Dont drop, Emily, I began, looking at my wife as she lifted her tea cup. Ive been thinking Ill give the flat to my son and move in with you lot. Youve got plenty of room, after all.
Emily froze, the mug wobbling in her hand.
What? she managed, a flash of irritation rising. You want to move in with us? We have our own routine, our own family. Two heads cant share the same kitchen without a fight.
My brother has nothing of his own, I said, trying to soften the blow. He and his wife are hopping from rented flats. Its high time we helped him. And you just finished building the house, why waste space for two of you?
Emily sensed the storm that was about to break, one where every logical point would crash against my stubborn resolve.
Margaret Parker, she said quietly, we have three children, if you havent forgotten.
Is that a problem? I replied. Ill look after them. And the brother you yourself said you didnt want him living on the streets.
I said he should sort his own affairs, Emily snapped. You know he has no intention of moving. This is your idea, not his. You havent even spoken to him about it!
Would anyone really give up a flat? I retorted. It would be better for all of us in your house.
Emily remembered the countless weekends we spent hammering and screwing together, pouring our savings and sweat into the build. The thought that her mother, who hadnt contributed a penny, now wanted to waltz into our lives felt like a slap.
A house isnt a flat, Mum, Emily said calmly. We built it ourselves over six years. While you were fussing over my brother, we were busy. Were not complaining, but you never offered help.
Dont dramatise, dear, Margaret said, chuckling. I always thought a flat was cozier. I warned you, meant well. Now the kids are small, youll need support. Im trying for you!
Mark, unable to hold back, turned to her with a dry laugh. Remember when you claimed living in a house was a joke? No council cleaner, we do it all ourselves. Why sacrifice for?
Whats that to you? Margaret snapped, shuffling her shoes as she spoke. I stayed with you during the lockdown, everything was spotless, fresh air a dream. Yes, theres work, but well manage together.
Emily recalled the time we took her in when my brother fell ill. It seemed temporary then, but now Margaret seemed to see our home as more than a country cottage on the edge of town.
You know my brothers situation is messy, Margaret said, as if justifying herself. He cant get his head round his wifes plans. Youve got it all sorted here
Mum, we have our own house, our own rules. You always try to impose your own code on everyone else. We cant just upend our whole way of life because you wish it.
Because Im a mother! Margaret shot back. And I want to help my son. Youve had a good life thanks to help! Your husbands parents put money into this house, didnt they?
Yes, but they never demanded we let them in, Emily replied. They gave us the choice.
So theyre strangers to you, Margaret said. And Im your mother!
The argument went nowhere. The next day Emily, irritated to the bone, phoned my brother.
Listen, David, are you aware Mum wants to move in and hand over the flat? she asked.
What? David sounded bewildered. What are you talking about? My wife and I are heading to Cornwall. Her aunt lives there. Does Mum even know?
Emily froze, realizing none of us knew each others plans. My brother was calmly planning a move to Cornwall while Mum was eyeing a move into our house.
She called Margaret and recounted the conversation.
You didnt know, did you? Theyre moving to Cornwall, so your plans are moot, Emily said with a hint of sarcasm.
Margaret was silent for a moment, chewing over the words.
I didnt know she whispered, then slammed the handset down.
Emily exhaled, relieved the clash had been averted, though she feared Mum might devise another scheme.
Mark, can you imagine if she actually moved in, if not for this? Emily asked, eyes darting anxiously. For now weve bought some time. Whats next?
Well just deal with problems as they come, Mark shrugged.
Emily let out a nervous laugh. Youre always that calm. How do you manage it?
Mark wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Because I know well get through anything together. Even your mother.
She leaned into him, but the worry lingered. She knew her mother wasnt one to give up easily.
Weeks passed. Life settled back into its rhythm. The children went to school, Emily and I tended to work and the house, and we tried not to think about the recent motherinlaw drama, though the sour aftertaste remained.
One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, a knock sounded at the door. Emily, frowning, went to answer it. Standing there was Margaret, a large suitcase in hand.
Mum? Emily gasped. Whats happened?
Margaret looked dishevelled, eyes downcast. Emily, love may I stay with you for a while?
Emily felt her stomach drop. She let her mother in, where Mark was already waiting, his eyes widening at the sight.
Grandma! the kids shouted, sprinting toward Margaret.
Good evening, Margaret, Mark greeted politely. Is everything alright?
She sank onto a chair with a weary sigh. My children David, she faltered, David and his wife have gone to Cornwall. Permanently.
Emily and I exchanged a glance.
And now? Emily asked cautiously. You knew about their plans.
I knew, Margaret nodded, but I didnt think it would happen so fast. They they sold the flat.
Sell it? Emilys voice rose. Where will you live?
Margaret lowered her gaze. Thats why Im here. David said he needs the money for a fresh start, and he suggested I come to you.
Rage boiled inside Emily. She looked at me for support.
Mark inhaled deeply. Margaret, you do understand we cant just take you in like that?
I know, I know, Margaret murmured. Im not staying forever. Just until I find somewhere else.
Emily stayed silent, torn between anger at Davids selfishness and the lingering hurt that Margaret had always favoured him.
Mum, she finally said, you can stay for a bit, but we need to have a serious talk.
Margaret nodded gratefully, while the children clutched at her skirts.
Later, after the kids were asleep and Margaret was settled in the guest room, Mark and I sat at the kitchen table.
What now? Mark asked, looking at me.
I shook my head. Im angry at David, but also at Mum. Shes always been his champion. Now shes here, and we have to sort this mess.
Mark took my hand. Maybe this is a chance to set things right. Have a proper hearttoheart.
I managed a sad smile. Perhaps. Im just scared nothing will change.
The next morning, as Mark took the children to school, I found Margaret in the kitchen, already stirring a pot.
Mum, we need to talk, I began.
She turned, wiping her hands on her apron. Of course, dear. Im making pancakes your favourite, with curd.
A lump rose in my throat. Id grown up on the scent of those pancakes, but now was not the time for nostalgia.
I want to know what really happened, I said firmly. Why did David do that? And why did you let him?
Margaret sighed, sitting down opposite me. I dont know how it got so tangled. David said they needed the cash for a new venture in Cornwall, a chance at a better life. I just couldnt say no to him.
But that was your flat! I shouted. How could you just hand it over?
I thought I was doing the right thing, she whispered. Davids always been fragile. He needs support.
And what about me, Mum? Do you ever see that youve always backed him more than me?
She stared, surprised. Ive loved you both equally.
Really? I sneered. Who got the better gifts? Who got the extra attention? Who was defended, even when he was wrong?
She fell silent, taken aback.
Listen, Mum, I said, tears prickling, Ive tried to be a good daughter. Ive studied, worked, built my life. Now, when David has left you, you turn to me. Ill help you, because Im not him. But it hurts. It hurts a lot.
Margaret stood, reaching to hug me. Emily, Im sorry. I didnt realize
I stepped back. I dont want your hugs right now. I want you to understand what you did was wrong, and that well all have to live with the fallout.
She sank back onto her chair, covering her face. Ive messed up, she whispered. Ive ruined things.
I breathed out slowly. Not everything is ruined. We still have a chance to fix it, but we both have to change.
At that moment Mark returned with the children, his eyes widening at the tears on both our faces. He understood the conversation had finally taken place.
So, he said, pulling me into his arms, shall we keep moving forward?
I nodded. We will. Together, as a family.
Margaret looked at us, gratitude and remorse in her eyes. Thank you. Ill try to be better. Im truly sorry, Emily.
I met her gaze for a long moment. I forgive you, Mum. Itll be a long road, but well walk it together.
And so a new chapter began for us. The path to understanding and forgiveness would be hard, but we were ready to walk it side by side.
