When can we move into your new house? the in-laws asked bluntly.
Sorry? Emily tensed.
Well, since youve finished everything, we thought youd invite us soon.
Nathan, do you realise how outrageous this is? Emily could no longer hold back, especially since her husband was pretending not to understand why she was so upset.
Had they planned it all along? Made her pour years of her life and every penny shed saved into this house, only to leave her with nothing?
Unlike their peers, who scrambled for overpriced flats, Emily and Nathan had decided early on to build instead. Back when they were still dating, it had seemed practicalcheaper, faster, more space. Thirty square metres couldnt compare to a hundred and thirty for the same price.
Plenty of room for kids, even pets, Emily had rejoiced.
Luckily, the land was already theirs. Her aunt had signed it over when she heard of their plans.
Never gave you a proper wedding gift, shed said. Thisll do. Better than sitting unused for twenty years.
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, they took on some of the work themselvesweekends, evenings, even in bad weather.
Emily dipped into her inheritance, money from her grandmothers flat sale, and poured it into the build.
When the house was finally finished, every minute of labour felt worth it.
Not that it was entirely done. Plenty remainedtouches here and there, unfinished details. But it was livable, and that alone thrilled them.
Theyd already begun spending nights there, inviting friends over. The only regret? Nathans parents had never lifted a finger to help, despite being asked repeatedly.
Something always came up. Too busy to assist with the fence, the trees, even delivering the fridgethough they owned a spacious 4×4 with a trailer, perfect for such tasks. In the end, the couple had to pay for deliveries.
How are they *that* busy? Theyre retired! Emily wondered.
Doubt theyd lie about it, Nathan shrugged.
Logically, she knew they *must* have been occupied, that their requests just never aligned. Yet doubt gnawed at her.
Em, the new tellys arriving today. Can you take it? Nathan, rushing through breakfast in their bright new kitchen.
Sure. What time?
Said between three and eight. Gave them your numberpromised to call an hour before.
Alright. Heres your lunch.
Cheers. Right, off I go. A peck on the cheek, and he was gone.
Around four, a knock came.
Emily assumed it was the delivery. Odd they hadnt called, though.
She opened the door.
Nathans parentsMargaret and Haroldstood there.
Oh! Flustered, all Emily managed was a startled sound.
Hello, love! Forgotten us already? Margaret beamed.
No, of course not! Justwasnt expecting you.
Well? Invite us in? Harold winked.
Oh! Yes, come in.
They stepped into the open-plan living area, glancing around.
Lovely! Margaret sighed. So much better than a cramped flat. A *proper* home. Room for everyone!
Right Emily nodded.
So, when do we move in? Harold cut straight to it.
Sorry? Emily stiffened.
Now youre settled, we assumed youd want us here, Harold mused.
We didnt exactly plan for four, Emily said, stunned.
Were not royalty! A single rooms plenty, Harold chuckled.
Were renting our flat out, love, Margaret explained. Extra pension money. Now weve got somewhere to go.
Did you discuss this with Nathan? Emilys voice was icy.
Not yet. But he wont mind.
Emily was speechless. After all their refusals to help, they now expected to move in *and* profit from it?
She couldnt bring herself to refuse outrightbut she prayed Nathan would.
Manners, girl! Not even a cuppa? Harold huffed.
Right. Of course.
They lounged at the table, sipping tea, when Emilys phone rang.
The delivery driver apologised for forgetting to callhe was outside now.
She excused herself. The men carried in the massive TV box, wished her well, and left.
Blimey, thats huge! Harold whistled. Wheres it going?
There. Emily pointed to the bare wall.
Brilliant! Well watch the news together tonight.
We werent planning on getting an aerial.
What, then? Stare at a blank screen?
Streaming. Films, shows. No one watches telly like that anymore. Unless theyre ancient.
Thats us! Margaret laughed. Ill have Nathan sort an aerial.
Emily counted the minutes until Nathan returned.
Hes here! She rushed to the door the moment his car pulled up.
Your parents want to move in, she whispered, clinging to him.
*What*?
Theyll explain.
Since when? Nathan demanded, stepping inside.
Just came to admire the place! Harold grinned. Very impressive.
Hardly. A kidll fill it up quick, Nathan said lightly.
Nonsense! Youve two spare rooms upstairs! Margaret cut in.
Ones a nursery. The others for guests. We *do* have friends stay over.
Oh, we cant abide noise, Margaret said pointedly.
Youll have to keep it down, then, Harold agreed.
Excuse me?
Weve told Emily. Were moving in, renting our flat out. Bit of extra income.
No, youre not, Nathan said flatly.
Son! No room for your own parents? Margarets voice trembled.
Was there room in your schedule to help us? Even with the *fridge*? You never showed up once. Now you want to *profit* off our home? No. I love you, but no.
Harold and Margaret exchanged glances.
Come on, Maggie. Time to go. Harold stood.
Right.
They left in stiff silence.
The moment they were gone, Emily threw her arms around Nathan.
Thank you! I was terrified youd side with them.
Why would I? I saw how it hurt you when they refused to help. Profiting off rent? Pathetic excuse.
Thank you. She held him tighter.
Dont mention it. He smiled. Dinnerd be thanks enough.
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