Oh my god, shes not got chickenpox, has she?! Are you mad? Im pregnant!
Dont worry! She hasnt had a fever for three days. The doctor said shes not contagious anymore.
Emily stood frozen in the living room doorway, then took a step back, putting distance between herself and this impromptu sickbay. Theyd only arrived at her mother-in-laws five minutes ago, and already she wanted to bolt.
On the sofa, Margaret smiled like nothing was wrong, while beside her on the floor, four-year-old Sophie squirmed in her unicorn pyjamas. Her nieceher sister-in-laws daughterwas dotted head to toe in green spots, like some kind of leopard.
Not contagious?! Do you even realise Ive never had chickenpox? That its dangerous for the baby? Why didnt anyone warn me?! Emily made a beeline for the door.
Em, love, youre already here, Margaret said, like that was supposed to calm her. Might as well stay now.
If Id known, I wouldnt have stepped foot in this house! Emily snapped, yanking on her boots. She threw her coat on outsideno way was she staying another second. She didnt need surprises like this at eight months pregnant. Her husband scrambled after her.
The whole drive home, she cursed herself. She knew how her in-laws treated illness. Knew, and still went.
The first red flag was when her sister-in-law, Lucy, brought a sick Sophie over. Emily had brushed it offshe wasnt pregnant thenbut it still rubbed her the wrong way.
Even worse when she caught it two days later. She worked from home, so it had to be them. The fever made her miss deadlines, and her boss tore into her. Work was swamped, and her being ill couldnt have come at a worse time. She had to power through it.
Well, sorry, Lucy shrugged when Emily brought it up. Who knew your immune system was so weak?
Like it was Emilys fault. Like Lucy had nothing to do with it. That was the worst part.
Lucy didnt just dismiss Emilyshe dismissed everyone. Shed drop Sophie at nursery with a fever, insisting, Theyre kids, theyre always sick anyway. I cant keep taking time off work!
Of course, she never learned. Why would she? It wasnt her problem.
Luckily, Emily didnt catch chickenpox, and little Oliver was born healthy. But she knew thenshe had to keep him and herself far away from that side of the family, or theyd ruin him. So she accidentally gave the wrong discharge date and only let her own mum visit.
Em, hows Ollie doing? When can we meet our grandson? Margaret fretted over the phone.
Oh, I dont know. The doctor said to keep him isolated. His immune systems really weak, Emily lied. We havent even taken him outside yet, let alone had guests.
She dodged visits with excusesplaying clueless, spinning tales, claiming she felt awful. Anything to keep sniffly Sophie away.
Then Lucy showed up unannounced. Emily opened the door on autopilot, and the avalanche was unstoppable. Sophie, grinning but sniffling, dashed straight to the nursery.
We just popped round for a cuppa! Lucy chirped. Sophies been desperate to see her cousin. Kids love babies, dont they?
Emilys eyebrow twitched. She wanted to drag them both out by their collars, but she bit her tongue. Even if every instinct screamed otherwise.
Is Sophie sick again? Emily crossed her arms.
Oh, kids are always ill, Lucy hedged. Its just allergies. They need to get sickbuilds immunity!
Right Emily drawled.
She booted them out half an hour later, claiming they were off to meet Dad from work. But it was too late. Two days later, Olivers temperature hit 40, and he started convulsing. That night was hell. She blamed herselfshe shouldve slammed the door.
Enough. Thats it. No more snotty Sophies in this house, she told her husband.
Em, its not her fault Shes just a kid.
I know. But the sight of her gives me a twitch. Shes a walking infection. Every time shes here, something happens. No more.
Her husband stayed quiet. She could tell he hated it, but she didnt care. She hated fearing for her son.
Still, cutting them off completely was impossible. They could skip Christmas, avoid Mothers Day, but banning them from Olivers birthday? That was harder.
Ive invited Mum and Lucy over, her husband said cautiously. Theyll be here by five.
Emily froze, sponge in hand. She glared at him.
I told youno invites!
Em, come on. Theyre family. I asked if Sophie was sickLucy said shes fine. I cant just say no. Your mums coming tomorrow! What, mine arent good enough?
Emily clenched her jaw but said nothing. This shouldve been a discussion, but fine. Maybe things had changed?
Nope.
This time, Sophie wasnt coughingjust quiet, sitting apart from everyone. Unusual for her.
Is Sophie okay? Emily whispered to Lucy.
Oh, her throat was sore this morning. Gave her some medicineshes fine now.
Emily inhaled deeply, resisting the urge to scream.
Lucy, youve worn us out with your sick kid. Every visit ends with a doctor.
Oh, relax! Kids get ill. Better now than when he starts nursery, eh?
Emily stared, dumbfounded.
So I should thank you?
Not thank me, but Em, youre overreacting. All kids get sick.
Not like this. And it doesnt mean we should throw germ parties.
The celebration was ruined. The table stayed set, but the mood was dead. Three days later, Oliver was burning up again.
That shouldve been the end. Even her husband saw sense. But no.
On the 30th, he stormed in, slammed his keys down, and locked himself in the lounge.
You okay? Whats wrong?
Stay out. Keep Ollie away. I was at Lucysshe needed help building Sophies bike.
Emily already knew.
And?
Theres a stomach bug going round her nursery. She only told me after.
New Years was spent clutching bowls, untouched trifle on the table. No countdown, no telly. Just silence.
I cant do this. Im exhausted, worrying about Ollieabout you. From now on, phone calls only. Okay?
Okay.
This time, he meant it. Maybe hed finally realisedfamily shouldnt put your kid at risk for their own convenience. Even if all kids get ill.
