That’s your motherso its your responsibility! he says, but shes had enough. Poppy Harper knots her sons coat tighter, clenching her teeth to keep the anger in check. Today she must face the ordeal she dreads most: a visit to her motherinlaw. From the start their relationship has been a constant battle.
Mona Bennett has never accepted Poppy as her sons wife. Whatever Poppy does, Mona finds a flaw, a criticism to hurl.
Again, Poppy? Mark Bennett sighs, watching her scowl. You dont want to go, do you?
Poppy lets out a bitter laugh.
Are you really asking me that, Mark? You know exactly why I dont want to go!
Her eyes flare.
Shell berate me again, put me down, say Im not raising our son properly! And she doesnt care that I work, run the house, cook, clean and pay every bill! Im the one holding this family together by the scruff of the neck!
But youre at home all day, Mark replies, shrugging.
Poppys gaze darkens.
Oh, really? You think I just sit around doing nothing? Or that money falls from the sky?
I work too, he growls. Its not my fault I dont get paid more.
The truth is, Poppys earnings as a freelance designer are three times Marks salary. She is the familys breadwinner.
Cant you go alone? she asks, hoping for an out.
Poppy, its Mothers Day! You cant ignore my mother!
She stifles a sigh and continues dressing Jack. Two hours later they stand at Monas door.
In the sitting room, Marks niece, Lily, is already perched on the sofa. Poppy has long noticed that Mona favors Lily, treating her like royalty while barely acknowledging her own grandson. It isnt a surprise; Lily lost her parents five years ago, and Mona raised her as her own child.
Around them, Monas sisters laugh loudly, clinking glasses of wine.
Then, suddenly, Mona drops a bomb.
Ive made a decision, she declares solemnly. I will leave my flat to Lily. You, Mark, already have a home.
Mark doesnt flinch; he merely nods.
A few days later the paperwork is done. The flat now belongs to Lily, on the condition she moves in only after Monas death.
But fate has other plans.
A sudden stroke leaves Mona paralysed and unable to care for herself.
We have to move in with Mum, Mark says firmly. She cant stay alone.
A cold wave runs through Poppys body. She knows what that means.
She will have to feed, clothe, bathe her, while still working and looking after Jack.
She says nothing.
Weeks pass, and Poppy reaches her limit.
One evening she explodes.
Mark, the flat belongs to Lily. Shouldnt she be looking after Mum?
Lilys at university, Mark, and she has a boyfriend. You want her bringing him here?
Poppy laughsa dry, chilling chuckle.
Mark, I cant take this any longer!
He folds his arms.
Oh, I see. Youre already exhausted?
Her hands tremble with fury.
Im suffocating! Everything rests on meYOU, your mother, our child, my jobI CANT ANYMORE!
But you work from home, he murmurs, smug.
Poppys stare cuts sharper than broken glass.
And then? You think I dont really work?
Her heart pounds wildly.
You know what? From now on its YOUR turn to look after your mother!
Its my mother, but its also your motherinlaw! Thats your role! You want me to wash her, maybe?
A deathly silence follows.
Poppys voice becomes calm and icy.
I owe you nothing.
Mark snorts.
In that case, hire a care assistant!
Oh? Youll pay for her?
Why should I pay?
Then there wont be a care assistant.
He crosses his arms.
You can use Mums pension. Or your salary?
Marks features harden.
So why do I even have a wife?
Thats the trigger. Something inside Poppy finally snaps.
Everything blazes with harsh clarity. Mark has been using her for years.
And Lily? She never bothered to visit her grandmother.
That night Poppy doesnt sleep. By morning she knows what she must do.
As soon as Mark leaves the house, she packs her bags, grabs Jack, and walks out.
She sends him a single message, then blocks his number:
I wont carry this burden alone any longer.
Later that evening Mark storms in.
Either you come back, or I file for divorce!
Poppy smiles faintly.
Go ahead. I was about to.
For the first time Mark looks lost. She doesnt wait for an apology; her decision is set.
A month later the divorce is final. Mark never apologises.
And Poppy? She never regrets leaving.
Six months later she hears the news: Mona has died.
And Lily?
She throws Mark out without a flicker of remorse.
Only then does he realise hes lost everything.
He has nothing left.
