Mums moved in without asking, Emily muttered under her breath as she paced the kitchen, gripping her phone. Can you believe it, Sophie? I came home from work, and theres Margaret sitting in the living room with her suitcases like its nothing!
On the other end, Sophie tried to interject, but Emily barrelled on. I get it, her bungalow burned downof course she cant stay there! But why didnt David *talk* to me first? Were married, for heavens sake! You dont just spring this on someone!
The back door creaked open, and David shuffled in, looking knackered, his thinning hair sticking up at odd angles. Emily shot him a glare. Soph, Ill ring you back. She hung up.
Awkward silence. David busied himself at the fridge, pouring a glass of water, avoiding eye contact.
Wheres Margaret now? Emily finally asked.
Resting in the lounge, he mumbled. Long journey.
On *our* sofa.
Where else is she supposed to go, Em? His voice tightened. We dont have a spare room.
Exactly, David! Emily forced herself to keep calm. Weve got a two-bed terrace, not a mansion. And you didnt even *mention* this before bringing her here!
David slammed his glass down, water sloshing over the edge. What was I supposed to do? Leave her homeless? The place in Cornwalls a write-off!
I wanted a *conversation*! Emily hissed, lowering her voice so Margaret wouldnt hear. We couldve looked at optionsmaybe renting her a little flat, or seeing if your sister could take her in. Lucys got that big house in Bristol
Lucys two hours away, David groaned, rubbing his temples. And rentings extra money we dont have.
Emily shook her head. This isnt about money. Its about you deciding for both of us. You didnt even *text* me! I walked in, and bamyour mums moving in!
I *tried* calling! You were in a meeting!
So you thought, Right, Ill just *ambush* her instead?
David stared into his water glass like it held the answers.
Emily took a deep breath. Fine. Whats done is done. But we need to talk timelines. Does your mum have insurance? Is she rebuilding?
David winced. Place was held together with prayers. No insurancewho bothers in a tiny village? So this is long-term, Em. Maybe permanent.
*Permanent?* Emilys legs wobbled; she sank onto a chair. David, are you mad? Three adults in this shoebox?
Where else can she go? he snapped. Shes my *mum*. Im all shes got.
And *me*? Emilys voice cracked. What about *us*?
Just then, Margaret appeared in the doorwaysoft-spoken, her grey hair in a neat bun, wearing a floral dress and a cardigan despite the mild weather.
I I heard, she said gently. Thin walls.
Emily and David froze.
Margaret twisted her hands. Emily, love, I know this is a shock. If Im in the way, I can go. Theres that nice sheltered housing in town
Mum, dont be daft, David said, hugging her shoulders. Youre staying.
Emilys chest ached. *Youre staying.* Decided without her, again.
Margaret turned to Emily. Ill keep out of your way, promise. Help with cooking, cleaningIm still spry.
David brightened. Right! Lets have dinner. Got a roast chicken from Tesco on the way home.
The meal was stilted. Margaret chatted about her village, her garden, the neighbours whod rallied after the fire. David listened intently. Emily pushed peas around her plate, dreading the new reality.
Later, as Emily washed up, Margaret dried beside her.
Im sorry about earlier, Emily admitted.
Margaret waved her off. Shouldve been David apologising. Hes always been stubborntakes after his dad.
Emily smirked. Tell me about it.
They finished the dishes to find David dragging a camp bed from the cupboard.
Whats that for? Emily frowned.
Mums got a bad back. Needs a firm mattress, so shell take the camp bed. Ill sleep on the sofa.
Emily crossed her arms. So now were not even sharing a *bed*?
David sighed. Em, dont start
*Start?* Youre making decisions left and right without me!
Margaret stepped in. Ill take the sofa
No, Mum, David said firmly. Doctors orders.
Emily stormed off to the bedroom, slamming the door.
Later, a soft knock. Margaret entered with a steaming mug. Peppermint tea. Helps you sleep.
Emily took it, guilt prickling. Thanks.
Margaret sat beside her. Davids always been like thisthinks he knows best. When he was twelve, he surprised me by painting his room black. Didnt ask, just did it.
Emily snorted. Sounds familiar.
Give it time, Margaret said, patting her hand. Hell come round.
The next morning, Emily woke to the smell of bacon. Margaret was flipping pancakes, humming.
Davids gone to work, Margaret said. Thought we could chat, just us girls.
Over breakfast, they bonded over a shared love of Agatha Christie and a mutual loathing of reality TV.
Margaret hesitated. David told me youd be fine with me moving in. Said you were kindhearted.
Emilys stomach dropped. So hed lied to them both.
Well talk to him tonight, Emily said firmly.
Margaret nodded. Well manage. And David well, hell learn.
Emily smiled. Maybe this could work.
Welcome to the family, she said, squeezing Margarets hand. Properly.
Margarets eyes twinkled. You wont regret it.
And somehow, Emily believed her.
