“We’ll just stay with you for a couple of months,” said my husband alongside his mother. “Fine, then I’ll ring the police,” I snapped.
Nobody’s going to strip you of your flat? Really? And when your exhusband turns up at the door with his mother and a couple of suitcases, insisting he has every right to live herewhat will you do? Smile and step aside, or summon the courage to slam the door in their faces?
Emily still recalled the last day Mark left. It was an ordinary Tuesday; she was simmering a stew in her modest kitchen. He simply shoved his belongings into a bag and said, Im tired. Thats enough for me. Ive had enough.
He didnt bang the door, didnt shout. He slipped out quietly, as if vanishing from her lifealong with his mother.
Mark and Mrs. Harper were two halves of the same apple. His mother had always meant more to him than anyone else. To her, a daughterinlaw was just a temporary nuisance. Your housekeeping leaves much to be desired, my son, she would say whenever she visited. A family without children isnt really a family, shed repeatthough she never wanted grandchildren. She only needed her son at her side, forever and always. Maternal love, twisted.
Thirteen years together dissolved without a trace.
In the first months after he left, Emily waited for a call, a messageanything. Then she stopped. Oddly, it became easier for her.
After a year of solitude she grew accustomed to the silence, to her own rhythm, to the fact that no one winced at the scent of her favourite perfume, no one turned off her music midtrack, no one commented on her every move.
In those early months she awoke feeling a void. Then she realised it wasnt emptinessit was freedom. Gradually she began applying makeup each morning, not for anyone else but for herself. She bought bright accent cushions, hung a painting of a tigerwoman that Mark had once dismissed as tasteless.
She learned to love her new life, to love herself.
After their wedding Mark had said everything was fine, that it was just the two of them. But whenever they visited friends with children, he would change. First hed play with the little ones, laughthen fall silent.
At night they would lie backtoback, no hugs, no kisses. Emily once suggested, Maybe we should adopt? He shook his head: I dont want anyone elses child. A wall rose between themnot from fights, but from silence. Every evening in the same flat, at the same table, in the same bedinfinitely distant.
Back at university she had aborted a pregnancy, fearing she couldnt juggle studies and a baby. She regretted it daily, especially after learning she would never be able to become a mother.
A knock echoed on a Sunday evening. Emily had just stepped out of the bath, wrapped in a large towel. Sundayher day to be just herself, a woman with foam on her face, a mask, and a plate of biscuits.
She threw on a robe, opened the door, and froze.
There stood Mark, thinner somehow, with a fresh haircut. Behind him, Mrs. Harper, triumphant, each dragging a suitcasehe with his familiar duffel, she with two massive trunks.
Hello, Mark said, scanning Emily from head to toe. You look lovely.
She tightened her robe instinctively. His gaze was intrusive, as if he owned the right to judge.
Moms flat suffered a burst pipewere flooded, he continued as if nothing had happened. Repairs will take two weeks, maybe a month. Everything needs to dry and the floors redone. Well stay with you. Besides, youre alone and the flat is practically shared. After all, were husband and wife, technically.
A whole year he hadnt called, hadnt written, and now he stood on her doorstep as if hed left yesterday.
We wont be long, added Mrs. Harper. A couple of months at most, then well be off. You dont mind, Emily?
Love, she whispered, the first time in thirteen years her motherinlaw used a pet name. It frightened Emily more than anything.
A part of her, the one who had always been compliant, wanted to say, Of course, come in. Another part, the one who had learned to survive alone, rose up.
No, Emily said.
What? Mark asked, as if he hadnt heard.
I said no. You will not live here.
Mrs. Harper stepped forward, wedging herself between Emily and the doorway.
Whats with that look, dear? You think we enjoy begging at your door? Weve got a force majeure. We have nowhere else to go. Besides, you owe Mark so much. He took you in after your problems others wouldnt have accepted you.
Mark, move your foot, Emily growled, pressing her weight against the door. Im not joking.
Come now, he pushed harder, the door swinging wider. Well stay a month or two, then were off. Its no big deal. Step aside, love.
He reached for her shoulder. Emily recoiled.
Just try to touch me.
Mrs. Harper seized the moment, forcing her way in, dragging her trunks behind her.
What a performance, girl? she hissed, scanning the hallway. Husbands back and you act like a witch. And that smell we need to air this place out.
Emily felt her cheeks flame with anger and shamethey had barged into her home and dared to complain!
Get out! Right now! This is my flat! MINE! And you are not staying!
Calm down, Mark rolled his eyes. Youll wake the neighbours. Well just stay a couple of months, no ones taking your flat.
Yes, dear, Mrs. Harper added, shrugging off her coat. No need for hysteria. Better make us some tea.
Mrs. Harper let out a caw: What?! Have you lost your mind? Thats your husband! Your family!
Exhusband, Emily corrected. And certainly not family.
Emily snatched her phone from the bedside table and dialled 999. Her hands trembled, but her fingers hit the numbers precisely.
Are you mad?! Mark lunged, trying to snatch the phone. What the hell are you doing?
Dont you dare! Emily shoved him back with her free hand. Im calling the police! Youve broken into my flat unlawfully!
She pressed the handset to her ear, retreating to the living room. Someone has broken into my flat. Theyre trying to stay by force. Im frightened! Theyre aggressive! Please send someone!
She gave her address quickly.
Youve lost it?! Mark looked at his mother. Mom, did you hear that? Shes calling the police!
Get out! Emily shouted, brandishing the phone like a weapon. The officer is on the way!
Are you nuts? Mrs. Harper clutched her trunks as if fearing theyd be taken.
This isnt my problem, Mark spat. Step aside, love.
Mom, do something! he wailed, trying to force the door.
The door swung open and in stepped Inspector Collinstall, in uniform, as if summoned by magic. The hallway was still a battlefield when he entered.
Im Inspector Collins, he announced. We received a report of unlawful entry. Whats happening here?
His gaze swept the three of them, lingering on Emilytearful, trembling in her robe. He didnt recognise her at first; then it clickedIgor Collins, the boy whod sat three rows ahead of her at school.
Igor? she whispered, surprised and ashamed.
Emily? he frowned, then his face hardened. Whats going on?
Family drama, officer, Mark interjected, forcing a smile. My wife got a bit carried away. We
She isnt my husband, Emily cut in, voice shaking. We havent lived together for a year
