Shes family, after all.
You dont have kidsyoure in no rush. But Pauls got two! How can I not help him?
Tamara stood in the middle of the kitchen like a martyr, one hand almost clutching her chest. Her voice dripped with disappointment, as if to say, *How can you be so heartless?*
Lily set her fork down slowly and glanced at her husband. He looked away immediately.
Mum, explain properly, he said evenly. Youre not just asking us to pop to the chemist. Be clear.
His tone was calm, but his fingernail scratched at the label on his fizzy drink bottle. Tamara, meanwhile, made no effort to hide her agitation, waving her hands as she spoke.
Right. Let me start again. Ive found a one-bed flat. Good condition, cheap. Perfect for me. The words tumbled out. I can put my two-bed up for sale straightaway, but you know how long that takespaperwork, viewings, I dont want to undersell. The seller needs a quick dealtheyre moving abroad. Thats why the discount. I need £30,000 for a couple of months. Once I sell mine, Ill pay you back every penny.
Lily pressed a palm to her forehead and sighed. *Well, this is new.* Her mother-in-law was worse than a tank rolling over enemy lines. Once Tamara set her mind on something, there was no stopping her.
Waityou werent planning to move. You said you wanted to stay here.
Well, I changed my mind, Tamara shrugged, as casually as if she were switching laundry detergent brands.
Daniel tried to smile, but it didnt reach his eyes.
Mum, hows Paul involved in this?
Look. Youve already saved up, moved out, youre house-hunting. Im on my own nowwhat do I need two bedrooms for? Ill sell mine, buy the one-bed, and give the difference to Paul. He can finally stop renting and get a mortgage.
So youre asking us to put our lives on hold for Paul? Lily couldnt help snapping. When were already looking at places?
The kitchen fell silent. Tamara sighed dramatically.
You dont have children. Youve got time. Paul needs help *now*. Whats so hard to understand?
Lilys eyes flashed with irritation. It wasnt fair. Why should her husband always take second place to his brother?
…Shed met Daniel six years ago. Fresh out of uni, counting every penny, but with a clear planhouse first, then kids. He hated the phrase *love and a shoebox will do*.
Paul was different.
Five years older, he lived by the hope that things would *just work out*. He and his wife, sweet but perpetually exhausted Anna, had their first child before thinking about where to live. Then came the second, and saving became impossible.
I wont live like that. Well do things properly, Daniel had once told Lily.
Now, *properly* was being used against them. His mother measured her sons worth in grandchildren, and Daniel was losing.
What if you cant sell? Or change your mind? Lily frowned.
Im your mother, not a con artist! Tamaras voice rose. You think Id swindle my own son? Is that what you think of me?
Daniel rubbed his temples, still processing.
Lily, lets talk later. This is sudden. But… shes family. Shes not a stranger.
Lily stood slowly and walked to the window. Condensation fogged the glass. A dying geranium sat on the silltoo far gone to save, not dead enough to throw out. Just like her trust in Tamara.
Daniel, do you really think thisll be fine?
I… hope so.
They handed over the money three days later. Tamara didnt offer a written agreement; Lily didnt insist. Not that she hadnt thought of itit just felt awkward. *Shes his mother. He trusts her.*
Thank you, my loves. Goodness always comes back, Tamara cooed.
After she left, Lily sat on the sofas edge, clutching her empty wallet like a sick child. Theyd given everythingeven their emergency cash.
If we end up with nothing, she said quietly, not looking at Daniel, its on you. I warned you.
He didnt argue. A dull ache settled in his chest, but he held onto hope.
Tamaras calls grew shorter. She mentioned them less, avoided talk of repayment. At first, Lily brushed it off*Maybe shes busy. Maybe ill.*
But dread grew.
Then she ran into Marina, Annas friend.
Hi! Why werent you at the housewarming?
What housewarming? Lily frowned.
Paul and Annas. Tamara gave them her flat.
Lily froze. She set her shopping bags down, turned away, stared blindly across the street. *No.*
She *gave* it to them? Youre sure?
Yep. Moved into the one-bed herself. Ohwhyre you so pale? You okay?
Lily barely made it to a bench. Her legs felt like lead. Still, she clung to the hope Marina was wrong.
That evening, she told Daniel.
She mustve just let them stay temporarily.
Right. And they threw a party to celebrate. Has your mum called in two weeks?
No, but
Exactly. Weve been played.
Nowait. Lets talk to her.
They went the next day. Tamara answered in a dressing gown, hair damp, smiling politelyas if nothing had happened.
Hi, Mum. We need to talk, Daniel said.
Of course. Come in. Ive just made a pie. Cheese and onion.
Lily sat but refused food. Her stomach was in knots.
We need to know when were getting our money back. No small talk.
When I sell my flat. Like we agreed.
*Are* you selling it? I havent seen any listings.
Im using an agent!
Tamara. Tell the truth. I know Pauls already moved in.
Tamara paused. Then sighed, unruffled.
Fine. Not selling yet.
So you *lied*?
Lilys pulse roared in her ears. She wanted to scream, to hit somethingTamara, Daniel, *someone*.
I didnt lie. I just decided whats fair. Paul has kids. You dont. Its simple.
Dont you *dare* Lilys voice cracked. Dont act like we owe him! We want children too! We trusted you, gave you everythingand you *stole* from your own son!
Daniel stared at the floor. What could he do? Yell at his mother? Demand Paul pay up? Not his styleand pointless.
Ill pay you back, Tamara said softly. Just… not yet.
Memories flashed before Lilyweekends cleaning strangers homes, scrubbing grease off stoves, aching back pressed to the bed after office shifts.
Daniel working doubles, lifting furniture for cash, falling asleep on the Tube.
Pizza was a luxury. New bedsheets, an event. Theyd scrimped, endured, believing it was an investmentputting life on hold for a home that never came.
That night, Lily sobbed in the showergasping, muffled, shirt soaked.
Why didnt you *say* anything? she lashed out afterward.
I just… I didnt think shed
*I* did! I *told* you! But you chose her. She chose Paul. And I… no one chose me.
Im sorry
Too late.
They slept in separate rooms now. Daniel sat awake that night, staring at the wall, trying to convince himself it wasnt over. It was a hard sell.
Their marriage had become a suitcase without a handletoo heavy to carry, too costly to drop. They bickered over nothing: bins, open windows, whose turn to vacuum. Tension clung like damp clothes.
Lily had no one to talk to. Her dad was gone, her mum dead. Friends? Too ashamed.
Only her gran remainedbut with her weak heart, Lily had held back until she couldnt.
Gran? Can I come over? I… need to talk.
Of course, love.
Gran lived across towna woman who rarely shared feelings but listened, offering hugs when words failed. She met Lily with fresh tea and porridge, just like childhood.
When Lily finished, Gran nodded.
Your husbands a fool, but hes kind. Lifell teach him.
She looked out the window, sighed, then added:
Move in
