**Diary Entry 10th July, 2023**
*”When can we move into your new house?” my in-laws asked point-blank. “Pardon?” Emily stiffened. “Well, now that youve finished everything, we assumed youd invite us soon.”*
*”James, do you realise how out of line this is?” Emily could hardly contain herself, especially since my husband pretended not to understand why she was so upset.*
Or maybe they’d planned it all alonglet her pour years of her life into this build, invest every last penny she’d earned, only to leave her with nothing?
Unlike most young couples scrambling to buy overpriced shoebox flats, wed decided early on to build our own home. Back when James and Emily were just dating, theyd agreed it would be cheaper, quicker, and more practical. Instead of thirty square metres, theyd get a hundred and thirty for the same money.
*”Plenty of room for children and pets,” Emily had cheered.*
Luckily, we already had the landa parcel from Emilys Aunt Margaret, who transferred it as a wedding gift. *”I never properly gave you anything for the wedding,” shed said. “This way, youll have space to raise a family. Better it goes to you than sits unused.”*
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, we took on some of the work ourselveslate nights, weekends, even in the rain. Emily even dipped into her inheritance from her grandmothers flat sale and poured it into the build.
But when the house was finally done, every minute of labour felt worth it.
Not that it was *completely* finishedplenty of details remained. But the fact they could live there properly thrilled them. Theyd started hosting friends and spending nights in their new home. The only regret? Jamess parents hadnt lifted a finger to help, despite being asked.
*”Too busy,” theyd saydespite being retired. A proper SUV with a trailer sat in their driveway, perfect for hauling fencing or trees, yet theyd refused to help with deliveryeven the fridge. So wed paid for it ourselves.*
*”Are they really that busy? With what?” Emily had muttered. “Theyre pensioners!”*
*”They wouldnt lie,” James shrugged, though Emily suspected they just hadnt bothered to show up when needed.*
One afternoon, the doorbell rang.
Emily expected the TV deliverybut no call had come. Instead, Jamess parents, Margaret and Robert, stood on the doorstep.
*”Oh! Youyou surprised me,” she stammered.*
*”Hello, love! Didnt recognise us?” Margaret chuckled. “Thats wealth for you!”*
They strolled in, admiring the open-plan kitchen and lounge. *”Lovely place,” Robert said. “Glad you built a house, not a flat. Much more properroom for everyone!”*
*”Right” Emily nodded.*
Then came the question: *”So when do we move in?”*
Emily froze. *”Iwhat?”*
*”Now its all done, we thought youd have us round soon,” Robert mused. “Weve decided to rent out our flatextra pension money, since well be here.”*
*”You discussed this with James?”*
*”Not yet, but he wont mind,” Margaret said breezily.*
Emily was speechless. After ignoring every plea for help, they now expected to live here*and* profit from it?
She bit her tongue, praying James would side with her.
That evening, he arrived to chaos.
*”Your parents want to move in,” Emily whispered, clinging to him.*
*”What?!”*
Robert beamed. *”Fine house youve got! Plenty of spaceespecially upstairs!”*
*”Guest room and nursery,” James countered. “Friends stay over often. We *are* young.”*
Undeterred, Robert declared, *”Were renting our flat out. Moving in here.”*
James stared. *”And when did you plan to ask?”*
*”James, love, surely youve room for us?” Margaret pleaded.*
*”Did you ever make time to help *us*?” he shot back. “Not even with the fridge! Now you want to profit off our home? No. I love you, but *no*.”*
Silence. Then Robert stood. *”Lets go, Margaret.”*
They left without another word.
The moment the door shut, Emily hugged James tightly. *”Thank you! I was terrified youd take their side.”*
*”Why would I?” He kissed her head. “I saw how their excuses hurt you. Profiting off rent? Ridiculous.”*
She sighed in relief.
*”Now, how about dinner?” he grinned.*
**Lesson learned:** Family doesnt mean entitlement. Kindness is earnednot demanded.
