A solitary week would have softened her like fresh silk, yet when he saw what had transpired during those days, he froze at the very doorstep.
Ethel had lately ceased to feel like herself. Cracks were forming in her marriage to Tom, and she was lost in the ache of the situation. It all began with tiny irritations, as it always does.
After work Tom started lacing his words with venom. His jokes dripped with malice; every sentence struck harder than a blow. Day by day his behaviour grew worse, even during his holidays he offered her no reprieve.
You look like a crone! he barked, never looking up from his mobile. Other blokes have wives who are proper ladies, and Ive got a shrivelled prune!
In truth, Ethel seemed older than her years. Her job was hard and relentless, leaving lines on her face. Hearing such words from her own husband cut deepest. She toiled for the family, earning twice as much as Tom in pounds, so he had no right to complain.
Tom spent his money however he liked, without counsel: Where I want, I spend! No children to save for!
Ethel endured that too. They managed. They werent officially married, but lived as partners and hadnt rushed a wedding. Yet Toms mother, Mrs. Whitaker, had long called Ethel her daughterinlaw, and Ethel called her motherinlaw.
The motherinlaw proved meddlesome and never satisfied. She constantly intruded on the young couples affairs, and most of the nagging fell on Ethel.
They lived in a detached house on the outskirts of Manchester. Though the town was close, the garden needed constant care. Frequently Ethel begged Tom for help:
I cant keep up work keeps me from sunrise to midnight!
And whats it to me? Tom snapped. This is your home, youre the lady of the house, what do I have to do with it?
Indeed, winter left the yard buried in snow until Ethel grabbed a shovel herself. Summer saw the grass creeping up to the windows. They hired workers to tidy up, only for Ethel to finish the chores after a long day.
Meanwhile Tom lounged on the sofa, checking in only now and then to see if anything was moving.
Ethel forgave a great many things, but the final straw came when she returned home after a grueling shift, her feet dragging, a heavy bag from the shop weighing down her hand.
She hoped Tom would meet hershe even calledbut he didnt answer. Panting, wiping sweat from her brow, she heard music drifting from the back garden.
Leaving the parcel at the gate, she hurried inside where a raucous disco was in full swing. Inside, resentment and anger swirled; tonight she would let everything spill out.
The house was a proper party. Loud music rattled the glass. On the table lay the snacks and the meal Ethel had prepared earlier so she wouldnt have to fuss later. Tom, ignoring his wife, was dancing with a woman whod clearly had too many pints and was dressed rather provocatively.
Without a word, Ethel crossed the room and switched the music off.
Toms eyes, clouded, finally focused: What are you doing? he slurred, swaying.
I was going to ask you that! Whats happening? Whos that woman?
His partner kept moving as if nothing had changed.
So what? Tom sneered. Ran into an old schoolmate, thats all. Or maybe I cant relax in my own house?
You promised this was my home, that you had no claim to it. So clear out now, see your guest out, and then well talk!
I wont! Tom tried to rise, but his legs gave way.
Ethel already felt disgust. He had long ceased to be a man to her; he was a burden, not a helper. Living with him only out of fear of loneliness? No, she decided.
Grabbing the other woman by the elbow, Ethel ushered her toward the gate: Its time for you to go!
She turned back to the house: Are you staying or leaving?
Tom shrugged, snatched a salad and a bottle from the table, stumbled toward the door.
Live without me, youll call, you drama queen! he shouted as he left.
Oh dear! Toms mother wailed, clutching her head. My head is splitting!
Mum, dont shout! I was sent packing. She didnt like that I didnt meet her, Tom lied, hoping his mother would side with him.
And why would you meet her? the woman asked, bewildered.
Who knows! Shes always on my case: this, that! Im exhausted! Think its easy for me at work? Why should I help in someone elses house?
Exactly! Mrs. Whitaker encouraged. Let him sort his own place first, then ask! Hes being absurd, demanding I greet her! Shes fit, she should manage herself!
Thats what I told her! And she took offence!
Let her be angry! Dont give in! No need to yield! She wants marriage? Shell endure! Shes not a child any more!
What now? Tom asked, his head down.
Be patient, love! his mother coaxed. Shell crawl back, begging. A week alone will make her see her mistake! And you dont give inwhen she returns, demand registration. Otherwise shell be left without you!
Thus the motherinlaw guided her son on handling Ethel. He nodded, keeping time with her words.
Youre right, Mum! I wont put up with her whims! Who does she think she is, ordering me around? Im no servant; Im a grown man, my own master!
Following his mothers advice, Tom truly acted. He didnt appear at home, didnt call Ethel, and waited a full week.
Mrs. Whitaker, however, wasnt any gentler. She clung to him constantly: do this, do that. When he tried to object, she reminded him of the old proper methods, delivering a swift birchstick across his back:
Youre here not for your wife, but for your mother! No work, no lunch!
She said it plainly. He dared not argue.
At last, after those seven days, Tom mustered the courage to return: Im going back, Mum! Ill see how she copes without me. Shell be on her knees, begging me to return!
Go, go! Dont give up! Speak clearlyreturn only on your terms!
He stepped out, chest puffed, chin high, swaggering as if he were about to demonstrate who ruled.
He approached the gate, entered the yard and stopped dead.
Something was wrong.
He looked around: the garden was immaculate, grass trimmed like a ruler, windows sparkling, flowerbeds even, paths spotlessno hint of overgrowth.
Not only that, everything seemed alive, vibrant, cared for.
Even the gate was newsturdy, not the squeaky old one he remembered.
Tom pulled out his key, but it no longer fit. He paused, then, determined, knocked on the door.
Footsteps inside halted, then the door opened.
But it wasnt the Ethel he knew, weary and darkcircuited. Before him stood a freshfaced, smiling woman, eyes bright with mischief.
I thought you were the one suffering alone At least give me a ring!
Why? she replied softly, tilting her head coyly.
How? My husband vanished for a week, and you nothing?
I have no husband, she answered calmly.
Where would he come from? she laughed. He was a onetime visitor, a total flop. No point recalling him!
Tom flushed scarlet: You speak of me?! Youll get a slap and hear a different story! I should have raised you better! I felt sorry for you before!
He stepped forward, but Ethel didnt flinch.
From the doorway emerged a tall man, placing a firm hand on her shoulder, saying: Hey, mate, get out. And do it quietly.
Whos that? A lover? If you send him packing, Ill forgive you and come back! I promise not to hit! Tom declared, feeling magnanimous.
Then the world tilted. Either gravity slipped or time brokehe was standing one moment, now sprinting as if devils chased him, while unseen forces fed his speed.
Ethel stood on the porch, laughing until tears fell, watching her older brother hurl the former housemate out of the yard. He flew toward the gate, the brother nudging him with a couple of sharp kicks.
When Tom finally reached the threshold, his brother slammed the gate shut and turned to his sister:
Ellie, dont ever think of taking that fool back! Honestly, I cant understand how you ever put up with him!
Ethel sighed deeply: I was a fool, thats why I stayed. I kept hoping hed change.
You cant change them, theyre stuck at the neck! If you need help with the house, call me, Ill come. Let him learn hes not welcome here.
And if he doesnt get it?
Then Ill explain again, her brother winked, and together they slipped inside.
Inside, guests were already cheering, watching the scene through the windows.
Heres to the birthday girl!
To the birthday girl! the clink of glasses rang out.
Ethel smiled. How wonderful it was to have such a caring, strong older brother always nearby.
