Emily pulled her car to a stop just down the road from her mother-in-laws house. The clock read 5:45shed arrived earlier than planned. Perhaps this time shell appreciate my punctuality, she thought, smoothing the creases from her new dress. The giftan antique brooch shed spent months tracking down through collectorswas carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she approached the house, Emily noticed the ground-floor window slightly ajar. Her mother-in-laws voice carried clearly from inside:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She couldnt even be bothered to ask what cake I liked! Ordered some modern dessert instead Our William always adored a classic Victoria sponge, and she a pause, doesnt even understand that. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet seemed rooted to the pavement.
Of course, Ive told you beforeshes not right for William. Works all hours at that clinic of hers, barely home. What sort of homemaker is that? I popped round yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture And her, naturally, tied up with some complicated surgery!
Everything inside her stilled. Emily leaned against the fence, knees trembling. For seven years, shed tried to be the perfect daughter-in-law: cooking, cleaning, remembering every birthday, visiting when her mother-in-law was ill. And all for nothing
No, I havent said a word, but reallyis a woman like that suited to my son? He needs a proper family, warmth, care And shes always at conferences or on night shifts. Doesnt even think about children! Can you imagine?
Her head throbbed. Mechanically, she pulled out her phone and dialled her husband.
William? Ill be a bit late. Yes, everythings fine, just traffic.
She turned and walked back to the car. Sitting stiffly, she stared blankly ahead. The words shed just heard echoed in her mind: Perhaps a bit more salt next time? In my day, women stayed home William works so hardhe needs looking after
Her phone buzzeda message from William: Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile touched her lips. Fine, she thought. If they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.
She started the engine and drove back to her mother-in-laws house. A plan formed in an instant.
No more trying to please. It was time to show them what a proper daughter-in-law could be.
Emily swept into the house with her brightest smile. Dearest Mummy! she exclaimed, embracing her mother-in-law with exaggerated warmth. Forgive me for being lateI stopped at three different shops to find those exact candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, startled by the sudden energy. I thought she began, but Emily pressed on:
Oh, and imagineI bumped into your friend Margaret on the way! Such a lovely woman, always so honest, isnt she? Emily held her mother-in-laws gaze, watching the colour drain from her face.
All through dinner, Emily performed the role of her life. She served her mother-in-law the choicest portions, loudly praised her every word, and endlessly sought advice on housekeeping.
Mummy darling, do you think beef should roast for three or four hours? And the carpetsbetter to vacuum in the morning or evening? Perhaps I should quit my job? After all, William needs a proper family, doesnt he?
William stared at Emily in bewilderment, while the relatives exchanged uneasy glances. But Emily didnt stop:
Ive been thinkingmaybe I should take a homemaking course? Give up this silly surgery business A woman ought to be the heart of the home, dont you agree, Mummy?
Her mother-in-law tapped her fork nervously against her plate. Her confidence withered by the minute.
And what happened next? Well, some stories are best read to the very end
In the end, Emily learned that perfection is a performancebut happiness is found in being true to oneself.
