Penelope and James had been married for two years. Their love was strong, but tensions often arose from the strained relationship between Penelope and her mother-in-law.
Penelope was kind and generous, always eager to please, especially her new family. Yet, despite her efforts, she sensed a coldness from Margaret.
The older woman never dared say anything unpleasant outright, but her glances, tones, and insinuations left a lingering unease. Every return home after visiting Margaret left Penelope drained.
“James, I feel your mother doesnt like me,” she murmured one evening.
James sighed, setting down his newspaper. “Youre overthinking it. Mum respects youshes just reserved. You know how hard it was for her raising us alone after Dad passed.”
“I get that, but why do I always feel shes criticising me behind my back?”
“Its in your head, Penelope…”
“No! Remember what she said to your gran? That I was hopeless and she couldnt stand me,” Penelope pressed.
“You dont know who she meant. Lets talk about something else. Fancy catching a film tomorrow?” James deflected.
Still, Penelope couldnt shake her doubts. She knew Margaret disliked her family, even if she never said it outright.
Determined for proof, Penelope hid a small recorder in Margarets kitchen during their next visit. After helping with supper as usual, she left, keeping her plan from James.
The next day, she returned under the guise of helping, but really to retrieve the device. Trembling, she slipped it into her pocket.
That evening, as James returned from work, she handed him the recorder. “Listen to this, please,” she insisted.
At first, there was only the clatter of the kitchen. Then Margarets sharp voice cut through:
“I cant believe my son married that girl. She cant even cook! And her familydont get me started. They probably think boiling waters a recipe!”
Penelope switched it off, staring at James with tearful defiance. “Now do you believe me?”
James looked down, torn. He understood his mother had crossed a line, but was stunned Penelope had spied.
“Mums blunt… Maybe she was just upset,” he muttered.
“If thats how she speaks, I wont be belittled. If you wont stand up for me, we need to talk,” Penelope said before leaving the room.
Later, James called his mother. He explained, asking for an apology.
“She recorded me? Im calling the police!” Margaret snapped.
“Mum, listen”
“That girl isnt welcome here again!” She hung up.
James rushed over to reason with her, but Margaret refused to open the door. Instead, she tried turning him against Penelopeonly to push him further away.
Recognising her games, James decided to keep his distance.
