We didnt invite her, murmured the daughter-in-law when she saw me at the door.
Mum, when is Grandma Olive coming? asked little Maisie, smearing the last of her porridge across the plate.
I dont know, love. Maybe she wont come at all, replied Sarah, clearing the breakfast dishes.
Andrew looked up from his newspaper, frowning at his wife.
What do you mean wont come at all? Mums always come for Maisies birthday. Its tradition.
Well, let it stay a tradition in your dreams, Sarah muttered, slamming the cups into the sink.
Seven-year-old Maisie scowled, glancing between her parents. She hated it when they spoke to each other like thatespecially when it was about Grandma Olive.
But I want Granny to come! She always brings me presents, and we go to the park, and she tells me stories about princesses!
Maisie, go brush your teeth or well be late for nursery, Sarah cut in.
The girl pouted but obediently slid off her chair and shuffled to the bathroom.
Sarah, what are you doing? Andrew said quietly, stepping closer. The girls expecting her.
And whose fault is that? Sarah spun to face him. Your mother decided she wouldnt visit againafter last time.
What last time? You just told her exactly what you thought of her parenting methods!
I told her the truth! Sarahs voice rose. Shes spoiled Maisie rotten! Every time she visits, I spend the next week dealing with tantrumsGranny buys me this, Granny lets me do that!
Andrew clenched his fists, then relaxed them with a deep breath.
Mum just loves her granddaughter. Shes lonely since Dad passed. Maisies her only joy.
Joy? And who has to deal with that joy after she leaves? Not her, thats for sure!
From the bathroom came the sound of water splashing and a cheerful nursery rhymeMaisie brushing her teeth.
Lets not do this in front of her, Andrew pleaded. Maisies not to blame.
Sarah dried her hands on a tea towel, sinking into a chair with her head bowed.
Andrew, Im not a monster. I feel for your mum. But shes always interferingcriticising me, making comments. Last time, she outright called me a bad mother because I wouldnt let Maisie have ice cream before bed!
Mums just trying to help
Her way! Sarah snapped. And I suppose I do it the wrong way? Shes my daughterI know whats best for her!
Maisie bounded in, chin dripping, grinning.
Mummy, Daddy, lets invite Granny Olive ourselves! Tell her we miss her ever so much!
Sarah and Andrew exchanged glances. In his wifes eyes, he saw only weariness.
Maisie, hurry up, love, Sarah said gently. Or well be late, and Mrs. Whitby will scold us.
The day passed as usualSarah dropped Maisie at nursery, then headed to her job at a small construction firm, where she spent hours over spreadsheets and ledgers. The work was dull, but the pay was steady, and that was what mattered now.
At lunch, her colleague Natalie asked, Youre quiet todaytrouble at home?
Just family squabbles, Sarah sighed. Mother-in-laws taken offence and wont visit. Maisies upset.
What happened?
Sarah stirred her soup, now cold from her brooding.
Nat, maybe I am a bit of a cow. But shes always telling me how to raise my child! Sarah, whys Maisie in that jumper? Its chilly. Sarah, isnt bedtime too early? Let the girl play. Sarah, do you even take her outside? She looks peaky!
Its only because she loves her, Natalie offered.
Oh, I know that love. When Andrew was little, she dragged him to doctors every other weekwrapped him in cotton wool, wouldnt let him play outside in case he caught cold. He told me himselfgrew up afraid of his own shadow!
Natalie raised an eyebrow.
And now she wants to do the same with Maisie?
Exactly! Id rather she didnt come at all than have her meddling.
But Sarah didnt sound convinced. Deep down, she pitied her mother-in-law, Maisie, even Andrew.
That evening, once Maisie was asleep, the couple sat over tea in silenceAndrew flipping through a magazine, Sarah working on a crossword.
Look, Andrew finally said. Maybe we should call Mum. Maisies birthdays next week.
Sarah looked up sharply.
You want to call?
I dont know. You said if she didnt like how we parent, she shouldnt come. She took it to heart.
Andrew, I didnt throw her out! I just asked her not to interfere. Shes the one who made a scene and stormed off!
Mum was upset
Mum! Mum! Sarah burst out. Youre thirty-twoyouve got your own family! When will you start being a husband and father instead of a mummys boy?
Andrew paled, jaw tightening.
Dont make this personal.
Im not! Im telling the truth! Your mothers run your life since you were born. She even picked your wifeonly I didnt meet her standards!
Thats not true
Isnt it? Remember what she said when we married? Well, Andrew, lets see how Sarah manages family life. Like I was on probation!
Andrew stood, pacing the kitchen.
Fine. Maybe Mum does overstep. But shes not our enemyshe cares!
She wants control! Sarah shot back. And you know it. Youre just too afraid to admit it.
Andrew exhaled.
Alright. We wont call. If youre so against it
Im not against it! Sarah blurted, surprising herself. I just want her to respect boundaries! To visit as a grandmother, not as the authority!
Then what do you suggest?
Sarah slumped into the chair, resting her head in her hands.
I dont know. Honestly, I dont.
The next day, Maisie got into a scuffle at nursery. The teacher, Mrs. Whitby, pulled Sarah aside.
Mrs. Hughes, Maisies been very aggressive latelyhitting, shouting at the other children. Is everything all right at home?
Sarah flushed.
Nothing unusualjust family life.
Children sense tension. Maisie keeps asking when Grannys coming. Today, she yelled at a boy, Youre horrid, like Mummy!
Sarah looked away. So Maisie had heard more than shed realised.
Ill talk to her.
Id suggest seeing a child psychologist
No, thank you. Well manage.
At home, Sarah sat beside Maisie, who was quietly building with blocks.
Sweetheart, lets talk.
About what? the girl mumbled.
About what happened at nursery. Mrs. Whitby said you hit a boy.
He said Grannys never coming back cause you sent her away! Maisie burst into tears. I called him a liar, but he laughed!
Sarah pulled her close.
Oh, darling, no one sent Granny away. Grown-ups just disagree sometimes.
Whats disagree?
When people think differently. But it doesnt mean we dont love Granny.
Then why isnt she coming?
Sarah hesitated. How could she explain what she barely understood herself?
Maisie looked up, eyes wet.
Mummy, can we visit Granny? On the bus, like last time!
Sarah studied her daughters hopeful face and felt her heart twist.
Alright, she murmured. Well call her.
The phone rang for a long time. When Olive finally answered, Sarahs mouth went dry.
Olive? Its Sarah.
A pause. Then, coolly:
Yes?
Maisies birthdays soon. Shes been asking for you
Ill wish her happy birthday by phone.
But she wants you here! She misses you
And you? Olive cut in.
Sarah faltered.
I I do too. Olive, lets talk properlyno shouting.
Silence.
Put Maisie on.
Sarah listened to half the conversation, watching Maisies face fall.
Granny, when are you coming? I can read a whole book now! But I want you at my party! The others ask where my granny is Why cant you come? What are grown-up problems?
Maisie handed the phone back, lip trembling.
She wants to talk to you.
Sarah, Olives voice was tired. The child shouldnt suffer for our sake.
I agree.
Then tell mewhat do I do thats so terrible? Why do you dislike me so?
Sarah leaned her forehead against the wall.
Olive, I dont dislike you. But you dont trust me as a mother. Always correcting me
I only want to help! I raised Andrew
But shes my child! My daughter! I have the right to raise her my way!
You do. And I have the right to my opinion.
Sarah forced calm into her voice.
Olive, when you criticise, it makes me feel like Im failing. But Im trying my best.
A long silence. Then, softly:
I only want whats best for her. But perhaps we see best differently.
Perhaps.
Sarah if I visit, and try not to interferecould you try to be kinder?
Something tight in Sarahs chest loosened.
I can try.
Then Ill come for the party. Just for two days.
Thank you, Olive.
Nothank you. For not keeping my granddaughter from me.
When Sarah hung up, Maisie was watching her intently.
Mummy, is Granny coming?
Yes, sweetheart.
And you wont be cross with her?
Ill try not to be.
Maisie threw her arms around Sarahs neck.
And Ill be ever so good, so you wont argue!
That evening, recounting the call to Andrew, Sarah felt an unfamiliar calm.
Maybe we were both wrong, she admitted. I was too harsh. Your mother was too involved.
Mums always struggled with boundaries, Andrew said.
And Im used to doing things my way. Also a fault.
Do you think thisll work?
I dont know. But we owe it to Maisie to try.
On the day, Olive arrived with a towering cake and a small bouquet for Sarah.
We didnt invite her, Sarah whispered, seeing her at the doorthen smiled and added, But were so glad youre here.
Olive held out the flowers.
Sarah, lets start afresh. Ill just be Grandma.
And Ill be more patient.
Maisie barrelled into Olives arms.
Granny! You came! I thought you didnt love me anymore!
Silly girl, Olive choked. How could I stop loving you?
Sarah watched, realising the most important thing had survivedlove. They just needed to show it differently.
The party passed peacefully. Olive bit back advice; Sarah didnt bristle at every comment. Maisie was happythat was enough.
As Olive left, she said, Thank you for the second chance.
Thank youfor loving my daughter.
Our daughter, Olive corrected, smiling.
And for the first time in years, Sarah believed they might truly be a family.
