“We dont need someone like that,” she said, apologising to Em for her sharp tone. “I didnt mean it badly. Perhaps you could stop by sometime? Jamie is still on his own after you left; he hasnt found his footing yet. He spends all his time on computer games”
Emily and James had been together for almost two years. To Emily, the relationship felt serious: she was often welcomed into Jamess family home, where she was treated politely, though without much warmth. She believed they had a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, possessed charm and could be very determined when he wanted to be.
Their idyll shattered when James failed a crucial English exam. His negligence during the lockdownspending countless hours gaming and neglecting his studiesthreatened his place at university.
In the midst of the crisis, Emily could no longer hold back and told Jamess mother, Mrs. Margaret, bluntly:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share both the chores and the earnings.
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Mrs. Margaret took the remark as a personal affront. She had spent her whole life supporting her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
Oh, look at that! She doesnt want to be a housekeeper. Every woman should first be the keeper of the hearth, and a man the head of the household!
Emily stayed silent, not wishing to worsen the argument. After that, the doors of the family home began to close on her. Their communication reduced to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral cafés. James suffered from being unable to see her, yet he resorted to manipulation instead of honesty.
Emily, we need to talk to my mother, James urged over the phone. You have to explain that you dont really feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, okay?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. This is your problem, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me, and I love you. Thats the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Emily agreed. For loves sake, she was prepared to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But things did not go as she imagined.
When Emily arrived, James let her into the hallway. At that moment his father, Mr. Clarke, descended the stairs.
James, whats this girl doing here? he asked sharply.
James stammered. Emily felt her face go pale. The question sounded as if the girl were a random acquaintance, not his beloved daughterinlaw.
Dad, Emily, we were James began, but his father cut him off:
I know who she is. Shes out!
From the living room, his mother emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Jamie, whos with you?
Unconcerned with Emily, the father tossed back:
The one who tried to teach you how to live.
Emily realised she was not welcome. Humiliation and anger drove her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay! Pathetic, goodfornothing mothers boy! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door.
James, stunned, didnt even try to stop her.
As soon as she stepped into the stairwell, her phone rang. It was James, his voice lacking remorseonly fury.
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just treated me like a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scandal! Now Mum is furious, and Dad wants nothing to do with me!
He finished with the line that finally broke Emily:
And you know whats the worst part? I wont even be allowed to sit at my computer any more.
Emily felt the pain and shame melt into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are your problems. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature young man looking for someone to blame. He didnt protect her.
I cant put up with this any longer, James. Were done. This is the end, Emily said firmly. She blocked him everywhere. The break was abrupt but necessary. His familys burdens were his cross, not hers.
A year later, Emily had recovered from the breakup and started a new life. She met a new boyfriend; after three months their relationship was heading toward marriage.
One afternoon, while shopping, she ran into Mrs. Margaret in the aisle.
Emily! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, rushing to her.
Emily winced.
Hello
Mrs. Margaret hugged her, bombarding her with questions:
Its been ages! How have you been? Hows everything? Im so sorry you and James split. Hes gone off the deep end with his games! He wont work, always glued to his computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Come visit us sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Clarke, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Clarke noticed a ring on Emilys finger.
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
The friendliness in the former motherinlaws eyes vanished instantly.
Ah, I see! So its all clear now. Good thing James left you! We dont need someone like that!
Emily shrugged and turned toward the shelving. In a way, the former motherinlaw was right: it was fortunate she had ended things with James in time. Yet she also knew she had wasted precious years on a boy who never grew up.
The experience taught Emily that love should lift you, not tether you to someones stagnation. True partnership means sharing both joy and responsibility, and when a relationship drags you into the past, the courage to walk away is the first step toward a brighter future.
