My Intrusive Mother-in-Law Invaded My Home Just in Time for My Homecoming Reception

The overinvolved motherinlaw turned up at our place like it was her own home, until I gave her a taste of her own medicine.
Sometimes the enemy in the house isnt a stranger at all, but a motherinlaw with a friendly smile and a Tupperware full of dubious meatballs. Im Élodie, married for two years, and, as the saying goes, everything was fine between my husband and me until his mother started warming up our home far too often. She was so persistent that even the mail carrier showed up less often than she did.
I was sorting the groceries in the kitchen pantry when the doorbell rang. I opened it. Of course, it was MarieClaude, my motherinlaw.
Élodie, hello! Ive made meatballs! Lotte style! Fresh as can be! she chirped, holding out her plastic container.
I sighed. My husband and I have despised fish since childhood. I was fed it all the time as a baby, and he, the son of a fisherman, ate so much he almost grew gills. Wed talked about itseveral times. Yet MarieClaude acted as if nothing was wrong.
MarieClaude, we dont eat fish you know that.
But you dont just throw it away! Keep it; someone will benefit! she defended herself.
It wasnt only the cursed meatballs. She began showing up more and more, unannounced, without even knocking. She acted as if the house were hers, launching her inspections:
Whats this cheese? Ive never tried it, Ill have a piece. And a bit of salami too; youll go buy more later. Oh, and I brought you some fishsharing is caring!
With each visit her appetite grew. One day she arrived with a friend, no warning, no request.
We were at the pharmacywanted to warm up a bit. Can you treat us to coffee?
While I stood frozen at the doorway, she was already rummaging through the fridge, pulling out jam, cheese, biscuits, while her companion settled comfortably at the table.
I felt like a stranger in my own home. My husband raised his handsIts Mom, shes kind. Kind? Id seen her hide our pineapple under her coat. It stopped being help or careit became brazen intrusion.
So I devised a plansoft yet precise. The next day I took my friend Nathalie, bought the spiciest sushi in the neighborhood, and, without warning, we went to MarieClaudes place.
Good morning, we were passing by and thought wed drop in! We brought sushiplease try! I said, thrusting the platter into her hands.
MarieClaude turned pale. She hates sushi. Once she tried it and ever since calls it raw rats on rice.
Have a seat, Ill see what good you have, too I said, heading toward her fridge.
I pulled out couscous, a Piémontese salad, a cakeeverything landed on the table. Nathalie was already laughing.
Oh, MarieClaude, does it bother you? I brought sushi; its only fair to exchange, right? I added with feigned innocence.
MarieClaude froze, speechless. She understood what it felt like to have someone impose themselves in her home.
I left, thanking her for the warm welcome and promising to return soon.
Since then everythings changed. She now calls before coming, her visits are rare and discreet. She even brings things we truly likeno more fish. Sometimes you dont need a fight; a mirror is enough.