That’s your motherso it’s your responsibility! he bellowed, yet she had had enough. Emily tugged at her sons coat, gritting her teeth to hold back the fury. Once more she faced the dread she dreaded most: a visit to her motherinlaw. From the beginning their relationship had been a constant battle.
Margaret Whitaker had never accepted Emily as her sons wife. Whatever Emily did, Margaret found a flaw, a fresh criticism to hurl.
Again, Emily? sighed James, watching her tense face. You dont want to go, do you?
Emily let out a bitter laugh.
Are you really asking me that, James? You know exactly why I dont want to go!
Her eyes flared.
Shell scold me again, belittle me, tell me Im raising our child wrong! Shell act as if it doesnt matter that I work, run the house, cook, clean and pay every bill! Im the one holding this family together by the scruff of my neck!
But youre at home all day, James replied, shrugging.
Emilys stare darkened.
Oh, really? You think I just sit around doing nothing? Or that money falls from the sky?
I work too, he growled. It isnt my fault Im not paid more.
The truth was that Emily, a freelance designer, earned three times what James made. She was the familys breadwinner.
Cant you go alone? she asked, hoping for an escape.
Its Mothers Day, Emily! You cant ignore my mother!
She swallowed a sigh and finished dressing her son. Two hours later they were at Margarets house.
In the sitting room, Jamess niece, Lily, was already perched on a sofa. Emily had long sensed Margarets favour towards Lily, treating her like royalty while barely acknowledging her own grandson. It wasnt a surprise; Lilys parents had died five years earlier, and Margaret had raised her as her own.
Around them, Margarets sisters laughed boisterously, clinking their wine glasses.
Then, abruptly, Margaret dropped a bomb.
Ive made a decision, she announced solemnly. I will bequeath my flat to Lily. You, James, already have a home.
James merely nodded, unflinching.
A few days later the paperwork was done. The flat now belonged to Lily, on the condition she could move in only after Margarets death.
But fate had other plans.
A sudden stroke left Margaret paralysed, unable to care for herself.
We have to move in with Mum, James declared categorically. She cant be left alone.
A cold wave ran through Emilys veins. She knew what that meant.
She would have to feed, clothe, bathe her, while still working and looking after their son.
She said nothing.
Weeks slipped by, and Emily reached her limit.
One evening she finally erupted.
James, the flat belongs to Lily. Shouldnt she look after Mum?
Lilys at university, Emily. She has a boyfriend. You expect her to bring him here?
Emily laughed, a dry, icy chuckle bordering on madness.
I cant take this any longer!
James crossed his arms.
Oh, I see. Youre already exhausted?
Her hands trembled with rage.
Im suffocating! Everything rests on me! You, your mother, our child, my job I CANT ANYMORE!
But you work from home, he murmured, smug.
Emilys gaze sharpened, sharper than shattered glass.
And what of it? You think I dont really work?
Her heart hammered like a drum.
You know what? From now on its YOU who must tend to your mother!
Its my mother, but shes also your motherinlaw! Thats your role! You want me to wash her, perhaps?!
A deathly silence fell.
Then Emily spoke, voice calm and frosty:
I owe you nothing.
James snorted.
In that case, hire a care assistant!
Oh? Youll pay for her?
Why should I foot the bill?
Then there wont be a care assistant.
He crossed his arms.
You could use your mothers pension. Or your salary?
Jamess features hardened.
And why do I even have a wife?
The words cracked something inside Emily. A blinding clarity erupted.
James had been using her for years.
And Lily? She hadnt even taken the trouble to visit her grandmother.
That night Emily slept nothing.
At dawn she knew what she must do.
As soon as James left the house, she packed her bags, took her son, and walked out.
She sent a single message, then blocked his number:
I will no longer bear this burden alone.
That evening James stormed back.
Either you come back, or Ill divorce you!
Emily smiled faintly.
Do as you wish. I was about to do the same.
For the first time James looked lost.
She didnt wait for apologies. Her decision was made.
A month later the divorce was final.
James never apologised.
And Emily?
She never regretted leaving.
Six months later Emily heard the news.
Margaret had died.
And Lily?
She threw James out without a flicker of remorse.
Only then did he understand.
He had lost everything.
