Surprise! Im moving in with you, declares Doris Whitaker as she wheels a massive suitcase into the hallway of the twobedroom flat.
Emily freezes, a damp dishcloth still clutched in her hand. She has just finished washing the dishes after dinner, savoring the rare quiet of the eveningher husband, Mark, has gone to the corner shop for a loaf, and the children have finally fallen asleep after a long coaxing. And now the front door opens and Doris appears, suitcase in tow.
Doris hello, Emily stammers, trying to recover from the shock. Why didnt you tell us?
Why would I bother? Doris waves a hand carefree, shrugging off her coat. Im here to see my son, not strangers. I decided this on the spur of the moment! Yesterday I thought, what am I doing alone in my little studio? Mark and Emily are struggling with the kids, so Ill help. Its settled Ive let my flat to good people, packed my things, and here I am!
Emilys throat tightens. This cant be happening. Mark and she have only just begun to settle into married life after their second child arrived. Their daughter, Lucy, is three; their son, Charlie, is eight months old. Their modest twobedroom flat is already cramped for four. And now, a motherinlaw? Permanently?
Does Mark know? Emily asks, still hoping its a mistake.
Not yet, Doris winks, surveying the entrance. Hell be thrilled! He always says he misses my scones. Ill bake every day and watch the kids while youre at work. Everybody will be happy!
At that moment the doorbell ringsMark is back. Emily opens it, eyes wide with worry. He steps in with a grocery bag, stops when he sees his mother.
Mum? he says, surprised. Whats going on?
Son! Doris throws her arms wide. Ive decided to move in with you! For good!
Mark glances from his mother to Emily, his face a mask of confusion. Emilys eyes plead silently for a lifeline.
Permanently? he asks cautiously, hugging his mother. What about your flat?
Ive let it to tenants for a year, Doris announces proudly. You told me how hard its been with the kids and the money. The tenants will pay me, and Ill pass the rent to you. Ill stay with the grandchildren, cook, cleanwhat help is that?
Mark scratches his head, bewildered. He has complained about the strain before, but never imagined his mother would take it so seriously.
But we have a tiny flat, he begins gently. Its already snug for us
Dont worry! Doris interrupts. I wont take up much space. We could put a sofa in the lounge, or I could sleep in the nursery with Lucy while you and Charlie use the bedroom.
Emily sighs softly. The thought of splitting the family across rooms feels absurd.
May I offer you tea? she suggests, buying time.
Delighted! Doris replies, beaming. Ive brought some biscuits for you.
She rummages through her oversized bag while Emily drags Mark into the kitchen.
What are we going to do? Emily whispers, halfclosing the door. I cant survive if she stays here!
Calm down, Mark says, glancing nervously at the hallway. Im shocked too, but shes my mother. I cant just turn her away.
Its impossible to fit her, Emily pleads. Lucys crib and Charlies cot are in the nursery, our bed is pushed up against the wall, the sofa in the lounge is already tiny. Where does another adult go?
I understand, Mark sighs. Maybe its only temporary? Until she settles down? Then well figure something out.
Temporary? Emily snaps. Shes signed a yearlong lease! Do you realize what that means? Shell interfere with everythinghow I raise the kids, how I cook, how I clean. Ill go mad!
Dont exaggerate, Mark mutters. She means well.
For whom? Emily whispers, tears threatening. For herself? Normal people ask first before moving in!
Before they finish, the kitchen door swings open and Doris appears, a box of chocolates in hand.
What are you whispering about? she asks cheerily. Plotting against the old motherinlaw?
Just household matters, Emily replies, forcing a smile. Please, have a seat, Doris, tea is coming.
The tea does little to smooth the tension. Doris chatters about her neighbour who also moved in with her son, about the tidy young tenants she once let into her flat. Emily nods silently, stealing glances at Mark, who looks increasingly downcast.
Where will you sleep, Mum? Mark finally asks.
I thought the sofa in the lounge, Doris answers. But if you prefer, I could stay in the nursery with Lucy. She might enjoy having me around.
The nursery is cramped, Emily warns. Two cots and a wardrobe barely fit a chair.
Then the lounge it is, Doris concedes. Im not fussy. Ill get up early, make breakfast, so youre not rushed for work.
Emilys mind reels. Doriss cooking is legendary for all the wrong reasonsoversalted soups, burnt meatloaf, pies as hard as bricks. Yet that now seems the smallest worry.
Doris, Emily begins, gathering courage, we appreciate your help, but couldnt we have discussed this first? Our flat is already tight, the children are little
Discuss what? Doris waves her hand. A grandmas presence is a blessing! Mark looks exhausted, you have dark circles under your eyes. You need help. Ill watch the kids, run errands, cook lunch.
But your flat Emily protests.
I told youIve let it for a year! Doriss tone turns steel. Its decided. Would you leave an old mother out on the street?
Mark coughs, placing a hand on Emilys shoulder. No ones going to leave you outside, Mum, he says. Its just unexpected. Well have to get used to it.
Get used to it, then, Doris smiles. Ill start unpacking.
As Doris disappears into the lounge with her suitcase, Emily turns to Mark.
So what now?
I dont know, he admits. Lets keep her for now and see how it goes. Maybe shell realise its too cramped and move back.
She deliberately signed a year lease! Emily hisses. Theres no way out!
Dont panic, Mark tries to soothe her. Well sort it out.
The next morning, Emily discovers her worst fears realized. Doris rises at six, banging pots and pans, startling Lucy and Charlie. Lucy whines, refusing to get up; Charlie wails. Exhausted from a sleepless night, Emily heads to the kitchen and finds Doris has rearranged every cupboard and drawer.
Ive tidied up, Doris declares proudly. Your pantry was a disaster! Now everything is in order.
Emily stares at the reorganised shelves, her longstanding system demolished.
Im used to everything having its place, she says cautiously. Now I cant find anything.
Youll get used to the new way, Doris waves. Its more sensible. Ive made breakfastscrambled eggs with tomatoes. Mark loves that!
Emily looks at the slightly burnt eggs. Mark never puts tomatoes in his eggs; he prefers onions and cheese. She lacks the energy to argue.
The day drags on under a constant stream of remarksEmilys ironing, Charlies diaper changes, Lucys playtime. By evening she teeters on the brink of a nervous breakdown.
When Mark returns from work, Emily drags him into the bathroom, the only place without an audience.
I cant take this, she whispers, tears slipping. Shes redone everything her way! She even stopped Lucy from playing with her favourite doll, saying its too dirty.
Emily, bear with it a bit longer, Mark says, weary. Mum wants to help, she just doesnt see shes overstepping.
Talk to her! Emily pleads. Explain that you cant have someone constantly intruding and rewriting our lives.
Ill talk to her, Mark promises, but not tonight. Shes just prepared dinner, and I dont want to upset her.
Dinner turns out no better than breakfastoversalted borscht and tough meatballs. Mark forces himself to eat, praising it politely, while Emily barely touches the food, each bite feeling like a choke.
That night, Charlie resists sleeping. Doris keeps popping into the bedroom with advice, and the baby finally drifts off only at two a.m. The following morning shes back in the kitchen, clanging pots again.
The pattern continues for a week. Emily moves through each day like a fog, exhausted and stressed. The children suffer from the imposed routine, and even Mark, who initially defended his mother, begins to notice the strain.
Mom, we need to talk, Mark says one Friday night after the kids finally sleep and Emily retreats to the bathroom.
What about? Doris replies, not looking up from the knitting she has claimed the armchair for.
About you living here, Mark says carefully.
Whats wrong with that? Doris snaps. Am I a burden?
No, its not that, Mark gestures. We have our own way of doing thingsour childrens schedule, our household rhythm
Exactly! Doris exclaims. Your kids sleep whenever, eat whatever. Im trying to bring some order!
Its our childrens upbringing, Mark counters. We have our own methods.
What methods? Spoiling them? I didnt raise you that way! Doris huffs.
Im grateful for what you taught me, Mark says, losing patience. But times have changed. Emily and I decide how to raise them.
Youre just being influenced by her! Doris accuses, setting her knitting down. I see you grimacing at my food, rolling your eyes when Im with the kids. Im trying to help, and you push me out!
No ones pushing you out, Mark sighs. Lets agree on boundaries: you wont move my things without asking, you wont change the kids routine, you wont criticize Emily. In return well welcome your help where we truly need it.
Doris purses her lips, then asks in a trembling voice, So Im doing everything wrong?
Just be quieter, like a mouse, Mark suggests. Dont hover over the grandchildren.
Why are you doing that? Emily asks, stepping back into the room. Are we supposed to live like this forever? Im on the edge of a breakdown.
Maybe a weekend at my sisters place would help? Mark offers. You could recharge.
Not my sisterour kids are here, Emily replies, shaking her head. Running away isnt an option.
A sudden knock on the bathroom door interrupts them.
Mark! Emily! Charlies awake and crying! Doris calls, panicked.
Emily opens the door to the sound of a wailing baby. She scoops Charlie, calms him, and returns to the lounge to find Doris in tears.
Ive let the flat for a year, Doris sobs. What am I supposed to do? Move out?
You could break the lease, Mark says gently. Maybe we return some of the rent. Well help you if you need it.
The tenants have already moved in with their stuff! How do I evict them? Neighbours will think Ive driven my son out! Doris cries.
No ones evicting you, Mark assures. We just need a solution that works for everyone.
Emily sits on the edge of the sofa, watching the scene unfold, and an idea strikes her.
What if we help you find a flat next to ours? she suggests. You could come over each day to help with the kids, but sleep in your own place. That way you get your independence and we still have your support.
Doris looks skeptical. A flat? For how much? Were barely getting by.
We have a modest savings, Emily replies. And youll still receive rent from your current tenants. We can use part of that for a new place.
It sounds sensible, Mark adds. Youll be close, see the grandchildren daily, but keep your own space.
Doris thinks it over.
But I wanted to be here in the mornings, evenings
Youll still be here in the mornings, looking after the kids while were at work. In the evenings you can join us if you like, just not stay overnight, Emily says.
What about Charlie if he wakes up at night? Doris asks.
Well handle that, Emily assures. Were his parents, thats our responsibility.
After a brief hesitation, Doris agrees, sighing. Fine, but the new flat must be nearby. Ill come each day, cook, watch the grandchildren.
Tomorrow we start looking, Mark says, relieved.
Within a day they find a small onebedroom flat in the next street over. The rent is reasonable, especially with the income Doris still receives from her tenants. A week later she moves into her new home, the drama and accusations fading behind her.
A month passes. Doris arrives each morning, watches the children while Emily and Mark are at work, and returns to her own flat each night. With her own space, she becomes calmer, and the constant criticism dwindles. Emily learns to tolerate Doriss quirks and to value the genuine help she offers.
One evening, after the children are asleep and Doris has gone home, Mark wraps his arms around Emily.
You did well finding that flat, he says. Mums happy, we have peace, the kids get to see their grandma every day.
It does feel like a winwin, Emily smiles. I was terrified when she appeared with that suitcase.
You just didnt appreciate her scones, Mark jokes, and they both laugh, recalling the first disastrous meals.
Later, the whole family gathers at Doriss new flat for a Sunday roast. Doris finally masters a decent stew, Emily no longer snaps at every little thing, the children play happily with their grandma, and no one worries about toys being taken away. Emily reflects that sometimes even the most unexpected surprises can turn out for the bestif you meet them with patience and a bit of clever thinking.
