Emily pulled her car up a street away from her mother-in-laws house. The clock read 5:45 PMshed arrived earlier than planned. Maybe this time shell appreciate my punctuality, she thought, smoothing out the creases in her new dress. The giftan antique brooch shed spent months hunting down from collectorswas carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she approached the house, Emily noticed the ground-floor window was slightly ajar. Her mother-in-laws voice carried clearly from inside:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She didnt even bother to ask what cake I liked! Ordered some modern dessert Our son always adored a classic Victoria sponge, and she a pause, doesnt even understand that. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet felt rooted to the spot.
Of course, Ive told you beforeshes not right for William. Works day and night at that clinic of hers, barely ever home. What sort of housewife is that? I popped round yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture And her, of course, 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 is a woman like that really 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 dialed 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 pinch more salt?, In my day, women stayed home, William works so hard, he needs extra care
Her phone buzzeda message from William: Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile flickered across her face. Fine, she thought, if they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.
She started the engine and turned back toward her mother-in-laws house. The plan formed in an instant.
No more trying to please. It was time to show them just how perfect a daughter-in-law could be.
Emily swept into the house with the broadest smile she could muster. Darling Mummy! she exclaimed, embracing her mother-in-law with exaggerated warmth. Forgive me for being late, but I popped into three different shops to find those exact scented candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, startled by the outburst. I thought she began, but Emily barreled on:
Oh, and guess whatI ran into your friend Margaret on the way! Such a lovely woman, always so honest, isnt she? Emily gave her mother-in-law a pointed look, watching her pale.
Throughout dinner, Emily put on the performance of her life. She served her mother-in-law the choicest portions, loudly praised every word she said, and endlessly asked for advice on homemaking.
Mummy dearest, how long should a roast beef cookthree hours or four? And the carpetsshould I vacuum in the morning or evening? Perhaps I should quit my job? After all, William needs a proper family, doesnt he?
William stared at her in disbelief; relatives exchanged glances. But Emily didnt stop:
Ive been thinkingmaybe I should take a housekeeping course? Give up this silly surgery business A woman should be the heart of the home, shouldnt she, 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 end
