on the table.
Sit down while its hot, she instructed. Andrew, slice the bread.
Andrew obediently took a knife. Emily ate in silence; the stew smelled delicious but felt like poison.
Not eating? Evelyn asked. Dont like it?
Just not hungry, Emily replied.
Strange, Evelyn said, sipping. A working woman should eat well. Or are you on a diet? You could do with losing a few pounds.
Emily clenched her fists under the table. The tension snapped.
Mum, Andrew said, uneasy, Emily looks lovely.
I didnt say anything wrong, Evelyn retorted, offended. Im just looking out for you. Dont you want your wife to look beautiful?
Shes already beautiful, Andrew grumbled, blushing.
After dinner Evelyn announced, Tomorrow Ill do a deep clean. Its been ages since youve tidied properly.
Emilys teeth clenched. She cleaned the flat every Saturday; everything shone.
Its clean already, she said.
It may seem that way to you, dear, Evelyn replied patronisingly. Your eyes dont see what I see. Ive always had a spotless home. Remember, Andrew?
Yes, Mum, Andrew sighed.
In the bedroom Emily finally let the tears fall. Andrew tried to comfort her.
Emily, please dont cry. Its only temporary, he whispered.
How long? she sobbed. A month? A year? Forever?
I dont know, he admitted. Well figure something out.
You didnt stand up for me when she commented on my weight, Emily accused.
I told her youre beautiful! he protested.
Only after she kept going! Emily snapped, pulling away. This is my flat too. I wont have youor your mothertelling me how to live here!
Evelyn brushed it off. Im not telling you what to do; Im just used to running the house.
Then run your own house! Emily shouted. Im not being fairyour flat is gone, after all. But you cant force me to choose between you and my life.
Emily, dont be foolish, Andrew frowned. I love you, but shes my mother. I cant just evict her.
So Im stuck between you and her? Emily asked, voice cracking. I cant live like this.
Andrew sighed heavily. Alright. Ill talk to her.
Emily walked to the kitchen for water. Evelyn sat at the table, tea in hand, having heard everything.
So, Evelyn said coldly, you think Im trying to drive a wedge between you?
I just want my own home, Emily replied, exhausted.
This is my sons flat. I gave him life, raised him. Who are you? Evelyn sneered.
Ive been his wife for eight years, Emily shot back. Where were you when he was ill? When he lost his job? I was there.
Evelyns face paled. How dare you! I always thought of him.
Really? Emily asked. Did you ever show up when he was in hospital? Did you help him find work?
I didnt know, Evelyn stammered. I was… distant.
Because you never asked, Emily said, the anger draining away, you only called once a month to complain about your own problems.
A heavy silence fell. Evelyns hands trembled around the teacup.
I I didnt know about the pneumonia or the redundancy, she whispered. I was out of the loop.
Exactly, Emily said, feeling the fury ebb. You only cared when you needed a place.
Evelyns eyes filled with tears. After my husband died I fell apart. I felt useless, so a friend suggested I invest in a business. I trusted her, and I was ripped off. I sold my flat to hide the loss, hoping no one would notice. I was ashamed to tell Andrew.
What business? Emily asked.
None. It was a scam. They vanished with my money. I was left penniless and terrified to admit it to my son, Evelyn confessed.
Emily listened, stunned. Why didnt you tell us earlier? We could have helped.
It was embarrassing, Evelyn admitted. Ive always been strong, independent. Now Im a frightened old woman, duped.
Emilys anger softened to pity. We should have talked as adults, not barged in.
I understand, Evelyn said, wiping her cheeks. I behaved terribly. I was scared Id be kicked out if I showed weakness.
Emily reached across the table, placing her hand over Evelyns.
Were family, she said gently. We could have supported you.
I was used to controlling everything, Evelyn admitted. After my husband died I was alone, no one to confide in. When I came here I thought I had to be indispensablecook, clean, teach you
I dont need lessons, Emily smiled faintly. Im an adult with my own ways. Your constant corrections hurt.
Evelyn sighed. I was a bull in a china shop.
Just then Andrew entered, seeing the two women holding hands.
Whats happening? he asked cautiously.
Were having a hearttoheart, Emily replied.
Andrew turned to his mother. Mum, why didnt you tell me about the scam?
I didnt want you to think I was foolish, Evelyn said, remorseful.
Mom, Ill never think youre foolish, Andrew said, embracing her. But we should have been told sooner. We could have found a solution.
Now what do we do? Evelyn asked, voice trembling.
Lets go to the police tomorrow, Andrew decided. Well file a report.
And we should see a solicitor, Emily added. Maybe the sale can be contested if we prove you were misled.
Evelyn looked up, surprised. Youd help me?
Of course, Emily said. Youre part of our family now.
Evelyn wept openly. Andrew hugged her, and Emily sat beside them.
Im sorry, Emily, Evelyn sobbed. Ive been harsh, critical, overbearing.
Its alright now, Emily soothed, rubbing her back. The important thing is weve talked.
Ill try to change, Evelyn promised. No more ordering around.
Ill try to be more patient, Emily replied, smiling. And maybe youll finally teach me that pancake recipe you brag about?
Evelyn chuckled through tears. Absolutely. Ill show you the perfect flip.
Andrew exhaled in relief. Im glad were all on the same page.
From now on, dont stay silent when your wife is hurting, Evelyn warned her son. A man must protect his family, and a wife is family too.
I understand, Mum, Andrew said, nodding. Im sorry, Emily. I was wrong.
Emily embraced him. Its over now.
That night the three of them drafted a plan. Tomorrow police station; the day after solicitor. Simultaneously they would help Evelyn find a small rented flat nearby, so shed be close but have her own space.
Until then, Evelyn said, I wont intrude on your life. I can still cook dinner occasionally if you like.
Sure, Emily replied. We can take turns, or you can teach me new recipes.
Deal, Evelyn agreed, smiling.
Emily finally fell asleep peacefully, something she hadnt managed in months. Yes, Evelyn still lived with them, and there were legal battles ahead, but at least they had finally spoken openly, without hidden resentment.
The next morning Evelyn rose early, but she didnt fire up the vacuum. She quietly prepared breakfast and waited for Andrew and Emily to come down.
Good morning, she said as they entered the kitchen. Breakfast is ready, but no pressure if you dont want it.
Emily grinned. It smells wonderful.
Over the meal they discussed the days agenda, laughed, and shared a story from Evelyns youth. For the first time in weeks Emily felt genuinely relaxed.
At the police station the officers took their statements, and the solicitor told them there was a realistic chance to challenge the sale, provided they proved Evelyn had been misled.
That evening they scoured listings for a onebedroom flat nearby.
Heres a decent place not far from us, Emily showed. The rent is reasonable.
Well help with the deposit, Mum, Andrew said. Dont worry.
Evelyn looked at them, gratitude shining in her eyes. Thank you, both of you. For not turning your backs on an old fool.
Youre not a fool, Emily replied. Just someone who fell into a bad spot. It could happen to anyone.
A week later Evelyn moved into a cosy flat in the next block. Emily helped her settle, bringing potted plants and soft curtains.
This feels nice, Evelyn said, admiring the space. Thank you, Emily.
Youre always welcome at ours, Emily replied, just give us a headsup first.
I will, Evelyn promised, and kept her word. She visited twice a week, always announcing her arrival. Sometimes she baked a treat for Emily and Andrew; sometimes she simply sat with a cup of tea and chatted about the news.
Gradually the tension eased. Evelyn stopped critiquing every move, and Emily no longer felt on edge when the motherinlaw appeared.
One afternoon, while they were baking a cake together, Evelyn said, You know, Emily, Im glad things turned out this way. I used to think my son owed me everything, that I was the centre of his life. Now I see Im just his mother, and youre the one who truly holds his heart.
You both matter to him, just in different ways, Emily replied.
Evelyn embraced her daughterinlaw. Thank you for taking me in and forgiving me.
Were family, Emily said.
Later, lounging on their nowsolely theirs sofa, Emily rested her head on Andrews shoulder.
Honestly, I didnt think I could survive your mum living with us, she admitted.
Why not? Andrew asked.
Because we learned to talk, not to endure silently. It made us stronger, she said.
Andrew kissed her forehead. YouYoure my everything, and together well face whatever comes next..
