Lucy was dusting the picture frames on the dresser when she heard Daniels footsteps in the hallway. March had turned out damp, and even the radiators couldnt chase the chill out of their little twobedroom flat in Leeds.
On the windowsill wilted violets were the only reminder of that warm May when theyd just tied the knot.
Daniel shuffled into the kitchen in an old pair of jeans and a stretchedout Tshirt. His hair stuck up in every direction, and a pillowmark lingered on his cheek.
Already up? he said, reaching for the kettle. I thought we could sleep in a bit on a Saturday.
Sleep in Lucy hung a rag on the hook by the sink. Your mother called twice already. She wants to know when well pop over to help with the cottage.
Daniel cleared his throat. A flock of sparrows darted past the window, and somewhere in the courtyard a dog barked.
What did you tell her?
I said wed think about it, Lucy replied, pulling a block of cheese from the fridge and arranging it on plates. But honestly, why would we have to go every weekend? Elenas son Victor iswhat, a personal assistant?
Victor works two shifts, Daniel sat down and started dusting the cheese with a sprinkle of sugar. He never
Never, right, Lucy said, sitting beside him. So Im the carefree one? I work too, you know.
Daniel stayed silent, sipped his tea, and stared out the window. In the flat opposite, a neighbour was fiddling with a bike, turning the wheels over and pulling the chain taut.
Remember how we first met your family? Lucy asked, biting into a slice of bread. I thought theyd be so welcoming
***
September turned out unusually warm. Lucy was then a shop assistant in a fabric store, and Daniel was a fitter at a plant. Theyd been dating for six months, and the time had finally come to meet the parents.
My mums really looking forward to you, Daniel said, adjusting his shirt collar. Shes been planning the menu all week.
Margarets flat was on the top floor of a fivestorey block. Lucy winced as soon as she stepped into the stairwell the air smelled of bleach and a cats litter box, and someone had scrawled indecent graffiti on the walls.
Come in, lovebirds! Margaret greeted them on the landing in a pretty floral dress, her hair neatly coiled.
The flat had that cosy, oldlady charm: vases of flowers on every surface, sweets in glass jars, rugs hanging on the walls, and an antique television draped in a lace cover.
Oh, youre gorgeous! Daniels mother exclaimed, eyeing Lucy. Ive just made borscht. Lucy, could you set the table for me, please?
She handed over a stack of plates, and before Lucy could even glance around, she was already at the kitchen sink.
In the living room, Daniels brother lounged on the sofa a twentyfiveyearold with a bit of a lazy grin and a nonchalant stare.
Hey, he muttered.
All evening Margaret kept asking Lucy to pass the sauce, slice the bread, clear the dishes. Victor, meanwhile, sat on the sofa, nodding occasionally at his mother and mumbling something in response to her questions.
My Victor is such a good helper, Margaret chirped when her son went out to the balcony for a smoke. He just gets tired at work, so I never ask him to do anything extra. He needs to save his strength.
A month later the wedding took place. Only a handful of guests turned up, but the mood was warm and lively. When it came time for gifts, Margaret solemnly presented the newlyweds with two modest parcels.
Lucy received a cheap, sequined blouse from a market stall bright blue, clearly budgetandspry. Daniel got a leather belt in a fancy box.
Sorry its so modest, Margaret cooed. My pensions tiny, barely covers the bills
Victor sniffed and turned toward the window. Lucy bit her tongue, eager to ask where her unemployed soninlaw got such pricey shoes.
***
Six months slipped by. Lucy fell into a routine of cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Daniel sometimes worked double shifts, coming home exhausted, and she didnt want to bother him any more than necessary.
Margaret started dropping by every other day, usually around eight in the morning, just as Lucy was about to head to work.
My carpets completely soaked. Could you take it out onto the balcony and give it a good beat? My backs killing me, I cant lift heavy things.
Or:
Pop over to Tesco. I need milk and a loaf of bread. The walks getting too far, my legs are swelling
Lucy obeyed in silence, lugging the carpet that clearly had been handed down from Margarets own mother.
Next door lived Victor, a healthy chap who spent his days on the sofa gaming. His mother never asked him for anything.
You cant bother Victor, Margaret would say. Hes exhausted from work. Even when hes off shift, hes still…
Then came that Thursday. Lucy was returning from the shop with heavy bags when she saw Margaret on the stairwell.
Right on time! Theres a discount on potatoes at the market. Grab a bag, will you? My radiculitis is acting up
Lucy took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and met Margarets eyes.
No!
What do you mean no? Margaret asked, flustered.
It means exactly that. Your son sits at home let him stay home. Im not your housekeeper.
What followed could have been a fullblown opera. Margarets face wrinkled so much her neck looked like a map.
Ungrateful! Lazy! How dare you! she shouted, snatching Lucys coat and flinging it onto the floor. Take that for your cheekiness! Then she stormed back to her flat.
Lucy stood in the hallway, staring at the crumpled coat, wondering what she was actually supposed to be grateful for a market blouse? Endless errands? Being treated like a freeofcharge domestic worker?
***
Three days of silence followed. No knocks, no calls. Lucy even enjoyed the unexpected peace, savoring a leisurely breakfast, a book in the evening. Daniel noticed the change too.
Moms been quiet for ages, he said over dinner, twirling spaghetti onto his fork.
Honestly, I dont miss her, Lucy admitted.
On the fourth day, while Lucy was frying cutlets, Daniels phone shrieked like a fire alarm.
Can you turn the volume up? she asked, stirring the onions.
Sweetheart, Ive lived this long the voice on the other end began.
Again the same old story, Lucy thought, rolling her eyes. Im a daughterinlaw whos expected to help an old lady and shop for her. Im sitting here alone, useless
Daniel scratched his head, frowned.
Mom, cut the drama. I know you well enough.
Shes insulted me!
When did I insult you? Lucy snapped. I only mentioned Victor
Dont touch Victor! Margaret snapped back. If hes at home, thats how it should be!
Thats exactly what irritates me! Daniel finally exploded. You treat him like a crystal vase all his life!
A heavy silence settled, broken only by the sizzle of oil.
Fine, dear, Margarets voice turned icy. If you dont want to ruin my birthday, lets end this once and for all.
Daniel hung up and stared out the window.
Sometimes I think Mum lives in her own world, he mused. There Victor is an eternal child to be protected, and everyone else are just extras in her play.
Lucy leaned her cheek against his back. The room smelled faintly of burnt toast. She glanced at the stove and muttered an expletive.
***
That evening Daniel stood oddly silent, as if the whole world owed him an apology.
Are you going to stand there like a statue? Lucy couldnt hold back. Fine, fine! Ill make peace with your mother!
Daniel turned, smiled, pleased with himself.
The next morning Lucy measured out a few drops of valerian in a glass, downed it in one gulp, fidgeted with her phone, and finally called Margaret.
First ring. Second. Third, an answer.
Hello?
Good afternoon, Margaret, Lucy began, feeling her mouth dry. Id like to apologise for the incident earlier. I was in the wrong.
A long pause stretched, and Lucy wondered if the line had dropped.
Ive been waiting for that, Margaret finally said. So, will you help me with my birthday?
Of course! With pleasure!
Great. Ill send you the menu. Bye now.
Lucy was about to hang up when she heard faint voices in the background. Margaret had apparently forgotten to end the call and was now chatting away.
She froze, phone pressed to her ear.
Alright, Victor, see how it turned out? Margarets voice floated. Weve got our little princess in the palm
Lucy felt a chill down her spine.
now shell be silksmooth.
Ha, Victors voice replied. She thought she was the cleverest here.
Lucy squeezed the phone so hard the casing creaked.
Know your place.
Dont worry, Victor muttered. If needed, Ill puncture her wheels again.
It turned out her cars tyres were flat, so she had to call a taxi to avoid being late for work.
Alright, lets go for tea, Margaret said. Before it gets cold
Silence fell over the flat. Lucy slipped the phone into her pocket and leaned against the wall.
Well then, dear relatives, she whispered to herself. Fancy a game? Lets play.
Outside a crow swooped past and perched on a branch. It was time to show who really ruled the roost.
***
Margarets birthday fell on a Saturday. From dawn, Lucy was a whirlwind in the kitchen, chopping salads and frying meat.
By two oclock, guests had gathered: neighbours from the downstairs landings, a distant cousin from Manchester, former colleagues. About ten people in total.
Its all us and Victor who prepared this! the birthday lady chirped, flitting between tables. Three days nonstop!
Lucy quietly set the plates, listening as Margaret regaled the guests:
And the daughterinlaw, can you believe it, refuses to even peel a potato. Says never! What a lazy one
After the customary toasts and a mountain of presents, the guests dug in.
A neighbour started coughing, then another grabbed a glass of water. Soon, several guests grimaced, gulping down their food with water.
Lord, why is it so salty? a colleague lamented. Its impossible to eat!
My tongues gone numb! another added. Its like drinking sea water!
All eyes turned to Margaret, who flushed and stared at Lucy with wide, round eyes.
This this is the daughterinlaws fault! She
What daughterinlaw? a neighbour interjected. You just bragged about cooking everything with your son! You painted me as if I hadnt lifted a finger.
An awkward silence hung. Lucy rose slowly from the table.
If you wanted to turn me into a subservient servant, your play has failed.
She headed for the door but paused at Victors side.
Youll pay me back for the wheels down to the penny!
Daniel sat with his mouth hanging open. The guests froze like statues of salt. Lucy, head held high, slipped out of the flat, quietly closing the door behind her.
Something clinked behind her; the birthday lady let out a soft sigh.
***
The sun was dipping toward the horizon. Lucy lounged in her favourite armchair by the window, sipping tea and savoring the aftertaste of Margarets birthday.
The front door opened and Daniel stepped in.
What on earth was that? he asked, pausing in the living room doorway.
Lucy set her cup on the windowsill and gave a small smile. Outside, street lamps flickered on. Late March smelled of fresh spring. Pigeons cooed on power lines, and somewhere distant church bells rang, their echo oddly ceremonial.
