I’m sorry, love, for the harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw said hastily. I didn’t mean them. Perhaps you’ll drop by sometime? Jamie’s still alone; after you left he hasn’t found his own path. He lives in video games
***
Emily and James had been together for almost two years. To Emily their relationship felt serious: she was often welcomed into Jamess family home, politely but without warmth. She believed they had a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, was charming and could appear determined.
The idyll shattered when James flunked his crucial English exam. His failure stemmed from his sloth during lockdown, when he spent endless hours gaming and abandoned his studies. Expulsion loomed.
In the heat of the crisis Emily couldn’t hold back and snapped at Jamess mother:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; we should share the chores and the earnings!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Mrs. Thompson took the outburst as a personal insult. She had spent her life providing for her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
Oh, dear! She wont be a maid, does she? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm, and a man is the head of the household!
Emily kept quiet, not wanting to fuel the argument. After that, the front door was no longer opened for her. Their communication reduced to secret messages, rare calls, and brief meetings in neutral places. James suffered from not seeing her, but instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Emily, we have to talk to my mother, James pressed over the phone. You need to explain that you dont actually think that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix everything. If you dont do it, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart Emily agreed for love she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But nothing went as she imagined
When Emily arrived, James let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
James, whats this girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
James stammered. Emily felt the colour drain from her face. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Emily, we were James began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Get her out of here!
From the sitting room his mother emerged:
Whos making a racket? Jamie, whos with you?
Ignoring Emily, the father spat:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Emily realised she was unwelcome. Offended and humiliated, instinct took over.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of your mother! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door.
A stunned James didnt even try to stop her.
Moments later Emilys phone rang. Jamess voice was not remorseful, only fury:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he put me with! You caused a scene! Now Mums furious, and Dad wants me to stay away from you!
He then delivered the final blow:
And you know the worst part? I wont even get to sit at my computer now.
Emily felt pain and anger harden into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
It became clear he hadnt changed. He remained an immature youth looking for someone to blame. He never defended her.
I cant stand this any longer, James. Were done. This is the end, Emily declared firmly. She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys burdens were his cross, not hers.
A year later Emily had recovered and begun a new life. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were planning a wedding.
One afternoon she ran into Mrs. Clarke, the former motherinlaw, in a shop.
Emily! My dear, hello! Mrs. Clarke rushed toward her.
Emily flinched.
Hello
Mrs. Clarke hugged her and bombarded her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Im so sorry you and Jamie split. Hes completely lost in his games! He wont work, always glued to the computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Clarke, Im busy. Work, house
Mrs. Clarke glanced at the ring on Emilys finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The former motherinlaws friendly façade evaporated instantly:
Ah, I see! So its clear now! Good thing Jamie dumped you! We dont need someone like you!
Emily shrugged and turned toward the shelf. In a way Mrs. Clarke was right: it was fortunate she had left him in time. It was a pity shed wasted so many years on him.
